problem upgrading the graphic card

**Sunjyot** · July 20th, 2012, 03:22 AM

hello

my system configuration is :
Motherboard :GA -8I865GME- 775
CPU :intel p4 HT 3.06GHz
RAM:1.5GB ddr1
graphics:On board intel 82865G graphics adapter

i have an AGP 4x/8x(1.5v) slot

i am currently running win 7 but not its aero features and transperency due to unsuppored motherboard
now i want to install a new graphics card in my AGP slot and my question is :

1. which graphics card should i install so that i can run win 7 aero features.
2. i have a Samsung CRT 17" monitor ,will it conflict with the graphic card to run win 7 aero features.
3.Should the "DDR" of the graphic card taken in consideration.

"please keep in mind that i cannot buy a new computer"

thank you in advance

**stroyal** · July 20th, 2012, 08:53 AM

Welcome to TechIMO!

I am the last to let a computer go, and even I haven't upgraded an AGP computer in 2 years.
Even 2 years ago, it was a questionable move.

7 needs 4 gig of RAM, and a better processor, than what you have.

I still have my AGP rig, and it has a HD3850, which is close to the best card made for AGP.
Keep in mind, this is probably on par with intels 4000 on-chip graphics, of today.
Not exactly a gaming chip.

For something as old as AGP, I wouldn't worry about the vRAM.

Faster RAM, and bandwith dose make a difference, and should be considered, but you are not going to find much choice.

I'm pretty sure you are not going to run Aero, no mater what you do.

I have Aero, in front of me, and can see what all the fuss is about.
My Ubuntu Linux machine has the same Aero look.
Talk about hype.

Keep in mind, any upgrade to the top AGP cards, will have to include a power supply.
the 3850 requires a very good 400watt power supply.
I run mine on a 450watt Corsair.

Most store bought computers, with onboard, have very weak power supplies

Before we make any recommendation, we need the brand, model, and 12v amps of your power supply.

My overall recommendation is, save your money.

But if you insist.

**Sunjyot** · July 20th, 2012, 12:44 PM

Thank you for your reply
from your suggestion i have extracted that "i should buy a new pc"
Thank you again

**ShyguyXPC** · July 20th, 2012, 12:50 PM

comparable to Intels Onboard now days, hardly, I doubt it would even be close. For basic uses, sure, but real gaming, even the 3850 would still have a significant advantage over Intels onboard stuff.

the base AMD Llanos APU's with their onboard Radeon 6410 Graphics would barely be able to match the 3850, DirectX 11 support/features aside.

Agreed with everything else stated though, especially the last 2 statements.

though for AGP, best you can get is the 3850 or the slightly newer Radeon 4650 and 4670's which the latter was the most powerful AGP card ever made. Keep in mind, this card even when new, was at AMD/ATI's lower budget range performance when it was around (as the card was actually made for PCI Express, and was a sub $100 range card), the AGP Variant cost more, due to being in lower demand, and extra cost of converting it to AGP spec.

also in a way, higher prices are more of a deterrent to consumers to let that slot design die off, and move on to the cheaper, equally effective and even BETTER PCI Express slot design.

**ShyguyXPC** · July 20th, 2012, 12:53 PM

Though Windows 7, you'll want at least 2GB to run decently, though 3 to 4GB to run at best performance.

You'll also want 64-bit Windows 7, to use all the RAM. 32-bit can only handle 4GB Total memory, which includes the video card memory, so if you had say 4GB total RAM installed, and a 1GB Video card, you'd have less than 3GB of RAM usable (Factoring in Cache/buffer memory chips from CPU, Hard drives, etc to 4GB limit), 64-bit eliminates that bottleneck.

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit can handle up to 16GB, Business/Professional/Ultimate can all handle up to 128 or 192GB of RAM (forget which amount, but its a moot point, no consumer boards support beyond 32 or 64GB anyways).

**stroyal** · July 20th, 2012, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

comparable to Intels Onboard now days, hardly, I doubt it would even be close. For basic uses, sure, but real gaming, even the 3850 would still have a significant advantage over Intels onboard stuff.

the base AMD Llanos APU's with their onboard Radeon 6410 Graphics would barely be able to match the 3850, DirectX 11 support/features aside.

I should mention, when I get my benchmarks from PassMark.

They had the i7 4000 @ 800, and my AGP3850 @706, and the PCIe 3850 @777.
I think it was the 3770, it's not there now.

Today they have the i7 2760 QM @ 1180.

Seriously.

Seem like a lot more salt is needed for passmark benchmarks.

I really should stop using it.