Topic: Graphics Cards (Read 42047 times)

Captain Spencer · « **Reply #50 on:** August 24, 2010, 14:30:53 »

Surely that's all you need though Deltaecho?

If you buy a singlularly powerful card, you won't need to SLI or Crossfire them

deltaecho · « **Reply #51 on:** August 24, 2010, 15:51:41 »

so right now an ATI is a good option?

valleyforge · « **Reply #52 on:** August 24, 2010, 15:58:37 »

On a different note, what about installing these things? Ive got an HP Pavilion Slimline s3521p, but I dont know how to install a new graphics card.

deltaecho · « **Reply #53 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:00:33 »

how many slots do you have?

valleyforge · « **Reply #54 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:04:18 »

Im not sure

deltaecho · « **Reply #55 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:05:37 »

open up your computer. it will either open on the top or the side. do you have a onboard graphics card right now?

valleyforge · « **Reply #56 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:08:43 »

I have no idea. (In case you cant tell im not very computer savvy)

deltaecho · « **Reply #57 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:13:09 »

unscrew the outside panel of your computer off. or in other terms: take off the outer shell of the computer

Captain Spencer · « **Reply #58 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:13:26 »

Hi Valleyforge,

To find out if you have onboard graphics, simply look at the rear of the computer where all the cables are plugged in.

Now there should be a blue plug which connects from the PC to the monitor, is this blug plug at the top of the computer (where the USB ports are, and the power lead) or is it further down towards the bottom of the case?

Captain Spencer · « **Reply #59 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:14:50 »

Quote from: deltaecho on August 24, 2010, 16:13:09

unscrew the outside panel of your computer off. or in other terms: take off the outer shell of the computer

Hi Deltaecho,

Valleyforge said he/she is not very computer savvy, which is why I would not recommend unscrewing the case of the computer unless you know what you are doing. Moving a single cable or lead may damage your computer or software.

Regards,
Adam

valleyforge · « **Reply #60 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:15:40 »

The blue plug is right about in the middle

saltydog · « **Reply #61 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:17:03 »

It might be usefull to do a little research before doing anything..
Try Googling "installing a graphics card" or so.. Lots of usefull reading material there..

Here's an example: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3118_7-5023982-1.html

Captain Spencer · « **Reply #62 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:17:58 »

Quote from: valleyforge on August 24, 2010, 16:15:40

The blue plug is right about in the middle

Hi Valleyforge,

Let's make things a little easier - can I suggest that if you wish to find out about your graphics to post a new topic in technical support. That means we can help you out on YOUR issue whilst keeping this thread ontopic

If you post a new topic, I will help you there.

Regards,
Adam

valleyforge · « **Reply #63 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:19:18 »

Alright

mvsmith · « **Reply #64 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:52:13 »

Hi Adam,
So far as I know, HP Slimlines have a motherboard by ASUS and integrated graphics. There may be a single PCI Express x16 slot available.
Regards,
Marty

Captain Spencer · « **Reply #65 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:56:54 »

Thanks for the info Marty, I'll pass this on

dodweb · « **Reply #66 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:58:05 »

Does indeed seem that way. Though, if I found the right computer, it has a very limited PSU (350watts perhaps?) and probably insufficient cooling to start with. Adding an advanced GFX-card to that could cause problems both with power and heat. Perhaps a GT240? It should run the game at least, I'll have to look into its power draw..

Another word of caution for you valleyforge is that I'm not even sure if your case will even support a full-width graphics card! It seems too narrow, somehow? Length would also be a concern. If it was me, I'd find an OK midi-tower case, get a new PSU and then look for a proper graphics card...

Captain Spencer · « **Reply #67 on:** August 24, 2010, 16:59:40 »

Yes the power requirements are a worry, especially as most new graphics cards require two PCI-X power cables, which most mass-produced consumer PC's do not generally have.

mvsmith · « **Reply #68 on:** August 24, 2010, 17:15:22 »

The trend with the newer cards, like the ATI HD5850, is to double-width requiring two adjacent slots.

Captain Spencer · « **Reply #69 on:** August 24, 2010, 17:19:02 »

Yes you are both right. If that picture above is the actual computer Valleyforge has, then it tells me that he will have a few things to do in order to upgrade his graphics card.

The computer above is a slimline case, designed to be compact for the SOHO user so it has not been designed to accommodate serious hardware upgrades. However these have already been mentioned above

Edit: Typo.

valleyforge · « **Reply #70 on:** August 24, 2010, 17:26:30 »

Ok. Wasnt expecting it to be this difficult, but ok.

Captain Spencer · « **Reply #71 on:** August 24, 2010, 17:30:10 »

Well unfortunately one thing leads to another when it comes to computer hardware. It's not always so simple I'm afraid $:-\$

valleyforge · « **Reply #72 on:** August 24, 2010, 17:31:46 »

Someone mentioned a new PSU. Whats that?

Captain Spencer · « **Reply #73 on:** August 24, 2010, 17:33:59 »

Quote from: valleyforge on August 24, 2010, 17:31:46

Someone mentioned a new PSU. Whats that?

Basically this is the part that you plug the power lead into the back of the computer. This device will distribute power between all the working components in your computer system

It's abbrevieated PSU for Power Supply Unit.

benmoorhouse · « **Reply #74 on:** August 24, 2010, 18:08:14 »

I'm running an iMac (all too aware its not the best gaming machine) with XP installed.

I have:
2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB RAM
ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro (256 MB)

I appreciate I'm not going to be running it on anywhere near full settings but should that play the game?

Author Topic: Graphics Cards (Read 42047 times)

mvsmith

mvsmith