new graphics card

[bassfisher6522]

I have an old computer that I recently upgraded from Me to XP. I also have incredimail and use their screen savers. When I downloaded the new magnetic screen saver program and picked the clock and tried to run it I got a message that said I need updated software or hardware. After contacting Incrediamil thru emails only, they told me I needed a new video card. My question is; that being my computer is old can some one recommend a new video card and where I might get it and a cost that is not outrageous that would be compatible with my system. I just want to run some screen savers, no on line gaming will be involved. This is the kids computer. The old card is a Intel 82810 graphics controller, chip type-Intel 82810, 32mb of display memory. The computer is an HP pavilion xg843 desktop. I've tried goggling but not sure what I should be goggling. Is this something a novice can replace. I am still waiting on response from incredimail as what their min. requirements for new card. I am guessing the min. would be 128mb. but not sure. Any input on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bubba]

First off, I am blunt so that means I have a bad way of expressing myself so bear that in mind for the following comments:

First off I hope you did not pay anything for the XP because if you did you paid more than the computer you installed it on is worth. I see you say you have 32 MB of video RAM, but the HP site says you have only 11 and it is not upgradeable. I'm getting my info from the HP site, here:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph06430&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=60596〈=en
You can replace that whole system for less than any video card I know of would cost and the newer system would have a better video card. I'm not trying to be rude or condescending, just straight forward. You couldn't even GIVE that computer away to a charity unless it was some third world charity because no one would pay more than about 5 bucks for it. I know, I have three of about that quality sitting right beside me as I type that I can not give away. As you can see, not even free programs will load on it anymore and work. Forget about trying to buy a program written in the last 5 years that you can install if it still has that 20 GB hard drive.


In short, do without those little smileys from the incredimail and drive on with what you have. I wouldn't in good conscience spend one penny on that machine if it were mine. I don't know where you live but there has to be a place by you like the one i'm going to link if those little smiley things for email are important to you.

MicroSeconds - Desktops

Look at the prices of some machines much more powerful than the one you are talking about. Don't just compare that to the price of the lowest end video card you can find, but look at the total price of all the stuff you would need to even get that card to work.

Really man, go with what you have for the kids or get something a little newer but don't drop another dime on that rig. If what you want for the kids is a word processor and something they can check email with without getting into trouble, you have it. Money is tight so all I can say is don't waste it on trying to upgrade that thing. Get something newer or leave it alone.

 

[HexManiac]

Bubba is right. Do not spend anymore money on that PC. The video cannot be upgraded on that machine, unless you can find an older PCI video card, which would not be good enough. I have one of the old Obsidian X24 Voodoo2 PCI cards laying arould for nostalgic purposes and it only has 24MB. I don't even think your PC has an AGP slot, let alone the standard PCIe video slot.

 

[Bubba]

Thanks Bassfisher for the PM. I was afraid after later re-reading what I wrote that it came across wrong but you let me know it didn't. I have had some bad experiences here that way lol. Glad you got my meaning without taking it wrong.

I'd buy some social skills if someone sold them lol.