[Tamster]

ok - obviously OFF-TOPIC, but I have no idea who to ask about this stuff and I know we have some computer techy genuises here.<br><br>
this is probably such an elementary question though, so if you are laughing, then just don't let me know.<br><br>
I have a Dell computer at home and my son got this Pirates of the Caribbean computer game that came with the movie for Christmas. I have all the specs on my computer to match the requirements EXCEPT when it comes to a video card. I have contacted DELL and they said I have to get a PCI video card. On the game itself it requires 64MB or better video card and then lists these preferred names, such as GEforce, Radeon, and another one.<br><br>
I have looked on Amazon to order one and there are tons of PCI video cards with prices ranging from $40 to $200 or more. This is where I need some guidance or recommendations - how do I know what to get? We don't really play video games in our house - my son just has a few Jumpstart educational games and then he got this POTC game that he wants to play. He did play it a little but a few screens get really choppy and slow and I think that is because I probably have the barest minimum of whatever capability it has for playing videos.<br><br>
anyone have some good advice to throw my way?

 

[hally]

Tammy, I am assuming it's Windows XP?<br>
Let me look, you don't want Amazon.<br><br>
BBIAB

 

[Tamster]

yes, XP home edition.

 

[hally]

You are sure they said PCI..? Cause there is PCI Express too, and small form factor PCI, here are two cheap 64 MB cards. I wouldn't spend much on this.<br>
I prefer the first one because I am an Nvidia user, but ATI is ok (just not for me <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> ) Plus, the EVGA brand is a good brand<br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=kickrunners-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fe-GeForce-FX5200-128MB-Version-128-A8-N303-L2%2Fdp%2FB0006AZ57M%2Fref%3Dpd_bbs_3%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics%26qid%3D1200687185%26sr%3D8-3" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/e-GeForce-FX52...0687185&sr=8-3</a><br><a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3281685&CatId=319" target="_blank">http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...1685&CatId=319</a><br><a href="http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=V9000-P64&cat=VCD" target="_blank">http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...00-P64&cat=VCD</a><br><br>
One of those should do you, I have ordered from all the vendors above.

 

[Tamster]

Thanks Hally. That GEForce one was the same one I was looking at getting and I actually also saw it on circuitcity's online store - for I think even a bit less . . . I'll have to double check.<br><br>
All I know is the Dell customer service person I was speaking with said to make sure I get a "PCI card" - but when it comes to PCI vs PCI express . . . I don't know what the differences are.<br><br>
And I'm assuming if/when I order one of these PCI cards that it's uber-easy for a technically challenged person like me to just slip it in some slot? It should have 'installation for dummies' instructions right?

 

[hally]

Well, I think it's pretty easy. Course I do this for a living.<br>
But Dell's are real easy to work on usually, most of the time you don't even need tools. When you get it I would be happy to call you and "hold your hand" through it.

 

[RunsTheBitterroot]

Hi Tammy, hope you havn't bought your card yet. You should probably get at least 128mb that supports 3d graphics. I know it say's 64 minimum, but that is not enough. I bought a 256mb Radeon locally for my other computer for about 70 bucks last year. Larry

 

[hally]

ACCCCCKKK Tammy!! That Geforce card is AGP not PCI!!! OOops hope you didn't order it!

 

[hally]

Larry and Tam,<br>
My issue with this is spending $70 bucks on an obsolete computer for an upgrade. PCI is a very old interface for video so the compute is probably way old at this point and new ones are to be had for 300-500 with way more video onboard to start out. You put $70 into it and the next thing you know something dies and you have to go buy a new one anyway.

 

[Tamster]

thanks for the input. I haven't ordered anything yet.

 

[Spareribs]

One of the many joys of friendship with hally is the help she has given me with stuff like this. I am way, way dumber than everyone when it comes to tech issues. It's a bonus having her here.<br><br>
As to off-topic, how would we survive if we couldn't ask friends here all our off-topic questions? I've gotten help on running sites for car issues, insurance, food recipes, parenting....Haven't we all? Spareribs

 

[Tramps]

[note to self: check in with Hally when it comes to buying a new computer later this year, since I never know WTF I'm doing] <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">

 

[hally]

awwww you old curmudgeon, this makes my day <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[RunsTheBitterroot]

Oops! Hope I didn't step on your toes there Hally, sorry if I did.<br><br>
It is true once you start replacing parts in an older computer, it seems to follow with other parts. So far a power supply, hard drive + added an extra hard drive for backup. The monitor will probably go next. My first addition was the video card for the same reasons, the old one didn't support all the graphics functions that I needed to run my Topo Software. I ultimately bought a new computer and for the most part retired the old one, to using it to store photo's and backup. Larry

 

[hally]

Absolutely no toe steppage at all Larry, all opinions are welcome as far as I'm concerned.