I need a new graphics card!

[Raptorfan09]

OK so I am in the market for a new graphics card but the problem is that I have no clue about them at all. I don't know how you install them in your computer or what type of card I should get. My current one is ATI Radeon 2100 and I don't get good framerate. Only between 10 - 15 fps in race conditions. Here are some of my PC details.


System:

Manufacturer: Acer
Model: Aspire
Processor: AMD Athlon X2 Dual core processor 4400+
Memory(RAM): 2.00 GB

Windows Vista Home Premium Service pack 2

Do all graphics cards work with all computers or do you have to specify? By the way I'm looking for one under $100 that gets good frame rate with NR2003. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I like the gForce cards a lot!

Check out frys.com

 

[Josh Mertz]

Handy guide to install Vista correctly:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVbf9tOGwno]YouTube - Vista install in 2 minutes[/ame]

Get an nVidia 8800GT. It's what I got, great card for a cheap price.

 

[Alan Harkleroad]

um ... ok what is the model of your computer. then i can find out what your motherboard is and in turn tell you whether you can use a PCI Express card or PCI Express 16

also you want more ram for windows vista... just a friendly hint. Vista chews up resources on its own. I recommend moving to 7 or spend the 100 dollars the other way and get 2 more gig of ram.

 

[Josh Mertz]

I recommend moving to 7

Your a smart man Harkleroad

 

[Raptorfan09]

um my model is Aspire M1201. I still am not sure if when I buy one how I install it. Will a store do it for you?

 

[Josh Mertz]

um my model is Aspire M1201. I still am not sure if when I buy one how I install it. Will a store do it for you?

Do NOT get a card from a retail store. Better off getting one from Newegg or a site like that. If you use Geek Squad to install it, they'll rape you out of all your money, greedy bastards :noway:

 

[Raptorfan09]

one more thing. I'm having trouble finding these NVidia cards on online stores. They're in Canada right?

 

[Alan Harkleroad]

nvidia is world wide. but ever company uses their chips and ATI's.

you have to order it most likely. where r u in the world?

Best buy has ok cards. For a good card you get on Tigerdirect, Newegg.com, or fry's.

They are less expensive and you get more for your money online.

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
TigerDirect.com - Computers, Computer Parts, Computer Components, Netbooks & Electronics
Fry's Home Electronics | Computer Parts & Accessories, Software, Games, TVs, Cameras - Frys.com

 

[Alan Harkleroad]

is this your model computer

Acer Aspire M1201-ED5000A - Athlon 64 X2 5000+ 2.6 GHz Review and Information

 

[Alan Harkleroad]

if it is i recommend maxing out to the 8gb of ram... thats cheap on a desktop maybe 150 dollars if you get the right kind from newegg.com

 

[Raptorfan09]

yes thats it

 

[Alan Harkleroad]

ok how much you looking to spend

 

[RJMik]

I picked up a BFE NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX 1gb video card last April at Best Buy in the states. It ran NR2003 very well on my old machine. It had just gone discontinued and I picked it up for $109 at the time. The card was well, well worth it and you can probably get one much cheaper now.

Good luck!

RJ

 

[Raptorfan09]

thanks for all the help

 

[John Gregorio]

I wouldn't worry about the RAM right now, you need to upgrade CPU and video card before you touch the ram.

 

[Snoopy0626]

You may wish to give your virtual memory a jump

in this thread you will find how you can adjust your virtual memory

http://www.simracingdesign.com/general-community-discussion/16457-virtual-memory.html