help with updating graphics card please

daffy

Geek Trainee
Hi

just started playing counterstrike source and having trouble with slow blocky movements. have been advised to update GC from the following intel 33/31 express chipset but only have limited funds.

will this one work (what I will most likely buy if so)

PNY NVIDIA 9400GT 512MB PCI-E GRAPHICS CARD on eBay, also Graphics Video Cards, Graphics, Video TV Cards, Desktop PC Components, Computing (end time 01-Jan-09 19:04:36 GMT)

or at a push this one though its over what i want to spend

512MB XFX 9600GT PCI-E GRAPHICS HD VIDEO CARD 9600 GT on eBay, also Graphics Video Cards, Graphics, Video TV Cards, Desktop PC Components, Computing (end time 28-Jan-09 05:30:41 GMT)

and will they be worth buying compared to what I already have??

thanks


System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 12/30/2008, 23:12:21
Machine name: MEDDERSANDWA-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.080917-1612)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Inspiron 530s
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E4600 @ 2.40GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 2036MB RAM
Page File: 1461MB used, 2860MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6001.18000 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) GMA 3100
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_29C2&SUBSYS_020D1028&REV_02
Display Memory: 286 MB
Dedicated Memory: 0 MB
Shared Memory: 286 MB
Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor: Dell E228WFP
Driver Name: igdumd32.dll
Driver Version: 7.14.0010.1437 (English)
DDI Version: 9Ex
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 2/11/2008 19:36:08, 3301376 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-6A82-11CF-0576-0722A3C2CA35}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x29C2
SubSys ID: 0x020D1028
Revision ID: 0x0002
Revision ID: 0x0002
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C
 
"512MB XFX 9600GT PCI-E GRAPHICS HD VIDEO CARD 9600 GT on eBay, also Graphics Video Cards, Graphics, Video TV Cards, Desktop PC Components, Computing (end time 28-Jan-09 05:30:41 GMT)"

I'd buy that, and anything is better than the on board graphics you're currently using :)
 
hi

thanks for your help with this matter, just one last thing, the 9500 in the link provided is a 1gb rather than a 512mb i saw previously, is there anything I need to be aware of for this size difference???

I have ordered an extra 1gb RAM which will take my total to 3gb if that helps the situation??

Palit 9500GT 1GB DDR2 VGA DVI HDMI PhysX and Cuda ready PCI-E Graphics Card - Ebuyer


Right you've got your physical memory that you use for programmes which in your case is 2GB, then you've got this graphics card which is 1GB

so you'll be fine :)
 
Certainly either of those would be worth buying because they should be much better than the onboard card. That is always the case: onboard video sucks compared to a real video card (unless that video card is old and not current).

I have no idea if your cheaper choice will be adequate, sorry. I don't have any experience with new games lol.
 
Yeah, running a 9500 is about the same as running a 8400. It will give you acceptable framerates on CS:S with a medium resolution and pretty basic 'eye candy.' But in the end it will be an upgrade from what you've got, so I'd go for it.
 
hi

just got my low profile GC, the nvidia 9500GT 1gb.
with the back plate thats included its too big to fit into the rear of the computer with casing attached. its got a DVI port that i dont need, then an S VIDEO then the important VGA on the right hand side of the photo (sorry its a pants picture). so when its put in the computer the VGA is too wide for the casing. The furthest part to the left land right are too long. but if they were shorter it would fit but I'd need a backplate with 3 holes iin it, is this possible???
Can I buy a backplate that fits my Inspiron 530s???

thanks
 

Attachments

  • 09012009174.jpg
    09012009174.jpg
    106.3 KB · Views: 176
hi

I saw the previous link but there are two other ports to consider.
the round one is flush so thats ok but the other is slightly bigger than VGA so wont the backplate need another hole to accommodate that one?? hope the photo shows what I mean.

thanks
 
Back
Top