Can I upgrade my Graphics Card?

[music layer]

Hi all,

I want to upgrade the graphics card on my Dell computer, and was wondering is it worth it?

Dell Dimension 4500
2.0 GHz Pentium 4
1 GB Ram
Intel D845EPT2
emu 0404
Nvidia GeForce4 MX 420

My problem is that I can't work out what kind of socket I have in my pc for the graphics card. I know it is NOT PCI-E, and that it would be much better to get a new motherboard, but I believe it can be hard to replace a mobo in a dell pc.

So I know that it is PCI, but I am getting confused with AGP, and what kind of card i can get. Can I get an AGP card to fit my mobo, and if so x4 or x8? If not, what would the best card be for playing games, if possible such as command and conquer 3?

I have no about graphics cards

Thanks

[him61]

Download Everest. It will tell you what slots are you have. The next question is how much you want to spend.

[music layer]

Hi there,

I downloaded it last night after reading some posts on here. My problem is that I don't know what I am looking for.

It says under gpu

PCI device 10DE/0172
Bus type APG 4x

So can I buy any APG 4x?

thanks for you help!

[music layer]

...and around 100£

[SoloCamo]

Welcome to TechIMO!

Well since it is indeed an AGP 4x enabled board, you will be able to get away with a 8x agp card aswell. (most are backwards compatable)

How much are you looking to spend?

What games are you trying to play that you need the upgrade?

If you are getting a new gpu that is of decent power, you are more than likely going to need a new power supply. Dell ships psu's with "just" enough power to power the system they give you. Adding other things may (and probably will) cause instability and system failures.

[KarmaKiller]

Hi there.

I know from first hand experience that he has a AGP slot. Here is a article to back me up on this.

You should be able to run any AGP video card you want. You have to watch out for the power recomendations though, as dell's have very low PSU's.

Good luck

[EvilRick]

Your system's specs say you have an AGP slot, so you could get an AGP 4X, 1.5v card.

That's a big improvement over onboard video.

[him61]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...=56&subcat=411
7600GS.

Wait a minute... Yup, that is an AGP 2.0 board... Newer AGP cards like that might not work properly in there. Your best bet is to look for an AGP 2.0 card, 4x.

[music layer]

thanks

So my system is built for 4x AGP 1.5v, but given that 8x AGP are backwards compatible I could go for either.

And I will need to get a new PSU, say 600 Watts?

[music layer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by him61

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...=56&subcat=411
7600GS.

Wait a minute... Yup, that is an AGP 2.0 board... Newer AGP cards like that might not work properly in there. Your best bet is to look for an AGP 2.0 card, 4x.

...thats a pity...looks very nice!