[ardixan]

First off, I need to ask, am I correct in assuming that my computer's inability to run games without lag is from the video card? I know the other system specs aren't cutting edge, but they do seem to meet the minimum to recommended requirements for most games coming out now, including MMORPGs. That leaves me thinking the problem lies with my video card.

Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)

Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs)

Memory: 960MB RAM

Page File: 1020MB used, 1292MB available

I'm a complete newbie when it comes to video cards, so I'll include the entire display portion of the dxdiag. From reading online, I believe this is a PCI-Express slot type card? Could someone confirm that and, if correct, could you suggest medium-to-high range upgrades within or around the range of $100-$150? An upgrade that'll suffice to play games like EVE Online, Empire Earth III, The Witcher, etc.

Card name: ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Series (0x5A61)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5A61&SUBSYS_2A31103C&REV_00
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Generic Television
Monitor Max Res: 640,480
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6571 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 8/13/2005 23:36:00, 238592 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys
Mini VDD Date: 8/13/2005 23:35:00, 1313792 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-1921-11CF-276A-3B0AA1C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x1002
Device ID: 0x5A61
SubSys ID: 0x2A31103C
Revision ID: 0x0000
Revision ID: 0x0000
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D

[Kbalz]

Can you post your motherboard information?

[turtile]

You have onboard video. It should have a PCI express slot but some may not have a slot at all. I would get a HD3850 or 8600GTS but you may need a more powerful PSU depending on your current one.

[ardixan]

Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP Pavilion 061
System Model: EX513AA-ABA A1473W
BIOS: BIOS Date: 02/24/2006 Ver: 08.00.12
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 960MB RAM
Page File: 1020MB used, 1292MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

That's the entire top of the dxdiag; does it tell you what motherboard I have and if it's PCI-Express?

[darksideleader]

oh wait nvm your's is this computer
HP Pavilion Media Center a1473w Desktop PC - Product Specifications

it has a PCI Express

i suggest this card
Newegg.com - Leadtek PX8600GT TDH GDDR2 GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

or do you need something cheaper?

You could also upgrade to a Pentium D but you won't find much improvement from your current proccesor.

[ardixan]

HP Pavilion a1473w

[ardixan]

This is the exact computer. Nothing has been changed since it was bought;

HP Pavilion Media Center A1473w Desktop w/Intel Pentium 4 Processor 620 2.80GHz - Wal-Mart

[Dakaggo]

Originally Posted by darksideleader

oh wait nvm your's is this computer
HP Pavilion Media Center a1473w Desktop PC - Product Specifications

it has a PCI Express

i suggest this card
Newegg.com - Leadtek PX8600GT TDH GDDR2 GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

or do you need something cheaper?

You could also upgrade to a Pentium D but you won't find much improvement from your current proccesor.

What resolution do you intend to play at? Its pretty important when it comes to picking a video card. For that matter how high will your monitor's resolution go?

On some of the higher end games you might need a video card with more ram than the one above depending on the resolution, and of course which games you play.

Wow if you can wait untill christmas eve than I would suggest this one instead.

Newegg.com - Leadtek PX8600GT TDH 512MB GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

[ardixan]

1024 x 768. I'm assuming that's what they run at, as that's what I run my desktop at and I run all games fullscreen mode instead of windowed. I can easily wait till christmas; thanks for the help with choosing a video card, mate.

[ricanflow]

Do you have a crt or flat screen? Most people who game on pc's do so because the graphics are higher res than consoles, and they tend to run them at the native screen resolution (1440x900 for a 19" lcd, 1680x1050 for a 22"). If you have a crt and game at 1024x768, yes thats the native resolution but its pretty low, not much fun since the details arent as visible.