Please i need help.i know you all know better than me,so please help get me through this.I have windows xp home edition and i want to upgrade to windows7.I have allready ran microsoft windows compatible diagnostics and i got something that says i need to upgrade my graphics card.What graphics card should i use?.
For the time being I would not worry about the graphics card. The worst that can happen is that you lose some of the Windows 7 glass functions. But that would probably not bother you.
----- Integrated graphics with upto 64mb shared memory for video -----
With that crappy integrated graphics in there, I disagree. I think upgrading to a cheap $50 graphics card would be worth it.
Depends on what your using it for though. But even web browsing these days opening multiple tabs would studder horrendously on that integrated gpu. Watching youtube videos? Forget about it.
Based on the motherboard specs here, I suggest the following:
I would bump the system ram to 2GB (or 4gb if you can afford it),
then look into these video cards:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125452
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814187191
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130791
Doing those tiny changes will dramatically increase performance. If you can only afford one, do the graphics card. (GPU)
Note on your system ram-you can only have 1gb stick per slot according to the motherboard specs.
To find out what ram is compatible easily with your system, visit this link and download and run the tool. It will show you the exact ram to buy. You can buy it from them if you like, or from a store like newegg or amazon. Or a local store. Up to you.
Also see this link on how to upgrade your pc to windows 7 once you have upgraded the hardware:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...ows-7#T1=tab01
Last edited by andrew129260; 20 Oct 2013 at 14:47. Reason: Added links
Upgrading to Windows 7 is easy if yo buy a disk that is bootable.
@andrew129260
Dude the first 2 video cards are just rebranded GT 520. I'd go with a Sapphire HD 7750 because it consumes less power than the GT 610, and GT 620 and much better.
Good luck on this -- as Win7 does not provide an "upgrade path" from XP. This means you won't be able to install Win7 and keep all your apps, data, and settings.i want to upgrade to windows7
Thankyou very very much,i will get back once i have decided which card to purchase.I appreciate explanation in very detail.God bless have a nice day.
Hi there
DON'T WASTE MONEY upgrading graphics -- if you were satisfied on XP with the graphics then it will work fine on W7. Only upgrade the video if you really HAVE to.
Spend the money on the BEST THING that will really speed up computer performance --even on an OLD machine -- FASTER HDD or better an SSD. But even replacing a slow 5400 RPM spinner with a new 7200 Spinner will pay dividends -- you should still be able to find some IDE drives around --however if you have SATA connections then it's fine.
Upgrade the RAM too - it's cheap enough 4GB should be the barest minimum. Personally I'd go for 8GB and install W7 x-64.
Upgrading graphics cards on older machines is usually just money down the toilet whereas any sort of faster disks will improve performance IMMEDIATELY and DRAMATICALLY.
Just ask those who have installed SSD's - I think most would say they wish they had installed these earlier and all agree terrific improvement.
In any case your monitor will need to be decent too otherwise even more of a waste. If your on board video is really poor then OK change the card but I'd look at the other options first.
Cheers.
jimbo
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