PCI gfx card question

br00k · January 20th, 2008, 03:18 PM

Hello, I have a Dell Dimension 3000, and I'm looking to upgrade it a little, just enough to be able to play quite low end games at a decent frame rate.
I'm going to upgrade from 512mb RAM to 1gb, and I'm fine doing that.
However, better graphics will help as well, because I currently have integrated graphics. Now, from a bit of research, I've found that this computer won't take PCI-E gfx cards, and will only take PCI cards. Is this true? Also, is this the best PCI card for around £30? It was recommended to me by someone on another forum... http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/s...tml?NOV-9250PC
Another question, how do I go about putting this card in? Does anybody know?

Atomic Rooster · January 20th, 2008, 04:01 PM

Yea, you computer doesn't have AGP nor PCIe graphics slots, so you're stuck using PCI. The 9250 is about the best you can get in that price range. There is an x1550 that is better, but it's much more expensive.

Installing a PCI graphics card is pretty straightforward. Here's a nice guide on installing one: How to Upgrade and Install a Video Card

br00k · January 20th, 2008, 04:19 PM

Thanks, that guide really helps. There seems to be quite a lot to do, but I think I could do it.

Atomic Rooster · January 20th, 2008, 04:27 PM

It's really not as hard as it looks. The first time always seems a bit daunting, but I'm sure you'll do fine.

I've seen the ATI 9250's at Micro Direct for a few pounds less.

br00k · January 20th, 2008, 04:29 PM

Oooh, lovely jubly. Cheers for that as well.

#43 fan · January 21st, 2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic Rooster

It's really not as hard as it looks. The first time always seems a bit daunting, but I'm sure you'll do fine.

I've seen the ATI 9250's at Micro Direct for a few pounds less.

The 9250, while nowhere near the performance of modern day cards, should suit you for casual gaming. Without eye candy.

After the second time, you get lazier and more careless. Like accidentally hitting one of your 120 MM fans with your finger while trying to remove a wire that's hitting it.

leemartinbennett · February 29th, 2008, 03:35 AM

Hi

I bought this very same card today (9250 PCI 128mb) for my also Dell 3000, but when i put it in the bios just doesn't seem to see it? I set bios to "auto" for graphics. (there is no pci option) i disabled onboard chip in windows. done everything that seems right. But still if i plug monitor into new card i get nothing at all. If i continue to plug into onboard then all works fine still.

I have tried all 3 PCI slots just "in case" but no change, i have looked at all bios settings but cant see anything there at all, i am a PC geek and built 20+ computers over the years but this is stumping me right now. (and no i never bought a Dell, it was a freebie cast-off which i thought would be good to run a piece of software that my Mac cant run).

Having Googled i found several sites like this posting the simply instructions which i know anyway, but was good to check! And still i cant find the problem?

Is it a bad card maybe? Corrupt / Dodgy bios? Would assume the card is good as it came from a good shop and was still sealed.

Appreciate any help, else its $100 wasted!