General

Tech

Graphics Card help

Well, evidently my graphics card is a failure. When I tried to play Vindictus, this is what came out: http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff352/PokemonMASTAH/Fail.jpg

Nothing but the 3d Net of the faces. So now, I'm looking to buy a new graphics card. Could someone here help guide me to a somewhat decent graphics card? Nothing too fancy, just something that can at least allow me to play this game adequately on the lowest settings. My budget for this is around 60-80 dollars.

Also, I'm only assuming that this is a graphics card problem. However, in game I don't lag very much at all. I can attack, talk to npcs, etc. If this is caused by something else, please let me know.

Here are my computer specs (Please excuse my lack of tech. knowledge. This information may or may not help):

OS:Microsoft XP
Manufacturer: Dell
Sys. Model: OptiPlex GX620
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A06
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 2550 MB RAM

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

EDIT: My graphics card is currently: Intel(R) 82945G Express Chip set Family

September 17, 2010

19 Comments • Newest first

sniffy

[quote=Chickenz]The board should have an open PCI-e slot according to Google.[/quote]

I guess I'll say this before turning in. Seeking confirmation.

Reply September 17, 2010
sniffy

[quote=BobR]Realize that the prices at BestBuy are somewhat higher than the best prices you'll see at online stores, but then again if you have a gift card it's essentially free.

BE SURE YOUR COMPUTER HAS THE NECESSARY EXPANSION SLOTS BEFORE BUYING ANYTHING.

I haven't looked up your computer's specs yet (which I'll probably eventually do, as I always do), but if it's running XP, there's a chance you may NOT have the needed "PCI Express" slot most of the recommended graphics cards require. Better to be sure of it before you go to the store.

(As far as Newegg, take it from EVERYONE here- it's the place most of us buy our stuff. )

OK- poking around on the Dell site, WE can't get to your computer's specifications. YOU need to go to the Dell site: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/details?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~tab=2&~ck=anavml

Enter the Service Tag number (there's a link that shows how to find the number) and it will TELL you what's in your computer now.

Post the Power Supply specs and the Expansion Slots specs here and we can recommend a bit more intelligently as to what you can use.[/quote]

Uff. Okay. I can't make out specifics of what my Power SUpply and Expansion slots specs are.. so I'll just list what they say I have.

Processor,80551,Pentium D Smithfield For Desktops,820 2.8,BO,Server
INSTR,DEVIATE-TO-MCSF-L5.5
Cord,Power,125V,6Feet,SJT, Unshielded
Keyboard,104,Universal Serial Bus,United States,Entry,Liteon
Mouse,USB,2 Button,Lead Free Entry,Logitech,Midnight Gray
Dual In-Line Memory Module,512533M,64X64,8,240,1RX8
Assembly,DVD+/-RW,16X,PHILIPS 05
Display,Flat Panel Display,17 Dual Voltage,E176FPB,Midnight Gray,DAO
Hard Drive,160G,S2,7.2K,8M Lead Free,WD-HAWK
Kit,Software,Overpack,WXPPSP2BCDWD,English
Kit,Compact Diskette,Driver Resource Compact Disk Optiplex,V2
KIT,DOC,TSH,SVC/SPRT,CLNTGTS,D
Assembly,Panel,Filler,F3 Matrix,Neo,Desktop

Keep in mind that these specs are from purchase date, not current, because current will not load for some reason..

Although its not current, the only thing that I've changed is added more ram, a different mouse, and a different monitor.If theres anything else I have to do, just say so.

Reply September 17, 2010
BobR

Realize that the prices at BestBuy are somewhat higher than the best prices you'll see at online stores, but then again if you have a gift card it's essentially free.

BE SURE YOUR COMPUTER HAS THE NECESSARY EXPANSION SLOTS BEFORE BUYING ANYTHING.

I haven't looked up your computer's specs yet (which I'll probably eventually do, as I always do), but if it's running XP, there's a chance you may NOT have the needed "PCI Express" slot most of the recommended graphics cards require. Better to be sure of it before you go to the store.

(As far as Newegg, take it from EVERYONE here- it's the place most of us buy our stuff. )

OK- poking around on the Dell site, WE can't get to your computer's specifications. YOU need to go to the Dell site: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/details?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~tab=2&~ck=anavml

Enter the Service Tag number (there's a link that shows how to find the number) and it will TELL you what's in your computer now.

Post the Power Supply specs and the Expansion Slots specs here and we can recommend a bit more intelligently as to what you can use.

