How do i know what graphics card to get?

Question

i have a Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller and my computer (an eMachines T4010)will not run a game that i would like it to because i dont have a good enough graphics card. The Nvidia GeForce 256 was a graphics card that i found online that had the right specifications to fit the requirements of the game. But how do i know whether it's compatable with my computer? can someone please help me out?

thanks: Marc

Answer 1

Your computer looks like it can only hold a PCI card, (NOT PCI-E)

That's all the info I can find on it, I'm fairly sure it's only got PCI slots though so you would need to buy a PCI video card as it is the only kind it will support.

I reccomend the ATI Radeon 9250, I had this card for over a year and it may run the game you play. It runs CS:S at about 30-40 FPS and WoW at about 20-30, it's one of the best PCI cards but then again PCI isn't even meant for gaming.

Answer 2

Which nVidia GeForce? Try being more precise... But, since it is a PC it probably will, just check your mainboard to see if you need a PCI-E or an AGP graphics card. If you change your mind ATI Radeon 3850 512MB is now considered as a best buy mainstream video card.

Answer 3

As others have said, you need to know what graphics port is available on your machine.  These come in three flavors.

PCI - general purpose port, still on some machines.

AGP - several different brands - still the mainstream favorite because software publishers haven't managed to exploit its successor

PCI-express (not to be confused w/PCI).  

I looked over the review for your PC and saw no mention of any expansion ports, which may mean that you can't get any card.  eMachines weren't noted for being very upgradeable.

Are you sure you need any graphics card?  You may have a memory or HD issue.  If Graphics is really the problem, it's time for a new machine.