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lessthanthree
04-15-10, 06:39 PM
I just have a few questions concerning my video card situation...

First off, for some reason every video card I've put into my comp, other than the one it came with, has broken. I'm not really sure why either. It may be the card itself because I did use the same type of video card each time but I'm not sure if that was the problem. The card I was trying to use was a GeForce 9500GT. My computer specs are...

Operating System
MS Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit
CPU
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 32 °C
Windsor 90nm Technology
RAM
2.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 244MHz 4-4-4-12
Motherboard
Dell Inc 0UW457 (Socket M2 )
Graphics
128MB GeForce 7300 LE (Dell) 66 °C
Hard Drives
160GB Seagate ST316081 2AS SCSI Disk Device (SCSI)
Optical Drives
PHILIPS DVD-ROM DROM6316 SCSI CdRom Device
TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-S203B SCSI CdRom Device
Audio
High Definition Audio Device
As for my power supply, I'm pretty sure its a 300w and I'm not sure what kind of information you guys need so I took it all down...

AC Input(50-60Hz) 100-120v-/9A
DC Output +5V=/22A, +3.3V=/17A

+5V and +3.3V SHALL NOT EXCEED 150w
+12VA and +12VB SHALL NOT EXCEED 264w

Max Output Power = 305w

Yes, I am running a Dell but like I said I'm only a casual gamer, WoW was the only game that I played when both my other video cards broke.


Alright soo, my first question
With my current video card, will I be able to play SC2 and Diablo 3 on high settings? I know blizzard is usually good with making their requirements low but I want the graphics to be pretty good.
Second question - If my video card isn't good enough, is there a card can you can recommend I get to replace it? I'd rather not have to buy a new power supply but I'd be willing to. I don't want to spend more than $120-150 on the supply AND video card. I'd be willing to spend around $65-75 on the card alone. ALSO, if I were going to buy a new power supply, could I just take the one that I have now out and just replace it? Keep in mind I'm only a casual gamer and I only plan on playing SC2 and Diablo 3 when they're released, NOT WoW.
While I'm here, do you guys think upgrading to 4gigs of ram would be a smart choice? I sometimes have lag issues running Vegas movie maker and I also have some lag issues while working with large files in Illustrator and PS. If you do think I should, which RAM would you recommend I get?

Thanks guys :)

diaz
04-15-10, 07:57 PM
1. 4G is always a good idea. Look at G.Skill, they have good bang/buck with great warranty.

2. Consider a new power supply. Doesnt have to be expensive or pretty, just something with a solid 350-400watts available.

3. As for GFX, GTS 240 sounds good...

diaz
04-15-10, 08:37 PM
Galaxy 22TGE8HX2IUN GeForce GT 220 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
Item #: N82E16814162040
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$10.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$78.99
$68.99
1
48.99 After mail in rebate
(awesome deal)

Nvidia Power Director 8 HE
Item #: N82E16800999230
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy
-$49.99 Saving
$49.99
$0.00
Free with above card


CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817139003
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$79.99
$69.99
$55 after $15 rebate

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-5400PHU2-2GBLA
Item #: N82E16820231051
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$56.99

lessthanthree
04-15-10, 09:14 PM
This might sound like a pretty ridiculous question but I could just put that ram with the ram I'm currently using right? I checked the motherboard and I have 2 extra spots but the clips are black where as the clips holding the ram I have in are white... :)

diaz
04-15-10, 09:43 PM
Well, you could try to find exact same ram as you have, which I have no idea where and how much... but if its a dell, new ram MIGHT not fit in your motherboard... sadly. You kind of have to test the waters, do you know anybody else with a non-dell mobo?

If the GSkill fits, then you might have to change the GSkill settings to the default settings of your other ram.

lessthanthree
04-15-10, 09:45 PM
Yeah my brother has a custom built PC. Should I try sticking his RAM in mine to see if it works??

lessthanthree
04-15-10, 10:32 PM
Never mind, I figured it out. Thanks for the help