Warning: The computer is a (uggghhh!) Gateway.
System:
x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 7 GenuineIntel ~2386 Mhz, not overclocked
512MB RDRAM PC800
NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440 (Gateway) 128MB
Creative SB Audigy Sound Card
GTW V.92 Voicemodem
MAT#$%&A DVD-ROM SR-8588
LITE-ON LTR-48246S CD R/W
Maxtor 6Y060L0 60GB HD
Windows XP Home with service pack 2
Gateway Tower Case
NEC MultiSync FP 1350x 22 inch monitor (woohoo!)
250w power supply.
I use my computer mostly for gaming and internet. I like to have multiple windows and programs running at the same time.
I am looking to upgrade my video card and possibly the RAM. Total budget $400-$500 US funds.
I'll start with the RAM. I have PC800 2x256MB RDRAM and 2 of those "placeholder modules" on my mother board. I do not know if I have ECC memory at this time (I'll check later tonight). I am thinking about upgrading to 1GB by adding 2 more sticks of 256MB. Are there recomended brands or suppliers. Corsair and NewEgg seem to be names repeated often. What about Kingston and Tigerdirect or the Computer Memory Store?
For upgrading the RAM should I spend some money on the RAM and some on a video card or put all my funds into a video card?
As far as video cards go I have used some Google-Fu but the more I search the less I know. I do not wish to move into the realm of overclocking. I see ATI and NVidia, 128MB and 256MB cards. I think my video card is a bit of a choke point for my system. Most of the games I play are at the lowest or second lowest detail and resolution settings. Also, for major components like this, brand name and manufacturer support (like driver updates) are important to me.
For features it would be nice to be able to receive HDTV signals and capture video but it is not required. About 2 years from now (if things go according to plan) I would like to build my own computer and if the video card could be used in that build it would be a nice way to save a few bucks. With the ways motherboards and interfaces are changing I know that may not be possible. Dual monitor support is not a priority.
I also have some concerns with my 250w power supply. Would a competent video card be too much for it?
Thanks,
jahcs
edit: System specs updated.
addendum: Apparently the forum language filter will not allow me to input the manufacturer's name for my DVD drive correctly.
System:
x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 7 GenuineIntel ~2386 Mhz, not overclocked
512MB RDRAM PC800
NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440 (Gateway) 128MB
Creative SB Audigy Sound Card
GTW V.92 Voicemodem
MAT#$%&A DVD-ROM SR-8588
LITE-ON LTR-48246S CD R/W
Maxtor 6Y060L0 60GB HD
Windows XP Home with service pack 2
Gateway Tower Case
NEC MultiSync FP 1350x 22 inch monitor (woohoo!)
250w power supply.
I use my computer mostly for gaming and internet. I like to have multiple windows and programs running at the same time.
I am looking to upgrade my video card and possibly the RAM. Total budget $400-$500 US funds.
I'll start with the RAM. I have PC800 2x256MB RDRAM and 2 of those "placeholder modules" on my mother board. I do not know if I have ECC memory at this time (I'll check later tonight). I am thinking about upgrading to 1GB by adding 2 more sticks of 256MB. Are there recomended brands or suppliers. Corsair and NewEgg seem to be names repeated often. What about Kingston and Tigerdirect or the Computer Memory Store?
For upgrading the RAM should I spend some money on the RAM and some on a video card or put all my funds into a video card?
As far as video cards go I have used some Google-Fu but the more I search the less I know. I do not wish to move into the realm of overclocking. I see ATI and NVidia, 128MB and 256MB cards. I think my video card is a bit of a choke point for my system. Most of the games I play are at the lowest or second lowest detail and resolution settings. Also, for major components like this, brand name and manufacturer support (like driver updates) are important to me.
For features it would be nice to be able to receive HDTV signals and capture video but it is not required. About 2 years from now (if things go according to plan) I would like to build my own computer and if the video card could be used in that build it would be a nice way to save a few bucks. With the ways motherboards and interfaces are changing I know that may not be possible. Dual monitor support is not a priority.
I also have some concerns with my 250w power supply. Would a competent video card be too much for it?
Thanks,
jahcs
edit: System specs updated.
addendum: Apparently the forum language filter will not allow me to input the manufacturer's name for my DVD drive correctly.
The Bill of No Rights
The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein
The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein