Alright well im looking to buy a new graphics card but I dont want to spend over $120 and It needs to be PCI, could anyone post one that is very good for the money?
Considering you are looking at a PCI video card, your board is either based on an old socket type thats processor would not be compatible with the new board.
You can buy a new motherboard, but you are looking at buying a new OS and a new processor. The board and processor together can potentially be in the sub $100 range along with the RAM, but the OS is going to cost atleast $80.
Considering you are looking at a PCI video card, your board is either based on an old socket type thats processor would not be compatible with the new board. You can buy a new motherboard, but you are looking at buying a new OS and a new processor. The board and processor together can potentially be in the sub $100 range along with the RAM, but the OS is going to cost atleast $80.
Well one good thing is that I bought 2gb of RAM not so long ago that I could probably save from my motherboard right now, but could you post a few links to some good buys on an OS, Processor, and Motherboard? That would be a lot of help, and It would be even better if they were under $200.
Or if its just easier and cheaper, post a computer that I could take the MB out of, and maybe have the comp be black so I can use the Disk drives from it too to match my current case.
You can buy a new motherboard, but you are looking at buying a new OS and a new processor. The board and processor together can potentially be in the sub $100 range along with the RAM, but the OS is going to cost atleast $80.
Assuming that OS means Operating System, you shouldn't need to buy new Operating System when you upgrade a computer. If you have something older than Windows XP, then it might be time to buy new OS, but if you have Windows XP it should be enough for the computer upgrade.
But a new processor is still usually needed with new motherboard. And I don't know how old your motherboard is, but you may need to buy also new RAM. And if you are unlucky, your power supply won't be good enough so that you might have to also buy new power supply.
Also, you might have old PS2 mouse and keyboard, wich many modern motherboards just won't support. You might also need to consider that when making your purchase.
If you want help from the net, you'd need at least post your complete computer specifications. But it'd be better if you'd have some IRL friend who could come over to check your computer and help with the upgrade. Or if you'd just buy a completely new computer.
Edit: Or if you happen to have APG slot in your motherboard, you could buy APG graphic card, and wouldn't need to upgrade anything else. /Edit
Whenever you switch motherboard you have to get a new OS with either Windows or Mac. The Key won't work on another board. You can still switch everything else out, but the motherboard is the key feature that Microsoft imprints it to to make sure that you only install the OS on 1 machine.
You can buy a new motherboard, but you are looking at buying a new OS and a new processor. The board and processor together can potentially be in the sub $100 range along with the RAM, but the OS is going to cost atleast $80.
Assuming that OS means Operating System, you shouldn't need to buy new Operating System when you upgrade a computer. If you have something older than Windows XP, then it might be time to buy new OS, but if you have Windows XP it should be enough for the computer upgrade.
But a new processor is still usually needed with new motherboard. And I don't know how old your motherboard is, but you may need to buy also new RAM. And if you are unlucky, your power supply won't be good enough so that you might have to also buy new power supply.
Also, you might have old PS2 mouse and keyboard, wich many modern motherboards just won't support. You might also need to consider that when making your purchase.
If you want help from the net, you'd need at least post your complete computer specifications. But it'd be better if you'd have some IRL friend who could come over to check your computer and help with the upgrade. Or if you'd just buy a completely new computer.
Edit: Or if you happen to have APG slot in your motherboard, you could buy APG graphic card, and wouldn't need to upgrade anything else. /Edit
Alright first off, I have Windows XP, and my computer is a sony vaio which is about 3 years old. I just bought 2gb's of ram about a month ago so that should be fine. About 2 weeks ago I bought a brand new computer case w/ 500w power supply so that should also be fine. Over the years ive been upgrading my mouse and keyboard because they get dirty and gross over time so they should be fine too haha. Unfortunatly I dont have an AGP slot though Ive got 2-3 PCI slots is all. Sooooo yeah.
i'm not looking to second guess you Kiba, but i looked up your computer from the other thread you had about the case.. and it says that model has an AGP slot. you're sure you don't ?
