Graphics Card

[PS3-Playb3yond]

I installed Windows 7 on my 6 years old PC and obviously it doesn't support Windows Aero. I want to get a graphics card and I don't know which brand is best or what my PC can support.

PC Model numeber is SR1315CL

Thanks!

[FlipperWasIrish]

Go to the website of the company that made your computer. Best guess is that the info you are looking for will be under a section titled something close to "Support" or "Upgrades". They should know what will work in your system.

Adding Windows 7 to a six year old system is possible, I updated a Vista system that was only 2 years old because it met the needed specs. I've had no problems.

[Bodyslide]

You will need AGP card...

A Good Selection here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=AGP%204X%2f8X

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by FlipperWasIrish

Go to the website of the company that made your computer. Best guess is that the info you are looking for will be under a section titled something close to "Support" or "Upgrades". They should know what will work in your system.

Adding Windows 7 to a six year old system is possible, I updated a Vista system that was only 2 years old because it met the needed specs. I've had no problems.

It tells you how to update the BIOS, install a Processor, upgrading RAM and changing the CD-ROM but northing on the video card.

Originally Posted by Bodyslide

You will need AGP card...

A Good Selection here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=AGP%204X%2f8X

What's an AGP card? Is AGP the only compatible one?

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

What's an AGP card? Is AGP the only compatible one?

AGP is the slot that the card fits into on the motherboard.

Current cards are PCI-E so that won't fit because it doesn't match you're cards slot...

Couple things to keep in mind, check the power requirements (I know back when I was on AGP my 6800gt required a new Power supply otherwise it would overheat)

So I'm sure if its an especially old computer you might need to update both the card and PSU which means you might be better off getting a new comp.

*I googled you're model number and it looks like its not even a 300watt psu (can't confirm though), which means even some AGP cards might not run without an upgrade on that... Not to mention you might bottleneck the card with that amd chip.

[FlipperWasIrish]

HP's website (HP gobbled up Compaq) is not the greatest, but if you spend enough time you should be able to drill down and find an answer, or maybe even just an email address where you can send them the question. I'm sure you are out of warranty by now, so you may or may not get prompt service.
Good luck with this project.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by supersix4

AGP is the slot that the card fits into on the motherboard.

Current cards are PCI-E so that won't fit because it doesn't match you're cards slot...

Couple things to keep in mind, check the power requirements (I know back when I was on AGP my 6800gt required a new Power supply otherwise it would overheat)

So I'm sure if its an especially old computer you might need to update both the card and PSU which means you might be better off getting a new comp.

*I googled you're model number and it looks like its not even a 300watt psu (can't confirm though), which means even some AGP cards might not run without an upgrade on that... Not to mention you might bottleneck the card with that amd chip.

So, you recommend to not get the graphics card?

Originally Posted by FlipperWasIrish

HP's website (HP gobbled up Compaq) is not the greatest, but if you spend enough time you should be able to drill down and find an answer, or maybe even just an email address where you can send them the question. I'm sure you are out of warranty by now, so you may or may not get prompt service.
Good luck with this project.

Thanks!

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

So, you recommend to not get the graphics card?

I mean its really old I have no idea on how big the compaq case is but if its anything like the media center HP's were then its extremely tiny I also didn't look enough into the PSU requirements for the agp cards since that 6800GT I had... But I figure they'd be more then you're stock CPU which could cause real problems.


I just quick googled psu requirements and even the 256 6200 wants at LEAST a 300watt psu...

If I was a betting man I'd say a stock Compaq from then would have a 250watt psu which won't be enough.


the 5500 MIGHT run ok because I think that requires a 250 minimum but you might still see some issues.

Issues you are probably looking at right now

Case is to small
PSU to small
and then the card

Unless you have had exp building comps you probably should start saving you can find quality comps for well under 1000 nowadays.

[FlipperWasIrish]

Best Advice: Go to a computer repair store nearby that either you or someone you know trusts. Find out your options, perhaps there is a card for your PC and all will be fine. Perhaps you'll find it cheaper to go back to your old OS(save the Windows 7 for your next system).

