Improving Graphics...?

Question

recently purchased a pc hp a6000n (AMD Athlon 64 X2 Processor 4200 Plus, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium) with Nvidia GeForce 6150 SE problem is the graphics suck! i try to play cod2 and it lags so much even when i play at the lowest resolution. Even some of the icons on the desktop seem blury and the pictures when zoomed in. My last computer was a a430n with nVidia GeForce MX 440 AGP 8x graphics. I 've been happy with my old pc when it comes to gaming. How come a newer pc is worst when it comes to graphics? I want to spend as less as possible for a video card but get a decent performance. please tell me a couple good video cards that will play games like cod2 and far cry how much they 'll cost and where i can get them ( i prefer going to an actual store so i can get it installed) thanks alot!

i 'm not good with installing hardware so i 'd rather have it installed. here's the the specs for the pc http://www.amazon.com/Pavilion-A6000N-Desktop-Processor-SuperMulti/dp/B000O5D43G
if someone can take a look and tell me if i have everything required for the 8 series i ll apprecaite it. how much do those go for?

mark thanks but i don't wanna do anything myself i'm afraid i 'll mess it up. that sounds like a good deal i 'll look for it in stores

i just watched a video on youtube. it seems pretty easy installing it yourself so i think i can do it. which card would fit in my pc? i don't want to order something that won't fit..

i'm looking to spend something around $100-$150 even $200 if it's really worth it but i'm not a hardcore gamer i just wanna be a happy with the performance

i went for the 7600gt and it's awesome! i installed it myself, wasn't too bad. thing is i paid $160 from fry's with $60 in rebates if i ever get it..so $100. proto thanks for answer my other question too really appreciated

Answer 1

If you're looking to play 3D fps games but want a bargain card, grab a GeForce 7600GT for about $95- they aren't too expensive and and perform MUCH better than the 7300 cards which are $20 to $30 less... That card is the sweet spot of bang for the buck.

As you get into the $200 range there are really, really nice cards like the ATI Radeon X1950XT and further up, the godlike GeForce 8800.

Buying online from NewEgg you'll get unbeatable prices, but local computer stores carry them. You might even check Fryes or CompUSA, depending upon your area.

Here's the latest list from Tom's Hardware:

Answer 2

GeForce 8 Series...:)

You'll need a PCIe slot for those though and at least a 500Watt PSU.

If you have an AGP slot then i'd go for a GeForce 7600

Check www.newegg.com right now. There's a LOT of good deals on video cards. Just figure out what kind of slot is on the motherboard first before ordering anything.

EDIT

After looking at the exact model's specs on Newegg.com, yuo will be able to handle a GeForce 8600 without too much trouble.

I would go ahead and have it installed through an authorized dealer if it is still under warranty so you don't void that warranty.

If you do attempt to install it yourself, please be sure to disable the intergrated Video chipset to prevent any kind of hardware conflicts.

Answer 3

This should do the trick:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127286
its a midrange card, but it brand new so it should give you just fine performance. Also it DirectX 10 so it is somewhat future proof. Check your power supply, I would recommend at leat 350W. (If anyone starts screaming about needing a 500 or 600 PSU, the card only uses about 40W.) Lastly, install it yourself, no sense in going to a store and paying more for the card, and then paying even more to have them install it. If you can safely operate a set of Legos, you can install a video card. If you need further help, email me.

Answer 4

Well to save you money its easyer to install yourself but I like the Geforce Fx series. I use a Geforce Fx 5200 and I can play any game with graphics at full power and they run perfect. They cost round 89.99 and super easy to install. More Q's just email me.

Answer 5

Do not buy an Nvidia FX 5200 or any FX for that matter. Mark N should be marked down for that one. I could help you if you gave me a price range. Thanks.