Yeah I know, I must of gotten the model wrong or something because when varlok was helping me with it, we thought I had an AGP slot but After I bought the card, it dosent fit in any of the slots. Ive got a small brown slot but im not sure what its used for, its about half the size of the pci slots, and theres a card in it already. Could that be the agp?
Yeah I know, I must of gotten the model wrong or something because when varlok was helping me with it, we thought I had an AGP slot but After I bought the card, it dosent fit in any of the slots. Ive got a small brown slot but im not sure what its used for, its about half the size of the pci slots, and theres a card in it already. Could that be the agp?
if it's the first or second slot down, and brown.. yeah, i'm bettin' that's an agp slot. any idea what card is in there ? any chance you can post a pic of the motherboard or pull a model number offa it ?
agp leaves you in a much better position at getting a newish graphics card than pci did.. shit.. i think i might have a couple halfway decent ones laying around somewhere. i'll check and pm you if i do.
Yeah I know, I must of gotten the model wrong or something because when varlok was helping me with it, we thought I had an AGP slot but After I bought the card, it dosent fit in any of the slots. Ive got a small brown slot but im not sure what its used for, its about half the size of the pci slots, and theres a card in it already. Could that be the agp?
if it's the first or second slot down, and brown.. yeah, i'm bettin' that's an agp slot. any idea what card is in there ? any chance you can post a pic of the motherboard or pull a model number offa it ?
agp leaves you in a much better position at getting a newish graphics card than pci did.. shit.. i think i might have a couple halfway decent ones laying around somewhere. i'll check and pm you if i do.
what are you using now onboard video ?
I must be using onboard video, and the brown one is the first slot, but it looks much, much too small to be an agp slot, and Im thinking the card in there is a sound card, is that a possibility? As for needing an agp card, I already have one that i waited too long to send back to newegg, so if it does turn out to be an agp slot, i can still use it. Im not sure I can get you a pic though, ill see if I can find a model number.
You can buy a new motherboard, but you are looking at buying a new OS and a new processor. The board and processor together can potentially be in the sub $100 range along with the RAM, but the OS is going to cost atleast $80.
Assuming that OS means Operating System, you shouldn't need to buy new Operating System when you upgrade a computer. If you have something older than Windows XP, then it might be time to buy new OS, but if you have Windows XP it should be enough for the computer upgrade.
But a new processor is still usually needed with new motherboard. And I don't know how old your motherboard is, but you may need to buy also new RAM. And if you are unlucky, your power supply won't be good enough so that you might have to also buy new power supply.
Also, you might have old PS2 mouse and keyboard, wich many modern motherboards just won't support. You might also need to consider that when making your purchase.
If you want help from the net, you'd need at least post your complete computer specifications. But it'd be better if you'd have some IRL friend who could come over to check your computer and help with the upgrade. Or if you'd just buy a completely new computer.
Edit: Or if you happen to have APG slot in your motherboard, you could buy APG graphic card, and wouldn't need to upgrade anything else. /Edit
All motherboards bought off the shelf support PS2.
fwiw, this guy's just asking for help finding a PCI video card which could be a daunting task these days. Used to be all cards came in two flavors: AGP and PCI. Now they come in PCI Express and AGP (sometimes). Here's a list of NVidia cards for sale that have a PCI interface.
Now, for you, it's all about how much you can afford. In general, the higher the model number the faster the GPU and the higher FPS you'll get. If it were me I wouldn't get anything with less than 128mb of ram.
Post the model number of your Vaio, and I could help you out a lot more. Also post the model numbers of your RAM and other parts you want to keep.
ex: pc3200, pc6400 etc for the RAM.
without these numbers, everyone is pretty much guessing, and you may end up buying stuff you can't use. In an effort to not waste any of your hard earned money, I would highly suggest posting this info so I can help you.
Post the model number of your Vaio, and I could help you out a lot more. Also post the model numbers of your RAM and other parts you want to keep. ex: pc3200, pc6400 etc for the RAM. without these numbers, everyone is pretty much guessing, and you may end up buying stuff you can't use. In an effort to not waste any of your hard earned money, I would highly suggest posting this info so I can help you. D.
