video card VIA/53G UniChrome IGP. What is a good upgrade?

Question

that's the video card I have and I want to upgrade. Where to go online. I don't shop if I don't have to.

Answer 1

It depends upon what type of graphics slot your computer's motherboard has. Systems a few years old mostly have AGP, so you'd need an AGP video card. The newest systems now have PCI Express, which is a different interface. So before you shop, you'd need to know which your computer can take.

It also depends upon what you plan to use the computer for. High-end gaming cards can run $250-500. Cards like the ATI X1900, Nvidia 7900GT, etc.

Good cards that aren't the latest and greatest, but which can make newer 3D games (Half-Life 2, Oblivion, World of Warcraft etc) playable can be found for around $150.

If you're not into high-end gaming, there are plenty of cards in the $75 range that provide a big upgrade over motherboard integrated video, something like a GeForce FX5500.

But first and foremost, find out if your computer uses AGP or PCI-express.

I'd check newegg.com or amazon.com, retail stores tend to be overpriced.

Answer 2

The one you have now is not a card, but built into your motherboard. It's definitely worth upgrading mainly because it eats up your memory for graphics.

First make sure your motherboard has either an AGP or PCI-Express slot so you can upgrade it. Some integrated graphics motherboards do not and cannot be upgraded unfortunately.

Also, any video card in the NVIDIA GeForce 6 or 7 range or ATI Radeon 9000 or higher range should be better than what you got now, but prices range from $40 to $500 depending on the features you need on the card.

Answer 3

must be agp!!!!
visit your closest computer store.
buy a card that best meets your needs....eg.gaming , movies etc
depends on your machine ..memmory , processor
do not be fooled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!