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Topic: setting a video card up (Read 5138 times) previous topic - next topic

setting a video card up

Reply #15
Quote from: FordTruckFreeek;225002
yeah, apparently it auto-sets it i guess. thing is..In-game, all my video settings are still set automatically to low, if i bump em up, the game crashes still...btw, the game is The Elder Scrolls 4; Oblivion.
 
 
i've also got a gig of ram, but my processor is only 1.8, and minimum is 2, with 3 recommended....

I like the auto-set idea, it makes sense.
As far as the game goes, system requirements are usually a good indicator of how well the game will play on your machine.
 
 
G'luck...!
 
oh btw, if it is F2 that gets you into the BIOS (not a boot-order screen, but the actual BIOS), then that's where you would go to allocate shared system RAM from onboard video back to system RAM.  You may notice an improvement in gameplay.
If you don't see anything in the BIOS for that, then it is also possible that the auto-set when it turned off your onboard, automatically realocated the shared ram back to system ram.
 
I used to fix computers/printers/copiers/etc. but haven't in some time, so I am a little rusty, but will try to continue to help if you still need it.  But it sounds like you're up an running.
 
Just remember the golden rule with e-machines.... their power supplies are smaller.  Be careful.  But hey, there's always aftermarket :D
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Operation: X Marks the Spot
5.0L SEFI, AOD, 8.8" 3.02 TracLok - All Stock

setting a video card up

Reply #16
also, you can change it somewhere in the device manager for the ram allocation. I'm pretty sure that you still have to disable it... Maybe not, that was one of the new models when I worked there. Thinking about it, its been over three years! lol. I wouldn't bother with it if its still working though. That is a wall mart model though, right?
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

setting a video card up

Reply #17
Yeah, I bought it from wal mart, lol.
Well, thought I'd post back as to my experiences...
1st: The video card I had in was actually smaller than my onboard, and my 2 biggest games wouldn't even play, they froze up once they loaded. Games were Morrowind and Oblivion.
(They played before I put the card in...)

So then I removed the card, and finally got my onboard to show up again thru the device manager, and am playing my games again (albeit slow and choppy as before.)

I have a PCI-e X16, and a X1 slot in my machine...guess I'll look online for a well rounded card to fit the X-16 slot...I know I'll probably have to upgrade my power supply as well, the one I have in there now is a 300 watt...so I'll most likely need a bigger one.

Sound like a good start, or should I save up for a tower with a dual-core and a big card already loaded in it?
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

setting a video card up

Reply #18
I was always one to make my old desktop bigger and better with newer mods and upgrades.... but there is nothing like a brand new computer right out of the box :hick:
 
Glad to hear you've got a good start!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Operation: X Marks the Spot
5.0L SEFI, AOD, 8.8" 3.02 TracLok - All Stock

setting a video card up

Reply #19
I'd keep the box and just get a new power supply and card. Thats just me though.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

setting a video card up

Reply #20
Quote from: FordTruckFreeek;230873
Yeah, I bought it from wal mart, lol.
Well, thought I'd post back as to my experiences...
1st: The video card I had in was actually smaller than my onboard, and my 2 biggest games wouldn't even play, they froze up once they loaded. Games were Morrowind and Oblivion.
(They played before I put the card in...)

So then I removed the card, and finally got my onboard to show up again thru the device manager, and am playing my games again (albeit slow and choppy as before.)

I have a PCI-e X16, and a X1 slot in my machine...guess I'll look online for a well rounded card to fit the X-16 slot...I know I'll probably have to upgrade my power supply as well, the one I have in there now is a 300 watt...so I'll most likely need a bigger one.

Sound like a good start, or should I save up for a tower with a dual-core and a big card already loaded in it?

You never did say what your original add-in card was...

Anyway... A good card at a low price would be the NVidia 7600GT (get the XFX Alpha Dog XXX, might be hard to find though). Skip the 8600 series. The 8800GT is a good pick although you will get more for your dollar with an ATI Radeon 4570 seeing as you play Oblivion. Oblivion was rough on my rig when I had an Athlon X2 4400+, 2G RAM and two BFG 7800GT-OCE cards in SLI. You will absolutely need more power. You have 2 choices (maybe just one without knowing your case design):

1) Purchase a 500W or better power supply (check measurements for fit) from Thermaltake, Cooler Master or Antec.

2) Purchase the 250W auxillary power supply from Thermaltake (this fits in a 5.25" drive bay).

Also, make sure your case can fit the new vid card. ATI is 9.5", NVidia 8XXX and 9XXX are between 9.5" and 10.5" and the 2XX series are 10.5"/10.75" long. Remember to add an inch for the PCI-e 6 pin power connctor for all but the 2XX series (you need an inch clearance on the "top" edge).

If you want a new rig, let me know. I have been building Gaming PCs for 9 years and run a small company doing the same here in MI. I also make cables to connect Creative Labs Sound Blaster cards to front panel headphone and microphone jacks ( http://www.mchcustomcomputers.com ).

I hope this helps!

Happy Gaming!

setting a video card up

Reply #21
Sounds good, I will be definitely looking into something probably right after Christmas...I want to get another pc.

Thanks! :D
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

setting a video card up

Reply #22
Quote from: FordTruckFreeek;235824
Sounds good, I will be definitely looking into something probably right after Christmas...I want to get another pc.

Thanks! :D


When you are ready, let me know (via PM or e-mail) and I can give you a few builds to consider!

 

setting a video card up

Reply #23
Absolutely build a PC...store bought computers are behind the curve and you get so much more for your dollar building it.
:america: 1988 Thunderbird Sport, Former 4.6 DOHC T56 conversion project.

Rest of the country, Welcome to Massachusettes. Enjoy your stay.

 
Halfbreed... Mango Orange Y2K Mustang GT
FRPP complete 2000 Cobra engine swap, T56 n' junk...
~John~