Do I Need A New Graphics Card?

[kaiweiler]

hello, i have windows XP pro, running on 128 mb of ram, and have an 800 celeron processor, somethin pretty bad anyway.
i just installed wolfenstein - enemy territory and got this message

ET 2.55 win-x86 May 27 2003
----- FS_Startup -----
Current search path:
C:\PROGRA~1\WOLFEN~1\etmain\pak0.pk3 (3725 files)
C:\PROGRA~1\WOLFEN~1\etmain\mp_bin.pk3 (4 files)
C:\PROGRA~1\WOLFEN~1/etmain

----------------------
3729 files in pk3 files
execing default.cfg
couldn't exec language.cfg
couldn't exec autoexec.cfg
Hunk_Clear: reset the hunk ok
...detecting CPU, found Intel Pentium III
Bypassing CD checks
----- Client Initialization -----
----- Initializing Renderer ----
-------------------------------
----- Client Initialization Complete -----
----- R_Init -----
Initializing OpenGL subsystem
...initializing QGL
...calling LoadLibrary( 'C:\WINDOWS\System32\opengl32.dll' ): succeeded
...setting mode 4: 800 600 FS
...using desktop display depth of 24
...calling CDS: ok
...registered window class
...created window@0,0 (800x600)
Initializing OpenGL driver
...getting DC: succeeded
...GLW_ChoosePFD( 24, 24, 0 )
...35 PFDs found
...GLW_ChoosePFD failed
...GLW_ChoosePFD( 24, 24, 0 )
...35 PFDs found
...GLW_ChoosePFD failed
...failed to find an appropriate PIXELFORMAT
...restoring display settings
...WARNING: could not set the given mode (4)
...setting mode 4: 800 600 FS
...using colorsbits of 16
...calling CDS: ok
...created window@0,0 (800x600)
Initializing OpenGL driver
...getting DC: succeeded
...GLW_ChoosePFD( 16, 16, 0 )
...35 PFDs found
...GLW_ChoosePFD failed
...GLW_ChoosePFD( 16, 16, 0 )
...35 PFDs found
...GLW_ChoosePFD failed
...failed to find an appropriate PIXELFORMAT
...restoring display settings
...WARNING: could not set the given mode (3)
...shutting down QGL
...unloading OpenGL DLL
...assuming '3dfxvgl' is a standalone driver
...initializing QGL
...WARNING: missing Glide installation, assuming no 3Dfx available
...shutting down QGL
----- CL_Shutdown -----
RE_Shutdown( 1 )
-----------------------
GLW_StartOpenGL() - could not load OpenGL subsystem

does this mean i need a new graphics card, or what does it mean?

[Benno]

what graphics card do you have now?

[Eatchipz]

Well u do if u want to play that game. It is beacuse your Graphics Card Does not Sppoart Open GL.

What is your Graphics Card anyway :)

Eatchipz

[kaiweiler]

is it possible that i do not have one? because if it is thats probably it, how would i find out?
i can play counter-strike and stuff so i must have somethin
where would i check?

[DarthInsinuate]

Originally posted by kaiweiler@28 October 2003 - 21:54
i can play counter-strike and stuff so i must have somethin
where would i check?
actually half-life doesn't need a 3d card to run

to check: press windows+break -> click hardware -> device manager -> tell us what it says under display adapters

[Benno]

Originally posted by kaiweiler@28 October 2003 - 22:54
is it possible that i do not have one?
No not possible, though it could be that you have an onboard graphic chip.

[kaiweiler]

it says Intel® 82810 Graphics Controller
how bad is that?

[DarthInsinuate]

Originally posted by kaiweiler@28 October 2003 - 22:18
it says Intel® 82810 Graphics Controller
how bad is that?
bad - it means you have an onboard chip, useless for gaming

[kaiweiler]

figures as much
i can buy ATI RADEON 7000 64M SDRAM 4X TV OUT AGP for $50 canadian, would that handle wolfenstein enemy territory, or what should i buy then?

[kaiweiler]

i know its bad, but what do you recommend without spending a ton of money, cuz i gotta buy more RAM as well lol

[abu_has_the_power]

Originally posted by Eatchipz@28 October 2003 - 21:45
Well u do if u want to play that game. It is beacuse your Graphics Card Does not Sppoart Open GL.

