@scamino, Just throwing in my two-cents on the videocard topic here. Before you dump money on a new card you must also consider that a graphics card will also always require you too get a new power supply. Now again this isn't a sure fire thing but considering your PC's a GateWay I would say its safe to assume that your PSU isn't going to cut it. So besides factoring in the cost of a new graphics card you also need to factor in the cost of a new PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814141032R Here is what I bought. I paid double this $$ 7 months ago, it worked out great for me, but please do check to find out if you'll need a PSU. I did not just plug n play for me.Hope this helps.
No that graphics card does not require a power supply, it draws its power right off the pci-e bus. But I would not recommend going with that card as with DirectX 10 gaming now starting to emerge it would be a waste to not buy either a DirectX 10 capable card. But if a DirectX 10 card is not possible I would recommend buying the fastest card you possibly can. For a DirectX 10 card with a price range of $250 or less in mind. You have two options available to you, the 8600 GT and 8600 GTS. While not nearly as powerful as its 8800 bretheren. Here is a sweet little DirectX 10 8600 GT card for a price of $134.99, and less after you send in the rebates. And it doesn't require a new power supply, because it draws its power right from the pci-e bus. Another card to consider is this GeForce 8600GTS. It is somewhat more powerful, but may require you to purchase a new powersupply. It requires a +12 volt line carrying at least 18 amps. Check your powersupply because it is a possibility that your power supply may deliver that much power. To check this first with the computer turned off pull the plug out of the power supply and then take off the case door. There should be a sticker on the PSU telling all its power ratings. You would also want to check to see if you have a plug like this... If you don't then you will will most likely need a power supply or a adapter to go to that plug size.
Yeah that, while being a 6 pronged plug, is not the right type. And plugging that into your videocard could fry your videocard. If your looking for a DirectX 10 card on a budget I would recommend one of the two I posted.If you decide to go with the one that requires a better power supply, I took the time to find some powersupplies that would work and that were on the cheaper side. Now I tried to walk a line between quality and low price so bear with me . Heres some links to the powersupplies I found... Heres a powersupply from a reputable company for $119 before rebates! A Cooler Master branded PSU, that delivers the needed juice for $75 Heres a great part that may work out much better for you than a standard PSU. It is a smaller separate PSU, that is designed to power one or multiple graphics cards. This particular model can handle a 8800 GTX! Or so the reviews say. So it can definetly run any graphics card you get your hands on. And it is essentially futureproof unlike a standard PSU. And it is only $55 Did I mention all the products I listed above carry 3 year warranties?
Thanks for the help peainapod.I know finding all that stuff took a while. I think im going to get the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085 I will probally end up buying this one in a month or two. Thanks for the hard work peainapod.
No problem man, I come to these forums because I know a lot about a lot of stuff and like to help people. If you ever need anything pm me and I'll be glad to help.
Nice card for the money scamino1 looks like I learned something thanks PeaInAPod. I spent time this afternoon looking at DirectX 10, now I am looking for a card maybe in September.