Alright well on the back of my old Sony Vaio case the number said PCV-2234 and this is the ram I bought not so long ago that I would like to salvage.
According to the specs listed there, it does look like you're using integrated graphics and the only expansion slots are PCI. While it is possible to get an upgraded PCI video card, keep in mind that the PCI bus is much slower than AGP and PCIe. Also, because of limitations of the bus, PCI cards can't share the system memory like the others. This limits the number of frames that can be rendered ahead, and if the game you're running hits the limit of the memory on the card itself (almost guaranteed with any modern games), you'll see severe framerate drops.
According to the specs listed there, it does look like you're using integrated graphics and the only expansion slots are PCI. While it is possible to get an upgraded PCI video card, keep in mind that the PCI bus is much slower than AGP and PCIe. Also, because of limitations of the bus, PCI cards can't share the system memory like the others. This limits the number of frames that can be rendered ahead, and if the game you're running hits the limit of the memory on the card itself (almost guaranteed with any modern games), you'll see severe framerate drops.
Well that dosent sound good, is there anyway I could get a new motherboard, decent pci-e card, and OS for $300 or less? and what exactly happens with a new os? is it a new interface for my baackground and user accounts on my computer?
An operating system is the basis the machine uses to run. You cannot install an OS on a hard-drive with pre-existing data, it has to be completely wiped which the OS does while its being installed. You should make a copy of all the data you wish to store like work files, and videos. Once its done you have to re-install all your applications.
You can definetly buy a good enough Motherboard($46~$120), OS($89~$120), and PCI-e video($115~$225) card for under $300. The problem is you also need a new processor($46~$150) and ram ($25~$100). You can go with subpar parts or a used computer, but I really don't wanna say you can cause the results may not be good. You can also plan for the future with a good OS and Motherboard, but crappy everything else and slowly replace them.
An operating system is the basis the machine uses to run. You cannot install an OS on a hard-drive with pre-existing data, it has to be completely wiped which the OS does while its being installed. You should make a copy of all the data you wish to store like work files, and videos. Once its done you have to re-install all your applications. You can definetly buy a good enough Motherboard($46~$120), OS($89~$120), and PCI-e video($115~$225) card for under $300. The problem is you also need a new processor($46~$150) and ram ($25~$100). You can go with subpar parts or a used computer, but I really don't wanna say you can cause the results may not be good. You can also plan for the future with a good OS and Motherboard, but crappy everything else and slowly replace them.
You definately can use your previous Windows OS when changing motherboards. I have used the same license of XP through many upgrades. You can also install or upgrade to a new Windows OS without re-formatting the hard drive. It's always a good idea to back up your data and reformat from time to time to clean out the garbage, but that's not required.
Edit- You will have to reactivate XP if moving the license to another machine or switching motherboards, which can usually be done online, but you don't have to purchase it again. If you switch the license "too often" for Microsoft, it will require a toll free call to India to activate. They will ask you if the OS is being used on only one machine, then give you a code to unlock it.
An operating system is the basis the machine uses to run. You cannot install an OS on a hard-drive with pre-existing data, it has to be completely wiped which the OS does while its being installed. You should make a copy of all the data you wish to store like work files, and videos. Once its done you have to re-install all your applications. You can definetly buy a good enough Motherboard($46~$120), OS($89~$120), and PCI-e video($115~$225) card for under $300. The problem is you also need a new processor($46~$150) and ram ($25~$100). You can go with subpar parts or a used computer, but I really don't wanna say you can cause the results may not be good. You can also plan for the future with a good OS and Motherboard, but crappy everything else and slowly replace them.
You definately can use your previous Windows OS when changing motherboards. I have used the same license of XP through many upgrades. You can also install or upgrade to a new Windows OS without re-formatting the hard drive. It's always a good idea to back up your data and reformat from time to time to clean out the garbage, but that's not required.