What is your Graphics Card anyway :)

Eatchipz
hey dude, i got the exact same prob with my old pc. now, did u install sp1 for xp? if not, do that, cuz there's a fix in sp1 that fixes the opengl support for graphics cards. i had same prob with xp, and sp1 fixed the prob. i'm pretty sure that's the solution. if not, then it's a prob with ur vd card

[kaiweiler]

Yep, i already installed SP1, is there anythin else i could do, or just buy a new graphics card?
and how bad is a ATI RADEON 7000 64M SDRAM 4X TV OUT AGP

[abu_has_the_power]

Originally posted by kaiweiler@29 October 2003 - 00:30
Yep, i already installed SP1, is there anythin else i could do, or just buy a new graphics card?
and how bad is a ATI RADEON 7000 64M SDRAM 4X TV OUT AGP
very bad. get at least a radeon 9000 or 9200 or 9500. go with 9500 pro if u got the $. if not, a gfx 5200 would work too. plays all games, and it'll last for at least another 2-3 years

[Snee]

Originally posted by kaiweiler@29 October 2003 - 01:30
Yep, i already installed SP1, is there anythin else i could do, or just buy a new graphics card?
and how bad is a ATI RADEON 7000 64M SDRAM 4X TV OUT AGP
It can handle wolfenstein, though it's hardly the best out there.

Heck an old Nvidia GF2MX can do it and the ATI 7000 is supposed to be a little bit better I think :unsure:

EDit: Mind your processor and mobo, not to mention your power supply, if you would like to try one of Abu's suggestions, they might demand a bit much from yer stuff.

[kaiweiler]

Thanks, while were at it how do i find out what kind of ram i need to buy? if im puttin on an extra 512 or somethin on top of what i already have, do i need to get the same kind?

and i think im gonna check out what staples has for video cards, and then go buy it somewhere else cheaper

[bigdawgfoxx]

DAMNNN u need more ram...RAM RAM RAM and yeah get a radeon 9200 or 9500 or something!

[blackhatknight]

I got his game working without a graphics card (just onboard which for you monitor to work is the min you have) i was very proud of myself i was really trail and error i can't remember exactly what i did but was something to do with filtering hower I saw it on friends GFORCE 2 (a relatively humble card) and it made me cry, a graphics card really adds to your games though giants is the only one at that time i couldn't run

[johnboy27]

Originally posted by abu_has_the_power+29 October 2003 - 02:11--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (abu_has_the_power @ 29 October 2003 - 02:11)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-kaiweiler@29 October 2003 - 00:30
Yep, i already installed SP1, is there anythin else i could do, or just buy a new graphics card?
and how bad is a ATI RADEON 7000 64M SDRAM 4X TV OUT AGP
very bad. get at least a radeon 9000 or 9200 or 9500. go with 9500 pro if u got the &#036;. if not, a gfx 5200 would work too. plays all games, and it&#39;ll last for at least another 2-3 years [/b][/quote]
What are you talking about "very bad" I have a Radeon 7500 64 mb DDR card(not identical to the one he was talking about but not far off either) and mine works near perfect.I haven&#39;t had a problem playing any games with it yet.For him to go from onboard video to the 7000 is a big step.Remember not everybody can afford to dums&#092;p 200+ bucks on a video card.

Kaiweiler-where are you from? I noticed you quoted the price in Canadian money.If you are in Canada I can get you a much better deal on a graphics card from a local shop in Halifax Nova Scotia.I can get an ATI Radeon 9200SE 128 mb card for 80 bucks plus tax from this shop.Or a radeon 9600 256mb for 168.00 ,or even a radeon 9600 pro 128 mb for 231.00

[DarthInsinuate]

Originally posted by kaiweiler@29 October 2003 - 01:27
if im puttin on an extra 512 or somethin on top of what i already have, do i need to get the same kind?
yes, you need to get the same speed this helps Belarc Advisor (http://www.belarc.com/Programs/Crucial/uk/advisor.exe)
also i think you should spend too much on the graphics card unless you&#39;re going to upgrade the processor, stick with the ATI 7000 or 9200 if you want to splash out a bit

[kaiweiler]

Hello again, thanks everyone for your advice, johnboy27, i am from about an hour away from halifax, so if you could find a good deal there i could easily go get it&#33; what store is this called?
DarthInsinuate, if i only have 128 ram now, does that mean i can only get another 128, and not a 512? or what do you mean by the same speed

[aoyv73]

Radeon 9200 with 256 memory is cheap and ok Crucial.com for memory

Its cheap and give em your details and then see just what will fit under £16 uk

for 128 DDr UT 2003 likes 512 will run ok on 256 memory comes in 128 256

and 512 strips so you can add say 256 same speed and type no problem.

