GPU Buying Guide - (Read first post)
in Desktops ·
It looks like that’s how it is, after all (unfortunately).
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GPU Buying Guide - (Read first post)
in Desktops ·
I still don't see any kind of slot for a graphics card—just this tiny little PCIe x1 slot.
GPU Buying Guide - (Read first post)
in Desktops ·
So, I’ve been messing around with this Compaq 315 euMT configuration—I opened the case and noticed there’s actually room for an extra RAM stick, and I’m pretty sure I can swap out the power supply without much trouble. The real headache, though, is that I can't find a dedicated graphics card anywhere; I suspect it might just be integrated into the motherboard or something.
I honestly don't see any slots available where I could actually plug in a new video card.
Then there's this old machine I have lying around (model : Astro411). I cracked it open and saw it has a 400W power supply—which, interestingly, is beefier than what's in my newer rig—and it actually has more slots for RAM and a graphics card (though that card is probably ancient and useless at this point anyway). I wouldn't run into any issues with those three specific upgrades on the old one, but I assume everything else inside is weaker, so it doesn't really make sense to overhaul the whole thing. Is there any way I can actually get a new graphics card into this newer computer?
I honestly don't see any slots available where I could actually plug in a new video card.
Then there's this old machine I have lying around (model : Astro411). I cracked it open and saw it has a 400W power supply—which, interestingly, is beefier than what's in my newer rig—and it actually has more slots for RAM and a graphics card (though that card is probably ancient and useless at this point anyway). I wouldn't run into any issues with those three specific upgrades on the old one, but I assume everything else inside is weaker, so it doesn't really make sense to overhaul the whole thing. Is there any way I can actually get a new graphics card into this newer computer?
GPU Buying Guide - (Read first post)
in Desktops ·
Thanks so much—honestly, you gave me more info than I even thought to ask for. I’m planning to order it this Monday from IBM in Washington, D.C., since I couldn't track it down in Seattle.
I’ve never actually built a PC from scratch before, though—I'm just hoping I can handle swapping in the power supply, the RAM, and the graphics card without making a mess of things.
Thanks again; I really hope this thing is worth the cash. 🙂
I’ve never actually built a PC from scratch before, though—I'm just hoping I can handle swapping in the power supply, the RAM, and the graphics card without making a mess of things.
Thanks again; I really hope this thing is worth the cash. 🙂
GPU Buying Guide - (Read first post)
in Desktops ·
Which graphics card would be the best fit for my current setup? I’ve gone ahead and read through the guidelines to make things easier for everyone—hopefully—so I've laid out all my specs below.
Do you need an AGP or a PCI-E card?
I've figured out that I definitely need a PCI-E card.
What is your current or planned configuration, and what kind of power supply are you running?
CPU: Package: Socket AM3 (938)
Core speed: 2900 MHz
Motherboard: Manufacturer: Foxconn
Model: 2AAF
RAM: 2048 MB
My power supply says: "80W Max. 180W total power."
What resolution do you play at?
The higher the better, I guess, but my maximum is 1920x1200.
How much money are you willing to spend?
Up to $333.
Which stores are you considering?
Any computer hardware stores in Cleveland.
If you have any other specific requirements, please list them.
With this GPU, my goal is really just to get the best possible graphics at the highest resolution without everything lagging like crazy in newer, more demanding games. Though... I'm not entirely sure if I can actually see much of a performance boost in games if I just swap the card and stick with my old processor.
Right now, I'm using (at least according to GPU-Z) ATI Radeon 3000 Graphics, along with an AMD Athlon II X2 245.
Thanks in advance to anyone who actually knows their stuff and is willing to help out.
Do you need an AGP or a PCI-E card?
I've figured out that I definitely need a PCI-E card.
What is your current or planned configuration, and what kind of power supply are you running?
CPU: Package: Socket AM3 (938)
Core speed: 2900 MHz
Motherboard: Manufacturer: Foxconn
Model: 2AAF
RAM: 2048 MB
My power supply says: "80W Max. 180W total power."
What resolution do you play at?
The higher the better, I guess, but my maximum is 1920x1200.
How much money are you willing to spend?
Up to $333.
Which stores are you considering?
Any computer hardware stores in Cleveland.
If you have any other specific requirements, please list them.
With this GPU, my goal is really just to get the best possible graphics at the highest resolution without everything lagging like crazy in newer, more demanding games. Though... I'm not entirely sure if I can actually see much of a performance boost in games if I just swap the card and stick with my old processor.
Right now, I'm using (at least according to GPU-Z) ATI Radeon 3000 Graphics, along with an AMD Athlon II X2 245.
Thanks in advance to anyone who actually knows their stuff and is willing to help out.