Edit- You will have to reactivate XP if moving the license to another machine or switching motherboards, which can usually be done online, but you don't have to purchase it again. If you switch the license "too often" for Microsoft, it will require a toll free call to India to activate. They will ask you if the OS is being used on only one machine, then give you a code to unlock it.
Im going to need to dig up the old XP cd for this though right? and are you sure because everyone else seems pretty convinced this sint possible. and cleffy why wouldnt I be able to use the ram which I posted up above? I just bought that 2 months ago, and are you absoultly possitive id need a new processor? I didnt think my comp was that old, its still pentium 4.
kiba.. before you look at buying a new motherboard and spending more money, please take a picture of your motherboard and post it on imagedump or something just so we can verify you do not have an agp slot. also.. there's a sticker on that memory that you just bought.. who's it made by and what's it say ?
if you DON'T have an agp slot we'll look into what socket your current processor is and if it'd be worth it to to get a new motherboard or not. back up tho and before you jump ahead, let's just be sure you're headed in the right direction.
as far as your OS goes, it won't be a problem to use the same one, as someone else said when you activate it you MAY have to call in tell them your motherboard fried then they'll give you an activation code. not a big deal at all.
Comments
http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/01/03/the_best_gaming_graphics/page2.html
there's a nice little round up from the beginning of last month. about half way down is ~$120
when you say pci, i'm assuming you actually mean pcie, since i haven't seen a pci card in.. damn.. years.
i'm not sure where it's falling as far as the price goes but i think a 8800GX is being released soon if it hasn't been already.
____________________________
TheCore
sorry delete this
Unfortunatly I do mean PCI, its the only slots I have on my computer, so Im looking for a pretty goold PCI card.
Probably this one.
Or you could buy a cheap PC that comes with a PCI-e slot and onboard video that outperforms that video card in the $200-$500 range.
couldnt i just buy a new motherboard instead of buying the whole pc? Or would that mean id need to buy a new processor too?
Considering you are looking at a PCI video card, your board is either based on an old socket type thats processor would not be compatible with the new board.
You can buy a new motherboard, but you are looking at buying a new OS and a new processor. The board and processor together can potentially be in the sub $100 range along with the RAM, but the OS is going to cost atleast $80.
use craigslist and find a new computer
Well one good thing is that I bought 2gb of RAM not so long ago that I could probably save from my motherboard right now, but could you post a few links to some good buys on an OS, Processor, and Motherboard? That would be a lot of help, and It would be even better if they were under $200.
Or if its just easier and cheaper, post a computer that I could take the MB out of, and maybe have the comp be black so I can use the Disk drives from it too to match my current case.
Assuming that OS means Operating System, you shouldn't need to buy new Operating System when you upgrade a computer. If you have something older than Windows XP, then it might be time to buy new OS, but if you have Windows XP it should be enough for the computer upgrade.
But a new processor is still usually needed with new motherboard. And I don't know how old your motherboard is, but you may need to buy also new RAM. And if you are unlucky, your power supply won't be good enough so that you might have to also buy new power supply.
Also, you might have old PS2 mouse and keyboard, wich many modern motherboards just won't support. You might also need to consider that when making your purchase.
If you want help from the net, you'd need at least post your complete computer specifications. But it'd be better if you'd have some IRL friend who could come over to check your computer and help with the upgrade. Or if you'd just buy a completely new computer.
Edit: Or if you happen to have APG slot in your motherboard, you could buy APG graphic card, and wouldn't need to upgrade anything else. /Edit
Whenever you switch motherboard you have to get a new OS with either Windows or Mac. The Key won't work on another board. You can still switch everything else out, but the motherboard is the key feature that Microsoft imprints it to to make sure that you only install the OS on 1 machine.
But a new processor is still usually needed with new motherboard. And I don't know how old your motherboard is, but you may need to buy also new RAM. And if you are unlucky, your power supply won't be good enough so that you might have to also buy new power supply.
