Sites like this: http://www.drivermax.com/driver/vista-rating/index_video.php can be a pretty good resource when upgrading a video card, also as others have mentioned going to potentially 3 gig of RAM may also be worth getting a slightly less amazing video card.
DEADBL0W does bring up a good point about your powersupply though.
DEADBL0W: LostKauz: Thanks everyone, so I guess I'm looking for something along the lines of this? If so, at least now I have a start to go on. I'll have to check out some of the local Retail Stores soon, sorry but I don't usually purchase anything Online. Is there a huge price difference between a Retail (say BestBuy) and an Online source? just a forewarning before you decide to purchase this, Make sure you check your PS unit before buying it as i had to upgrade my PS unit, im currently running about a 600watt PS unit (made the mistake of purchasing the card, installing it then finding out i needed to upgrade the PS unit, which led to another roadtrip lol) But it is a good card overall in my opinion
LostKauz: Thanks everyone, so I guess I'm looking for something along the lines of this? If so, at least now I have a start to go on. I'll have to check out some of the local Retail Stores soon, sorry but I don't usually purchase anything Online. Is there a huge price difference between a Retail (say BestBuy) and an Online source?
Thanks everyone, so I guess I'm looking for something along the lines of this? If so, at least now I have a start to go on. I'll have to check out some of the local Retail Stores soon, sorry but I don't usually purchase anything Online. Is there a huge price difference between a Retail (say BestBuy) and an Online source?
just a forewarning before you decide to purchase this, Make sure you check your PS unit before buying it as i had to upgrade my PS unit, im currently running about a 600watt PS unit (made the mistake of purchasing the card, installing it then finding out i needed to upgrade the PS unit, which led to another roadtrip lol)
But it is a good card overall in my opinion
Cool then, thank you much and I will do (check Power Supply- mental note- inserting now). I guess it is simply labeled somewhere on the inside? I suppose I could find it through Vista though.
LostKauz: Any recommendations? My budget can go up $250 (US) but I have no idea on what current prices go for or what type? Also, how easy is it? I'm not completely lost when it comes to do it yourself projects but I have not done anything like this either?
Any recommendations? My budget can go up $250 (US) but I have no idea on what current prices go for or what type?
Also, how easy is it? I'm not completely lost when it comes to do it yourself projects but I have not done anything like this either?
As I'm from Australia I don't know what $250 will get you but I'm sure you might be able to get a decent card for that much money.
LostKauz:Cool then, thank you much and I will do (check Power Supply- mental note- inserting now). I guess it is simply labeled somewhere on the inside?
On the side of the PSU there will be a sticker detailing it's stats... I don't know of any way to find that info through the OS.
the card you chose is fine, but did you check also to make sure that you have a PCIe x16 slot?
and the others are right, I would suggest nothing less than a 500W power supply, a 400W would work, but the prices now are negligable.
I personally use an 800W power supply, but I wanted it to have the power for later upgrades when I built my rig.
More memory also couldn't hurt.
ONE suggestion here though, I always suggest buying RAM in pairs or three's. If you computer has 2 or 4 slots, it should be handled in pairs (if it has 3 memory slots, buy it in three's).
The reason for this is that IF your system supports dual-channel memory, it can effectively run faster. BUT Dual channel operation requires that they are exactly the same in all specifications, that's why you will usually see them sold in packs of two's (or three's), they came of the same production line at the same time and have been checked for compatibility.
Or think of it this way; if you mix RAM from different runs, any minute flaws that are present will only add up and work against you, where paired memory sticks if there is any production flaws, they tend to be similar, and won't be working against each other, but instead work well together.
Basically you don't want to run too many different types of memory together, as this can actually work against you.
ICptJackSparrow: the card you chose is fine, but did you check also to make sure that you have a PCIe x16 slot? and the others are right, I would suggest nothing less than a 500W power supply, a 400W would work, but the prices now are negligable.
All very useful information, from all of you as well. I wont really have time to do anything today (probably next week, on my days off) but I will check for the Power Supply and the Slot. I don't think I will be going the RAM route, unless it becomes apparent that I will need to.
Thanks again everyone
