Graphic/Video Card

[jameswc]

I need to purchase a new video/graphic card that is compatible with WoW and will provide the best images for less than $100. Here is my current specifications:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00572524&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=1815825&lang=en

Any suggestions?

[AaManiac]

Here is a good list of about 75 Cards that will fint into a PCI-E x16 slot and range from 75-100 b4 shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Pagesize=50&Page=1&Category=38&N=2010380048+4027+1069609641&Submit=ENE&Nty=1&Subcategory=48

-Maniac

[jameswc]

Ok, thanks! Would it be possible to run the game smoothly with my current card

[sqchram]

Don't buy new if you want a killer card!

2-3 years ago I built my system with an eVGA GeForce 7800 GTX KO, a $500+ card. I got an SLI mobo for future upgradeability.

About a month ago I was sick and tired of getting 10 FPS on raids and in IF, so I bought a matching one off ebay for $200 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/evga-GeForce-7800-GT-PCI-E_W0QQitemZ190064857331QQihZ009QQcategoryZ40161QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Theres one for $100. Course its 3 days away from ending.

Pick a few families of cards, start monitoring and tracking on ebay. I guarantee you'll get twice the performance for your dollar than buying new.

[Kalos]

No. It's intergrated. That means it's the cheapest, and crappiest, solution available. Gaming on intergrated graphics is like having a frontal labotomy. Painful and unnecessary. Buy a cheap dedicated card, it'll take a burden off both the CPU and the Ram; everything'll speed up. You're just lucky the graphics card prices in America are typically the cheapest around, so take advantage.

Question to directly above: How did you get hold of a 7800 GTX two or three years ago? They were launched on June 22, 2005. Two years ago, the 6800 GT was the top dog. Three years ago was the infamously unpopular FX range.

[jameswc]

Ok. Can anyone recommend a specific card? I would like to be able to go to somewhere such as Best Buy to buy it.

[Kalos]

I took one look over Best Buy, they'd rip you off, for instance over $300 for a Radeon X800, two generations behind current series. Absolute tripe, I'd expect prices to be 1/3 of that; www.newegg.com does charge much, much better rates. Best deal in your price range is this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122002

[sqchram]

Question to directly above: How did you get hold of a 7800 GTX two or three years ago? They were launched on June 22, 2005. Two years ago, the 6800 GT was the top dog. Three years ago was the infamously unpopular FX range.

I stole a secret prototype demo.


Lol, leave it to my memory, ok so it was last year =]

[jameswc]

And that card will work with my current computer? Sorry, I don't know if all cards work on all computers and what not.

[sqchram]

Yep its a PCI Express x16 slot card, which is what your motherboard has.

I believe its the best video adapter type out currently.

[jameswc]

Alright, I will probably be getting this sometime in January. I talked to a HP Tech last night, and he said that some would require me to purchase a new power adapter...would this need a new one? Also, how easy would it be to install for a newb?

[Kalos]

That would depend on your current power adapter, more commonly known as the PSU or power supply unit. How many watts does it put out? It's not an easy component to change/install either; being the primary power distribution network with cables plugging into practically every device internally.

[jameswc]

I have installed WoW and have came to the login screen and it appears to be pretty good. Would this change after entering the game? I don't want to spend $100 if I don't have to.

Edit: The HP Tech said my current PSU is 300w and the card that I am looking at needs 400w or above.


Edit x2: Here is a screenshot of it. I think it looks pretty good! http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2982/sampleok3.jpg ..Would it just not work after logging in?

[jameswc]

I did a test and apparently my graphic card will work:
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/9997/passoc6.jpg
I will register tomorrow and make sure it works. I went to a compatibility website, chose WoW, and it ran the test.

I am going to be so happy if it really works! thats $100 saved!