So I'm looking for a graphics card...

[Sivart the Sloth Trencher]

But I don't know what the hell to look for. Basically, I need something with Pixel Shading 2.0 to play the American McGhee's Grimm games, but I want something that can also put up with more detailed games, like Portal.

Here's what I found but, like I said, I don't know what I'm doing and if what I've found is any good: "EVGA 512-P3-N954-TR GeForce 9500 GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail"

...Can anyone help me figure this all out?

[DBtheProdigy]

Re: So I'm looking for a graphics card...

If you want a simple great working graphics card. I suggest Nvidia Gforce 8800 GTS. Its cheap too.

[Translucid]

Re: So I'm looking for a graphics card...

uh, that card will work fine. portal (and every source game) has pretty low system requirements.

THAT being said, if you don't own all 3 consoles, upgrading your graphics card (if you have a decent processor + motherboard + RAM) is a cheaper way to get some of the games you wouldn't get to play otherwise (albeit usually later). ie, Devil May Cry 4 came out recently for PC, and GTA 4 has also been announced.

soooooo get like a $100 graphics card, try to find something with a rebate

[Sivart the Sloth Trencher]

Re: So I'm looking for a graphics card...

My aspirations kind of went down the crapper when I realized the my motherboard only had PCI and PCI x1 slots.

And I also heard that The Dimension E310 (What I have) has such a weird layout that a new mobo can't be put into place.

So now my question is... If I can switch motherboards, what should I get (Like with PCI Express 2.0 x16 and stuff)?

[JPS]

Re: So I'm looking for a graphics card...

Just buy another comp, if youre not sure how to replace stuff or dont know anyone who can its extremely easy to **** up a $200 piece of equipment(ex: processors and motherboards are sensitive to static)

Ive seen plenty of people fry stuff, be it forgetting to hook something up, putting something in wrong, not putting the heatsink on correctly(although most modern processers has overheat protection), and many other things...nothing can make you more mad then spending $300 on PC parts only to accidently mess one thing up that ruins the entire computer.

If you do decide to upgrade one yourself make sure you TAKE YOUR TIME!

[Sivart the Sloth Trencher]

Re: So I'm looking for a graphics card...

I decided that I'm just going to slowly build a computer. I'm getting a job next summer and that'll be the perfect time to build my baby.