Also, you might have old PS2 mouse and keyboard, wich many modern motherboards just won't support. You might also need to consider that when making your purchase.
If you want help from the net, you'd need at least post your complete computer specifications. But it'd be better if you'd have some IRL friend who could come over to check your computer and help with the upgrade. Or if you'd just buy a completely new computer.
Edit: Or if you happen to have APG slot in your motherboard, you could buy APG graphic card, and wouldn't need to upgrade anything else. /Edit
Alright first off, I have Windows XP, and my computer is a sony vaio which is about 3 years old. I just bought 2gb's of ram about a month ago so that should be fine. About 2 weeks ago I bought a brand new computer case w/ 500w power supply so that should also be fine. Over the years ive been upgrading my mouse and keyboard because they get dirty and gross over time so they should be fine too haha. Unfortunatly I dont have an AGP slot though Ive got 2-3 PCI slots is all. Sooooo yeah.
i'm not looking to second guess you Kiba, but i looked up your computer from the other thread you had about the case.. and it says that model has an AGP slot. you're sure you don't ?
____________________________
TheCore
Yeah I know, I must of gotten the model wrong or something because when varlok was helping me with it, we thought I had an AGP slot but After I bought the card, it dosent fit in any of the slots. Ive got a small brown slot but im not sure what its used for, its about half the size of the pci slots, and theres a card in it already. Could that be the agp?
agp leaves you in a much better position at getting a newish graphics card than pci did.. shit.. i think i might have a couple halfway decent ones laying around somewhere. i'll check and pm you if i do.
what are you using now onboard video ?
____________________________
TheCore
agp leaves you in a much better position at getting a newish graphics card than pci did.. shit.. i think i might have a couple halfway decent ones laying around somewhere. i'll check and pm you if i do.
what are you using now onboard video ?
I must be using onboard video, and the brown one is the first slot, but it looks much, much too small to be an agp slot, and Im thinking the card in there is a sound card, is that a possibility? As for needing an agp card, I already have one that i waited too long to send back to newegg, so if it does turn out to be an agp slot, i can still use it. Im not sure I can get you a pic though, ill see if I can find a model number.
But a new processor is still usually needed with new motherboard. And I don't know how old your motherboard is, but you may need to buy also new RAM. And if you are unlucky, your power supply won't be good enough so that you might have to also buy new power supply.
Also, you might have old PS2 mouse and keyboard, wich many modern motherboards just won't support. You might also need to consider that when making your purchase.
If you want help from the net, you'd need at least post your complete computer specifications. But it'd be better if you'd have some IRL friend who could come over to check your computer and help with the upgrade. Or if you'd just buy a completely new computer.
Edit: Or if you happen to have APG slot in your motherboard, you could buy APG graphic card, and wouldn't need to upgrade anything else. /Edit
All motherboards bought off the shelf support PS2.
fwiw, this guy's just asking for help finding a PCI video card which could be a daunting task these days. Used to be all cards came in two flavors: AGP and PCI. Now they come in PCI Express and AGP (sometimes). Here's a list of NVidia cards for sale that have a PCI interface.
http://www.nextag.com/geforce-nvidia-pci/search-html
Now, for you, it's all about how much you can afford. In general, the higher the model number the faster the GPU and the higher FPS you'll get. If it were me I wouldn't get anything with less than 128mb of ram.
Life of an MMORPG "addict"
For 7 years, proving that if you quote "fuck" you won't get banned.
Post the model number of your Vaio, and I could help you out a lot more. Also post the model numbers of your RAM and other parts you want to keep.
ex: pc3200, pc6400 etc for the RAM.
without these numbers, everyone is pretty much guessing, and you may end up buying stuff you can't use. In an effort to not waste any of your hard earned money, I would highly suggest posting this info so I can help you.
D.