[DarthInsinuate]

Originally posted by kaiweiler@29 October 2003 - 20:55
DarthInsinuate, if i only have 128 ram now, does that mean i can only get another 128, and not a 512? or what do you mean by the same speed
you should be able to fit a 512mb module on top of your 128mb

for the explaination of speed this (http://www.mcbriens.net/liam/index.htm?ram.htm) is Lamsey, our smart moderator&#39;s, RAM guide

you should buy online from crucial.com - they&#39;re nice and cheap

[kaiweiler]

how would i find out if i have DDR ram now or SD ram? and if i have one do i need to get the same kind, like if i have SD now, which i probably do cuz my computer is shit, can i get DDR?

[kaiweiler]

and also would it be better to get a cheap not so good 512, or a better higher quality 256??

[_John_Lennon_]

Originally posted by kaiweiler@29 October 2003 - 23:03
and also would it be better to get a cheap not so good 512, or a better higher quality 256??
Are they the same specs? I mean like, I would probably take 256 of 3200 over 512 of 2700.....

[johnboy27]

Go to this site http://www.greenlyph.com/ .The guy who runs the shop will beat any price from any other store in the HRM for stuff that he sells.He is located in the south end of Halifax . He sells new and used parts and I really haven&#39;t seen anybody around here that can get the stuff he sells for much cheaper than he sells it. I may however be selling my Radeon 7500 in the next couple of weeks.I could let you know when I am selling it if you are interested. I will likely sell it for about 60 bucks,it still has warranty until january I think.

Keep a look out on that site though as he has daily specials and if you plan on coming to Halifax one day just check the page the night before and the next days specials will be up.

[DarthInsinuate]

Originally posted by kaiweiler@30 October 2003 - 03:56
how would i find out if i have DDR ram now or SD ram? and if i have one do i need to get the same kind, like if i have SD now, which i probably do cuz my computer is shit, can i get DDR?
hmm, the Belarc Advisor doesn&#39;t say if you have DDR or not, thought it would - but taking a educated guess, you do have SD, if the advisor says you have a bus rate of 100mhz then you definately have SD

no, you can&#39;t mix SD with DDR, most mobo don&#39;t support both types anyway

i would go for cheap, more RAM rather then fast, less RAM

[kaiweiler]

Hello, i installed Belarc Advisor and this is what it said

Operating System
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1 (build 2600)

System Model
00101701 XL916 15524300061459 00
System Serial Number: 5003HPPAV3

Processor
850 megahertz Intel Celeron
32 kilobyte primary memory cache
128 kilobyte secondary memory cache

Main Circuit Board
Board: Asus CUW-AM/MEW-AM 2.07
BIOS: Phoenix Technologies LTD 2.10 05/08/2001

Drives
30.01 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
18.39 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space
HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8240B [CD-ROM drive]
LG CD-ROM CRD-8485B
3.5" format removeable media [Floppy drive]
QUANTUM FIREBALLlct20 30 [Hard drive] (30.02 GB) -- drive 0, s/n 353103825731, rev APL.0900, SMART Status: Healthy

Memory Modules c,d
128 Megabytes Installed Memory

Slot &#39;M1&#39; has 128 MB
Slot &#39;M2&#39; is Empty

Local Drive Volumes
c: (on drive 0) 30.01 GB 18.39 GB free



So that is what the results were, from that do you think i have SD or DDR and how much more ram could my computer handle?
And also back to the graphics card, is there anything here saying what it can handle?

[DarthInsinuate]

I did a little research and your bus speed is definately 100mhz, therefore it must also be SDRAM

[kaiweiler]

Oops, heres the rest :)

Controllers
Standard floppy disk controller
Intel&reg; 82801AA Bus Master IDE Controller
Primary IDE Channel [Controller]
Secondary IDE Channel [Controller]

Display
Intel&reg; 82810 Graphics Controller [Display adapter]
HP PAVILION M50 [Monitor] (13.2"vis, May 2000)

Bus Adapters
Intel&reg; 82801AA USB Universal Host Controller

Multimedia
Intel&reg; 82801AA AC&#39;97 Audio Controller
MPU-401 Compatible MIDI Device
Standard Game Port

Other Devices
HP PS2 Keyboard (2K - 3)
PS/2 Compatible Mouse
USB Root Hub

[kaiweiler]

So that means i have to stick with SD?? that really sucks, could i take out my 128 SD and only put in a 512 DDR? would that be ebtter then having a 128 and a 512 SD?

