16 mb of video memory to video card question?

Question

i have a 2.20 ghz,p4,768 ram, and only 16 mb of video memory and want to go with a new video card, any reccomendations? i also have 1 from another system, if i just insall, will my system automatically recognize it? thanks

Answer 1

Find out what kind of expansion slots your computer has for a video card. There are three types used for video cards now: PCI, (used for lots of stuff, you should have multiple of these) AGP, (Video card specific slot) and PCI Express. (Newer video card specific slot)

From the specs listed, your system is more likely to have AGP then PCI Express, and should have multiple PCI (also known now as PCI Conventional) slots. An AGP/PCI Express card would be better then a PCI card, but if PCI is all you have then that's what you'd have to use. Your computer manufacturer's documentation (or website) may have info on what kind of slots it has, but I would double check it by taking a look inside the case. (The information Compaq had for my old system was wrong both on type of memory and video card slot info.) The links below have lots of technical info, but also have some pics of various slots.

Answer 2

When you install a new video card, the computer will recognize the new hardware and ask for you to install the drivers. As long as the video card from the other system fits into the ports of your system and you have the drivers there should not be any problems.