Alright well on the back of my old Sony Vaio case the number said PCV-2234 and this is the ram I bought not so long ago that I would like to salvage.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211014
As for the motherboard number, where could I find that exactly on the MB, between the PCI slots?
isnt there any PCI cards out though that could maybe run WoW and rag 2? I really dont like the idea of getting a new OS, something like this maybe?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=1069609642&Description=X1550+PCI&name=PCI
Based on the model number you posted, this looks like the PC you have:
esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-documents.pl
According to the specs listed there, it does look like you're using integrated graphics and the only expansion slots are PCI. While it is possible to get an upgraded PCI video card, keep in mind that the PCI bus is much slower than AGP and PCIe. Also, because of limitations of the bus, PCI cards can't share the system memory like the others. This limits the number of frames that can be rendered ahead, and if the game you're running hits the limit of the memory on the card itself (almost guaranteed with any modern games), you'll see severe framerate drops.
Based on the model number you posted, this looks like the PC you have:
esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-documents.pl
According to the specs listed there, it does look like you're using integrated graphics and the only expansion slots are PCI. While it is possible to get an upgraded PCI video card, keep in mind that the PCI bus is much slower than AGP and PCIe. Also, because of limitations of the bus, PCI cards can't share the system memory like the others. This limits the number of frames that can be rendered ahead, and if the game you're running hits the limit of the memory on the card itself (almost guaranteed with any modern games), you'll see severe framerate drops.
Well that dosent sound good, is there anyway I could get a new motherboard, decent pci-e card, and OS for $300 or less? and what exactly happens with a new os? is it a new interface for my baackground and user accounts on my computer?
An operating system is the basis the machine uses to run. You cannot install an OS on a hard-drive with pre-existing data, it has to be completely wiped which the OS does while its being installed. You should make a copy of all the data you wish to store like work files, and videos. Once its done you have to re-install all your applications.
You can definetly buy a good enough Motherboard($46~$120), OS($89~$120), and PCI-e video($115~$225) card for under $300. The problem is you also need a new processor($46~$150) and ram ($25~$100). You can go with subpar parts or a used computer, but I really don't wanna say you can cause the results may not be good. You can also plan for the future with a good OS and Motherboard, but crappy everything else and slowly replace them.
You definately can use your previous Windows OS when changing motherboards. I have used the same license of XP through many upgrades. You can also install or upgrade to a new Windows OS without re-formatting the hard drive. It's always a good idea to back up your data and reformat from time to time to clean out the garbage, but that's not required.
Edit- You will have to reactivate XP if moving the license to another machine or switching motherboards, which can usually be done online, but you don't have to purchase it again. If you switch the license "too often" for Microsoft, it will require a toll free call to India to activate. They will ask you if the OS is being used on only one machine, then give you a code to unlock it.
You definately can use your previous Windows OS when changing motherboards. I have used the same license of XP through many upgrades. You can also install or upgrade to a new Windows OS without re-formatting the hard drive. It's always a good idea to back up your data and reformat from time to time to clean out the garbage, but that's not required.
Edit- You will have to reactivate XP if moving the license to another machine or switching motherboards, which can usually be done online, but you don't have to purchase it again. If you switch the license "too often" for Microsoft, it will require a toll free call to India to activate. They will ask you if the OS is being used on only one machine, then give you a code to unlock it.
Im going to need to dig up the old XP cd for this though right? and are you sure because everyone else seems pretty convinced this sint possible. and cleffy why wouldnt I be able to use the ram which I posted up above? I just bought that 2 months ago, and are you absoultly possitive id need a new processor? I didnt think my comp was that old, its still pentium 4.
kiba.. before you look at buying a new motherboard and spending more money, please take a picture of your motherboard and post it on imagedump or something just so we can verify you do not have an agp slot. also.. there's a sticker on that memory that you just bought.. who's it made by and what's it say ?
if you DON'T have an agp slot we'll look into what socket your current processor is and if it'd be worth it to to get a new motherboard or not. back up tho and before you jump ahead, let's just be sure you're headed in the right direction.
as far as your OS goes, it won't be a problem to use the same one, as someone else said when you activate it you MAY have to call in tell them your motherboard fried then they'll give you an activation code. not a big deal at all.
____________________________
TheCore