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
ThePepsi

It should work just fine with your power supply.
How long will it last? No one knows.
It could last eight years, it could last two months.

But you get like a three year warranty

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
sniffy

[quote=ThePepsi]9600 GSO i listed will work just fine
Newegg is trustworthy, don't worry.
A large website like that won't scam.[/quote]

Okay, so I guess I might try it if I convince my mom to let me order online.

That card is easily installable, with no other complications (such as power supply) correct? I'm terribly inept at technology. @_@ Also, how long would it last me?

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
ThePepsi

9600 GSO i listed will work just fine
Newegg is trustworthy, don't worry.
A large website like that won't scam.

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
sniffy

Haha I'm totally lost. @ _@ Just so I can double check, how do I check my watts my power supply has?

The reason I ask for BestBuy is not only because of the gift card but is because of my personal doubt of newegg. I know its recommended in all, but I've never had any personal experience with it. :x And above all, I'd really like to just walk into a store and purchase an item instead of waiting weeks for shipping/paying shipping.

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
djpinc19

If it indeed is a ~300 watt PSU, then the HD5570 is compatible with no other complications.
EDIT: or HD4670. 4650, 5450

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
ThePepsi

not bestbuy.com
don't even try it dude

they charge like 80% more on everything T_T
can you check how many watts your power supply has?

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
sniffy

@ All recommendations: Is my computer readily suited for those kinds of cards? Or is there some other upgrade I should perform with it? Thanks for the help.

Secondly: This maybe be a bit.. odd request, but I just realized I had a gift card for a store. If possible, can someone direct me to a recommended product at Bestbuy.com?

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
ThePepsi

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130543&cm_re=Geforce_9600_GSO-_-14-130-543-_-Product

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
djpinc19

Radeon 5450. The card above is actually way above the 'recommended' level and also warrants a power supply upgrade.

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
ThePepsi

I believe the Ati Radeon 4850 would be a good idea for you.
[url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131365&cm_re=ati_radeon_4850-_-14-131-365-_-Product]Link[/url]

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
ShiroNoYami

[quote=sniffy]Thanks for the recommendation, however I am not looking to reach Vindictus' "full graphics gameplay potential", mediocre is good enough for me. I was already expecting to be playing this game at the lowest quality. Are there any other lower recommendations on cards that you may have?[/quote]
My HD4570 runs Vindictus at 20~30 (averaging 30 most of the time) on High settings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK0bM4fkxbQ

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
sniffy

[quote=djpinc19]Vindictus actually requires some serious computer hardware to reach it's full potential and unfortunately, your "graphics card" is lacking. However, because it is the only component that cannot properly handle the game in this instance, the best solution is to actually buy a video card and a new power supply. To achieve full graphics and gameplay potential, Vindictus is currently recommended with a minimum of a dual-core CPU which you have, and a video card that is at least as powerful as the GeForce 7800GTX or Radeon 5570, which is roughly the same requirement for other similar Source based games.[/quote]

Thanks for the recommendation, however I am not looking to reach Vindictus' "full graphics gameplay potential", mediocre is good enough for me. I was already expecting to be playing this game at the lowest quality. Are there any other lower recommendations on cards that you may have?

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
djpinc19

Vindictus actually requires some serious computer hardware to reach it's full potential and unfortunately, your "graphics card" is lacking. However, because it is the only component that cannot properly handle the game in this instance, the best solution is to actually buy a video card and a new power supply. To achieve full graphics and gameplay potential, Vindictus is currently recommended with a minimum of a dual-core CPU which you have, and a video card that is at least as powerful as the GeForce 7800GTX or Radeon 5570, which is roughly the same requirement for other similar Source based games.

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
codytoad1

go to control panel, device manager, go to your graphics driver, and right click, uninstall, go to your computer manufacturer's website to get the driver to install

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
sniffy

[quote=codytoad1]what graphics card do you have? go to run, and type in dxdiag and go to the display tab and tell us what it says for graphics card, this could also be an error with your driver, so I'd suggest uninstalling your graphics drivers and reinstalling to see if that fixes it[/quote]

My graphics card is: Intel(R) 82945G Express Chip set Family

Could you also please specify on how to Uninstall my driver? Thanks.

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited
codytoad1

what graphics card do you have? go to run, and type in dxdiag and go to the display tab and tell us what it says for graphics card, this could also be an error with your driver, so I'd suggest uninstalling your graphics drivers and reinstalling to see if that fixes it

Reply September 17, 2010 - edited