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want to use a new graphics card

i am going to buy a new graphics card with an s-video out , but before i do that i want to make sure it is the best path.

i have a compaw presario 5140

i have heard putting in a new graphics card to my motherboard will not get much great value in terms of gaming, but all i want is an svideo out slot so i can connect to tv...

should i

a) install a new motherboard and then buy a new graphics card

b) just install the new graphics card on the old motherboard

>>>i want really good quality so if i am going to lose quality in b let me know!!

SOLUTION

Callandor

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cougar694u

You need to find out what port you have on your mother board. If it's a PII, you'll need to check if it's PCI, or if it has AGP. If it does have AGP, you need to find out if it's 2x, 4x, etc.

You can buy a new video card and it will be greatly beneficial to your gaming (been there). If you do, though, you need to make sure the new card you buy is backwards compatible with your current AGP slot. The radeon is a good card like ^^^ said. It will help as it processes the video and takes some of the strain off your CPU.

This way, if you decide to build a new PC later, you can still use this video card in the new system.

Either way, you'll be satisfied by adding a new video.

cougar694u

Another thing that'll help with gaming is your RAM. How much do you have?

Also, you're not going to lose quality by installing a new video card.

finnstone

ASKER

i have a new motherboard alreaedy, it was rated high by a quality site, motherboard.org or something, should i put that in my old computer with the same hookups and then buy a new video card?

sounds like a new video card with old motherboard wont work

no AGP on old mother

Callandor

> no AGP on old mother

In that case, since you already have a new motherboard, you might as well start getting use out of it and buy a new video card. The Radeon 9000 will put up a good picture for low cost - I use it for my front projector.

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cougar694u

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SOLUTION

maimon22

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finnstone

ASKER

maimon, i was going to go with cougars advice but yuour comments concenr me, why would it be a waste if i am using a new motherboard that i will install and still use the p2 400 and a new graphics card!?

finnstone

ASKER

my motherboard is ax4spe max 2, will that work with my computer?

SOLUTION

cougar694u

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cougar694u

If I were you, I'd buy a new video card and put it in your current machine. This WILL help gaming. Then, when you get the money, buy CPU & RAM. You can see if the motherboard fits in your old case. If it does, you're in business with your P-4. If not, buy a new case, and you're in business anyway.

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mysticaldan

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SOLUTION

Callandor

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finnstone

ASKER

thanks all, i am going to award points now..will probably try mysticaldans suggestion first , if quality is not up to par i will be investing in all sorts of new equipment and building a new computer.

one final question, why new RAM?

SOLUTION

cougar694u

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