Vista - new graphic card

i have a hp a6042n destop. it comes with a ecs nettle.-->

the specs
HP and Compaq Desktop PCs*-* Motherboard Specifications, MCP61PM-HM (Nettle)*

i know i have one pci express x16 and a pci1 slot empty
i already have a nvdia geforce 6150n force 430. 128mb
it not doing very well, in terms of gaming.
i want to play quantom of solace. cuz i bought it withought looking at the reqirments(lol)

but since i am a complete noob with pc. (but learning fast)
i need ur help.

Newegg.com - MSI RX1550-TD256EH Radeon X1550 Support up to 512MB (256MB onboard) 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Newegg.com - PNY VCG8400SXEB GeForce 8400 GS 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Newegg.com - Galaxy 84GEE6HDFEXN GeForce 8400 GS 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Low Profile Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

will these work. also plz plz plz tell me how to tell if it is capatible.

note : i dont think your gonna get the rebate. cuz i never did.

i also dont know my psu.
the only upgrade i did was add 2 gig of memory.

thank you for reading this. i know this wastes ur time.
thank you even more if u reply

also. i aim for a 512mb vid card, and is more mb putting less load on your cpu, becuz i saw some 256mb more expensiver than 512mb, is the mb in your video card truly the ONLY thing i should look out for???

um hello?

i am pretty sure any card will work as long as it is the right form factor. meaning, if you have a pci express slot, any pci express video card should work.

get a nvidia card because you have a nvidia onboard and it will make set up so much easier
in terms of a good one.... idk really know....... sunksmash or someone give this guy some advice

whats the point of upgrading your card when the cards you are looking at will only bottleneck your system, your onboard card is a lot faster than the 8400GS or the X1550, you might need to save up for a new PSU regardless of what Graphics card you get, as like all companies trying to save a buck, they only put in the required PSU rated for your hardware.

The nvidia chipset is using a GeForce 6150, a card that is ancient even when compared to the ones he listed and certainly not faster.

I'm guessing from your choice of cards you're looking for a cheap upgrade, a VERY cheap upgrade. If you're serious about wanting to play some games you will need to go a little more expensive. All of those would be an upgrade, but it's a much better "bang for the buck" to spend around 50-70 dollars on a Radeon HD3650/3850/4650 or a Nvidia 8600GT/9500GT/9600GT.

ok. about nvdia.

wait before that mr.needs i dont think a geforce 6150 is faster than nowday cards

i aim at pci express x16 becuz i think it easier. just plug and play. but problem. i know much of my system use nvdia stuff. like my monitor. what if i take off me already gfx card and put a new one. what would happen?

also. i aim at 256-512mb i think it would be enought for me. i light game

256-512 are the common memory sizes, but which GPU and the number of shaders (or effective shaders) and the clock speed will have more of an impact. For instance an old 8400GS with 512mb wont' be as fast as a newer 9600GT with 256mb.

All of the cards I listed are PCI express x16, but if you want to stick with nVidia I'd still suggest the 8600/9600GT cards for a bit more money, or the 8800/9800 series if you're willing to spend closer to 100 dollars.

the 8400 is not a gaming card.....


if your really interested in gaming on that rig, i would suggest (as have others) a new PSU & a 9600GT or above, or a HD4830 or above....

unfortunately its ''catch 22'' ...if you buy a decent card the rest of your rig will bottleneck the performance (it will still be much better than now) & if you buy a cheap card you will be in the same situation your in now..??


by default PCs are not designed to game, so in order to really have a good experience while doing it you need faster components...

trying to convert a ''pre-built'' rig for gaming purposes is always more work than its worth....

today's games are so intensive that the stress will amplify any weak link in your rigs Armour & exploit it..


so bottom line, if your adamant you wish to game on it a new PSU & one of the above cards will be required... IMO





SK