Video Cards

[Pannono]

I want to improve my video card but I have no idea where to start. Can anyone help me out here?

[phatzo]

http://www.mtechcomputers.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=0_58_59&products_id=5289

[1701E]

Before suggesting a card, we would need to know your PC specs.  Motherboard, Power Supply Unit, CPU (don't want to bottleneck).
If you use a computer from Dell, Gateway, Alienware or someone of the likes a model number for the PC would work.  Ex. E-machines "T6528"

Also, this would be best in Hardware and Software from the looks of it.

[Anodizer]

Forget it....Fellow Trek fan up there beat me to hit....

=/\=    <----supposed to be Starfleet Symbol

[Pannono]

Windows Vista Home Premium
Manufacturer: HP
Model: a6242n
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4800+ 2.50 GHz
32-bit OS

Vid Card: GeForce 6150SE nForce 430      
   
Where would i find power supply information?

[1701E]

Forget it....Fellow Trek fan up there beat me to hit....

=/\=    <----supposed to be Starfleet Symbol

Knew what it was right away, just catch my eye and though "Ooh look Starfleet!".

Also, didn't you get the hail?  That's how I got here so fast.

Windows Vista Home Premium
Manufacturer: HP
Model: a6242n
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4800+ 2.50 GHz
32-bit OS

Vid Card: GeForce 6150SE nForce 430      
   
Where would i find power supply information?

You have a PCI-E x16 slot, you're in luck.  That is the standard of all Video Cards.
Power Supply information can be found by opening the side, and looking at the label on the box in the top with all the wires coming out of it.

I will continue looking for your PSU if you don't find it first.

[Pannono]

I have 250W Max power

[1701E]

250W (Watts) is far under the minimum recommended for most Video Cards today.  Most will say a minimum of 400W With 18A (Amps) or better on the 12V (Volt) Rail.
Depending on your budget, you can either:
1- Buy a Low end GPU that would likely barely help.  Not worth money really.  (~50$)
2- Purchase a new Power Supply Unit and Video Card and be far better off.   (~150$)

So it really depends on your budget.

[Pannono]

Would this be a good buy?
http://www.frys.com/product/4806800

[1701E]

I don't know much about Raidmax, so hopefully someone can comment on the quality of them.

However, the best Power Supply companies are: PC Power & cooling, OCZ, SeaSonic and possibly Corsair (Hear good and bad about them).
One to avoid at all costs is Roswewill.

PC P&C
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010320058%2050009830&name=PC%20Power%20%26%20Cooling

OCZ
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010320058%2050001550&name=OCZ%20Technology%2c%20Inc.


Most will swear by either of those.  Some will say Modular is good, some bad.  Seems to be a hit-miss.


Also, for anyone wanting to see Motherboard Specs for the PC, this is where I get my info: Here

[Pannono]

Ok, I will have to get one
How about this for a video card, and is it compatible with my PC?
http://www.frys.com/product/5702582

EDIT:
Also, is this one compatible with my PC?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703016

[1701E]

BFG is a good company, but the card is rather low end.  XFX, BFG and EVGA are the top names.
Just make sure you look at cards with "PCI-Express (x16)"


For NVidia GeForce:                                       ATI:
7---Series: 7900-7950                                  3850-3870
8---Series: 8600-8800                                  4850
9---Series: 9600-9800                                  4870
GTX 2-- Series: Any

The 7 series is rather old, 8 series is getting phased out, so the 9 series is the way to go, but there are bottom lines.  ATI is the AMD alternative to Nvidia, not sure what is better on Vista, I have not kept up with the Driver troubles both companies had at first.  I have heard of both working on Vista though.  If you want to be safe, yu can ask Skuzzy.


As for Power Supply, be careful about Length, some cases support up to a certain size (like mine), and PC P&C was too long, hence why I bough OCZ (short).
EDIT:  the PSU looks like it should work in you PC, not sure about length.  Not sure why they want 80$ for that performance though.  Has good Wattage/Voltage, just seems expensive.

[Pannono]

Rgr that, I will ask Skuzzy about it. Two brains are better than one 
<S> Thank You

[Anaxogoras]

Pannono, these guys convinced me to get a 600W psu and I don't regret it.  The only VCs worth buying require lots of juice.

[Pannono]

How much better would my performance be with a 9400GT with a 500W PSU than with a 6150 SE with a 250W PSU?