Graphics Card

[DEECONX]

First off are graphics/video cards the same thing? Sorry, I no nothing about this kind of stuff lol. Which brings me to the meat of this topic. My old dell is running on an Intel(R)82865G Graphics Controller. Firstly, I seem to have graphics issues lately with the game, as in my clipboard keeps turning white which makes it impossible for me to see where I am flying, bombs, trees, skins, etc turn white, randoms white blocks in the trees etc etc etc! I was asking on channel the other night, and they said it was my (insert name) card. So, next question, what would be a good upgrade from my Intel(R)82865G Graphics Controller? I don't particularly want to sell one of my kidneys to buy one, but what would be a descent, affordable card that will run smoothly, and won't "white out" on me.

Also, will a new card fix my low frame rate issue? I usually run between 11-20, give or take by just a few.


Thanks all, 

[TilDeath]

Need to know more about your system other then your graphics in order to recommend anything.  What motherboard or who makes your system and what model is it?  This will tell us if you have a PCI slot.  Also need to know about your power supply.  Some graphics cards require power to them (single or dual connections)  are these available to you?  Let us know.

TD

[Tigger29]

Deecon, to answer your questions... yes a graphics/video card is the same thing.. just different terminology...

The Intel(R)82865G Graphics Controller is a ten-cent chip built onto your motherboard (the main circuit board for your computer) and to be honest with you, I'm surprised that it has even been running aces high at all!  Yes, it is THAT POOR of a performer!  It was designed to play games like solitaire and get you on the internet.. and that's about it.

There are three types of 'slots' that separate video cards will fit.  In the real old days, it was PCI.  The next generation of computers used what is known as an AGP slot, which is much faster and more capable than PCI slots.  The latest (and currently used) slot for video cards is known as PCI-Express (shortened to PCI-e), and is many many times faster than AGP.  It would be difficult for me to go into details as to why these are called what they are and how they work, just remember that virtually all new systems built/sold today use the PCI-e standard of video card.  AGP's are getting harder to find and more expensive because of that, and the old PCI video cards are all but non-existent now.

Also keep in mind that as video cards have progressed throughout the years, so have their power requirements.  Since they do more things at faster speeds, they require more power.  This is a big reason why the power supply on your computer won't likely support any newer video cards at all.

You mentioned having an old Dell, so depending on how old it is it could theoretically be any one of those three slots but Dell has been around for quite awhile.  Simply put, we need more information about your computer before we can even begin to tell you what you need.  A model number would be great.  If you can't find that printed on a sticker somewhere, how about at least letting us know exactly how old it is?

I'd hate to say it though, but given your lack of experience with computers you might be better off just buying something new.. that is if you are financially able.  It doesn't take a real expensive system to run Aces High quite well, especially if you can do some research and if you're willing to learn how to build it yourself.  Also, it often doesn't make a whole lot of sense from a financial aspect to try to upgrade an old, aged system (if it can be upgraded at all) when for just a little bit more money you can usually replace it with something much better.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

First off are graphics/video cards the same thing? Sorry, I no nothing about this kind of stuff lol. Which brings me to the meat of this topic. My old dell is running on an Intel(R)82865G Graphics Controller. Firstly, I seem to have graphics issues lately with the game, as in my clipboard keeps turning white which makes it impossible for me to see where I am flying, bombs, trees, skins, etc turn white, randoms white blocks in the trees etc etc etc! I was asking on channel the other night, and they said it was my (insert name) card. So, next question, what would be a good upgrade from my Intel(R)82865G Graphics Controller? I don't particularly want to sell one of my kidneys to buy one, but what would be a descent, affordable card that will run smoothly, and won't "white out" on me.

Also, will a new card fix my low frame rate issue? I usually run between 11-20, give or take by just a few.


Thanks all, 

I have to concur with the others its a small miracle you've been able to play at all. You have to either post full system specs or ask someone with enough computer street credibility to take a look at it. If your DELL is 3-6 years old it 99% certainly means a complete rebuild or you'll be wasting your money.

Bright side of this is that you can rebuild a totally new and average performing system for 6-800 bucks due to new ultra affordable grahipcs options and  drops in component prices. Yeah, people will say 600 bucks will buy you a power supply only. That's not true, when you're low on dough you can make due with lower quality stuff and end up playing high fps.

[DEECONX]

Thanks everyone! Yeah, I will probably just end up building one with the help of my friend who knows more about this stuff, and has built one.

 

[Bruv119]

make sure your new graphics card is as long as your fore arm  it should then run AH ok   

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Article where they built a 200 dollar linux computer, add in a low-to-mid-end graphics card and double the memory and you'll have a 300 bucks AH box in your hands.  http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2366882,00.asp

Unfortunately if you have to get a new windows license that adds almost 50% overhead to the cost.

It can be done on a lowly low budget if that's your only window for AH.