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[Mattie]

Hey guys, just looking for some advice

The computer I'm running on now I've had for about two years, and it's one of those pre-built hunks (eMachines D2823) with integrated graphics.

I want to upgrade the graphics card, but I'm not sure what would be best for me. What suggestions can you guys offer to narrow my search some? I'm open to anything, but I'd prefer something under $200.


Also, once I've got the new graphics card going, I'm probably going to put some more RAM in (I've only got 256MB as it is). With these two new additions, would I need to worry about overheating? I've only got one fan for cooling as is, but I'm not sure what effect to expect with the upgrades.
What do you think?

Thanks

[est]

AGP or PCIe?  If it is an old PC & you're stuck with AGP then your choices will be limited at this point in time.

Also, what CPU are you running?

[nihilist]

Overheating probably won't be an issue.  Since your computer is a bit older, it won't be able to handle the latest and greatest, and thus won't generate as much heat.  If it has a space for a fan at the back or front, get a slow moving one (to keep it quiet), and pop it in.  Nothing big required.

[Mattie]

AGP or PCIe?  If it is an old PC & you're stuck with AGP then your choices will be limited at this point in time.

Also, what CPU are you running?

AGP

Intel Celeron D 2.53 GHz

[lb969]

Is eMachines one of those companies that tampers with its mobos?

On certain PC's like the low end dells (300-500 dollar ones), they remove the AGP slot. This ensures you buy a new PC rather than upgrade.


Taking a look at your PC's specs, I'd recommend nothing larger than a 128MB videocard. I'd suggest Nvidea, as that seems to be the standard with eMachines.

Your system isn't really a performance system (least not now anyways) and you probably can get by with a 64MB card.


Remember that a stand alone card always works better than a integrated even if they are the same "size". You may also see a boost in performance as the integrated graphics suck off processor and memory power.

[Luke]

Actually, we have a Dell 4600C (very cheap, that's how my dad shops) and it has an AGP slot.

'course, it's just that plus the one PCI slot for a modem card, so the point about upgrading still stands. Pretty soon they'll probably just not put the expansion slots in there at all.

[Mattie]

AGP or PCIe?  If it is an old PC & you're stuck with AGP then your choices will be limited at this point in time.

Also, what CPU are you running?

AGP

Intel Celeron D 2.53 GHz

Actually, I was mistaken. It's PCI (not e).

Is eMachines one of those companies that tampers with its mobos?

On certain PC's like the low end dells (300-500 dollar ones), they remove the AGP slot. This ensures you buy a new PC rather than upgrade.

No, they don't tamper. I have four PCI slots (since I took out my modem). [I said it was AGP earlier, but I was wrong....obviously.]

[nihilist]

PCI == really old
AGP == newer
PCIe == newest