Graphics card upgrade for Windows 7?

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  1. