Graphics Card Help

[Skotekal]

Graphics Card Help

So, coming up is Christmas, and my mom told me to just write a list of things I want (Christmas spirit=0).

So, I've always wanted a new graphics card. Now, I'm not so good with the knowhow of a PC's hardware, or what I should get. Now, I want answers from people who absolutely KNOW what the are talking about, such as hardcore PC gamers. So, I have a few question. First off, I want to play games like Fallout 3 and Borderlands. At least. But then comes the money aspect. Now, if you actually want to help me, I would love if you could post the graphics card you suggest (like a link) and the price, preferrably in Canadian dollars, but not necessary. And I almost forgot, I'm looking for it to be around 100-150 bucks, maybe a bit more.

And another 2 questions:

1: Will any GFX card fit, and if not, how do I know? I know about the AGP and PCI slots, I'm talking about things like length, etc.

2: I'm also going to ask for some RAM, but I think they come in all different sizes. How would I be able to check, without opening my computer, what would fit? And how would I write it down in such a way they would know what type to get?

If I am wrong on any of my assumptions, please point that out.

 

[Zjuggernaut]

Re: Graphics Card Help

I'm pretty sure that if you give your make and model of your computer/laptop to the Tech Help section of a shop, that they'll tell you. This is probably a last resort since there are plenty of tech heads on this forum.

Fallout 3 on PC? Are you planning to mod at all?

 

[Skotekal]

Re: Graphics Card Help

Meh, I might install some mods, but I'm more interested in just PC gaming without modding.

And another question, JohnDoe pointed out awhile ago that I had a chipset, and I was wondering what I would have to do about that to get a GFX card to card to work. Disable it? Remove it? I don't know!

 

[HeroOfCrapsalot]

Re: Graphics Card Help

I use a nvidia 9800 card. I got it for 130 USD at Fry's (if anyone knows what that is). Or maybe it was 90... I don't remember. I play Fallout 3 on it and it runs fine, even with all my modding.

 

[Skotekal]

Re: Graphics Card Help

This?

It should be in the cost range. About $140CAN is good. Anyone else have some suggestions?

 

[runeblade265]

Re: Graphics Card Help

If that your budget then id recommend a 9800gt.

Get it from here
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130339&Tpk=9800gt


If you want to go a bit cheaper go for this one.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133304&cm_re=9800gt-_-14-133-304-_-Product


I'd recommend The EVGA brand one as EVGA is a pretty reliable brand.


1: Will any GFX card fit, and if not, how do I know? I know about the AGP and PCI slots, I'm talking about things like length, etc.
A: Depend on your case and motherboard really.


2: I'm also going to ask for some RAM, but I think they come in all different sizes. How would I be able to check, without opening my computer, what would fit? And how would I write it down in such a way they would know what type to get?
If you can find out what motherboard you have that would be great.

Also wat are the rest of your specs?

Also note: U might or might not need a new PSU too.

 

[Skotekal]

Re: Graphics Card Help

Thanks runeblade. I think I've also run into another snag. I'm not sure if I have a pci or pci express slot. Now, I need to open my computer up soon anyways to clean it out. Dust etc, so do you know of any way I could tell if it is or not?

 

[Skotekal]

Re: Graphics Card Help

Alright

Spoiler

I'm not sure if that helps, tell me if it doesn't.

EDIT: Well, I think I may have found my answer. Tell if I am wrong though.

Spoiler

 

[Skotekal]

Re: Graphics Card Help

Yup, Gateway. And by any chance, did you see the edit? I kind of got to it a little late.

 

[runeblade265]

Re: Graphics Card Help

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/PCI-Express-Bus.jpg

your slots should look similar to that


and do you know the wattage of your power supply?

 

[Skotekal]

Re: Graphics Card Help

No, I was just about to ask how to find the wattage. Will it be on the power supply itself in the computer?

And thanks for the reference pic.

 

[runeblade265]

Re: Graphics Card Help

yes. there should be a sticker saying it on the psu

 

[Skotekal]

Re: Graphics Card Help

Alright, thanks. I'll pop it open later. Just had supper so I'm going to relax for a bit.

 

[Skotekal]

Re: Graphics Card Help

Alright, I'm totally not bumping this thread, but is it offset from the PCI slots? I looked at a few pictures and it fits the description an look perfectly. Looks like I have myself a PCIE slot. But I wasn't able to find the wattage on the power supply.