[accat13]

lol I only have 667 mhz celeron with 512mb sdr.. you should do some research on your mother board and see if it supports more than 512mb of ram (you will be limited to sdr)..It seems like your in the same boat as me you computer is gettin a little gray around the edges..you haven&#39;t mentioned if you have an agp slot for these graphic cards ..I don&#39;t :( (have to stick with pci) good luck (you can download great software but when it comes to hardware &#036;&#036;&#036;&#036;&#036;)

[johnboy27]

According to this link you don&#39;t have an AGP slot and that will limit your choices in video cards.
http://www.hp.com/cposupport/personal_comp...0.html#P117_674 (http://www.hp.com/cposupport/personal_computing/support_doc/bph07170.html#P117_674)

[kaiweiler]

Yeah except my computer is a refurbished one, and does not look like that at all. And on that site it says that is for computers up to 800 Mhz, mine is 850
mine is different then that so it might support one, not sure

[johnboy27]

What is the model number of your computer?

[kaiweiler]

System Model
00101701 XL916 15524300061459 00

System Serial Number: 5003HPPAV3

[kaiweiler]

Is it possible for me to take out my 128 SD ram that i have now, and replace it with maybe a 512 DDR?

[johnboy27]

No you can&#39;t.If your board uses only SDRAM than you can only use SD.DDR has a different slot.If you take out your SD you&#39;ll notice that there is a cut out in the part of the chip that fits into the board,well DDR has it in a different spot.Your best bet would be to find out how much ram your board will support and than max it out.

[accat13]

well try these links i think they may help seems like your limited to 512 mb sdr not sure about the video card though hp specs (http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?lc=en&docName=bph06610#P11_253) and here more search results (http://www.hp.com/cgi-bin/cposupport/ccsearch/displayans?search=0&qry=number%20of%20slots&sni=hppavilion42758&pname=hp%20pavilion%20xL916%20desktop%20PC%20(US)&pname_desc=HP%20Pavilion%20xL916%20desktop%20PC%20(US)&opname=hp%20pavilion%20xL916%20desktop%20PC%20(US)&lname=hp%20pavilion%20xL916%20desktop%20PC%20(US)&prodhomesURL=http://productfinder.support.hp.com/tps/Hub?h_tool=prodhomes%26h_product=hppavilion42758%26h_lang=en&ctflag=&iqry=&search_type=pn&product_type=consumer&pnum=P5243A&support_subcategory_sni=pvpc&product_name_sni=hppavilion333747&support_name_oid=59029&ctry=&lang=en)

[kaiweiler]

okay, i think i will end up getting 512 SD ram then, if thats the best i can do without upgrading my whole pc.

and do you think my computer could handle: PNY - Verto GeForce4 MX 440 AGP 64MB DDR SDRAM Graphics Card?

[kaiweiler]

if my computer can handle either of them what is the better card?

Powercolor RADEON 9200SE 128MB Dual

or

PNY - Verto GeForce4 MX 440 AGP 64MB DDR SDRAM Graphics Card

i know very little about either, but just want to know:
1. if my pc can handle them
2. which one is better

[DarthInsinuate]

the Radeon 9200 is a far better card - but you don&#39;t have an AGP slot so you can&#39;t use either card, you&#39;ll have to buy a PCI card

in my opinion, unless you plan on just playing Wolfenstein for the next year or two, you should upgrade the whole system - motherboard, processor, memory, graphics card

and if you have something to add to your last post don&#39;t add another reply, use the edit function

[kaiweiler]

okay sorry, didnt know i could do that, im still new at this
so if i cant use either one of those, what CAN i use?&#33; <_<

Without spending a lot of money whats the best idea to do? maybe just upgrade my whole CPU, but that will be quite expensive i think, not sure
any idea on what i should do to get better graphics and performance, either post here, or PM me please
Thanks