I frown upon investing money on older systems, as many issues can come up. While it's expensive buying or building new ones every 2-3 years, it saves me time in the long run, so actually this is financially better for me.

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by FlipperWasIrish

Best Advice: Go to a computer repair store nearby that either you or someone you know trusts.

Yeah I mean even if he lucks out and someone will rebuild it for him for lets say $40 bucks and then a $40 buck decent sized case, then a $30-80 card it really isn't worth it IMOP, but thats just my take...

I'd keep it max out the ram maybe put a 128mb card in and use it for old school games and start saving for a new comp.

Maybe if you tell us what you're looking to do with the new vid card we could better recommend things to do, if all you're trying to do is max out older games then a 128mb cARD might be great, but if you are trying to play crysis or something on the bare minimum settings then start shopping

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Ok. Well, thanks guys! I'm sick of the computer anyway lol. I already installed Windows 7 on it and it's running fine but the graphics just plain sucks. Aero is not supported so . . .

Next Desktop I get I will probably build myself as they're nuch more future-proof, have my eye set on the Intel i7 processor but I need to do a lot of research until then. Anyway, thanks again!

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by supersix4

Yeah I mean even if he lucks out and someone will rebuild it for him for lets say $40 bucks and then a $40 buck decent sized case, then a $30-80 card it really isn't worth it IMOP, but thats just my take...

I'd keep it max out the ram maybe put a 128mb card in and use it for old school games and start saving for a new comp.

Maybe if you tell us what you're looking to do with the new vid card we could better recommend things to do, if all you're trying to do is max out older games then a 128mb cARD might be great, but if you are trying to play crysis or something on the bare minimum settings then start shopping

Actually, all I'm trying to get it to do is play HD videos without staggering and also support Windiws Aero.

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

Actually, all I'm trying to get it to do is play HD videos without staggering and also support Windiws Aero.

Ok... well the 5200 had a 135 MHz maximum pixel clock so it won't be able to do 1080p but will be able to do 720p you might have to go 6 series which would probably still require case,psu and a 6 series or equivalent ati card.
sorry to be the bringer of bad news.

also the 5200 should run aero.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by supersix4

Ok... well the 5200 had a 135 MHz maximum pixel clock so it won't be able to do 1080p but will be able to do 720p you might have to go 6 series which would probably still require case,psu and a 6 series or equivalent ati card.
sorry to be the bringer of bad news.

also the 5200 should run aero.

Which 5200 are we talking about btw? And is the PSU enough to handle it?

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

Which 5200 are we talking about btw? And is the PSU enough to handle it?

requirements for any of the 5200 128mb should be 250watt minimum which is what I kept coming across on you're model # search.

+ at less then 40 bucks it might be worth it to give it a shot.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Ok, thanks! What brand is the 5200?

[binarymelon]

I wouldn't recommend sinking any money into this machine. You will continue to think "Oh if I just add so-and-so it will be able to do that thing I want it to do". Above an AGP video card (which are outdated) and a memory upgrade your motherboard will prevent you from doing anything with that machine.

Edit: If you are considering upgrading your machine, tigerdirect barebones kits are probably a good starting point to figure out what you might want/need.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...name=Barebones

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by binarymelon

I wouldn't recommend sinking any money into this machine. You will continue to think "Oh if I just add so-and-so it will be able to do that thing I want it to do". Above an AGP video card (which are outdated) and a memory upgrade your motherboard will prevent you from doing anything with that machine.

Edit: If you are considering upgrading your machine, tigerdirect barebones kits are probably a good starting point to figure out what you might want/need.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...name=Barebones

Wow! There is actually some good stuff there. Thanks!

Yeah, I guess it's not worth it. I change my mind and I appreciate all your help guys!

[binarymelon]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

Wow! There is actually some good stuff there. Thanks!

Yeah, I guess it's not worth it. I change my mind and I appreciate all your help guys!

You may also want to check http://www.newegg.com to compare the prices of the components.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Ok, I will.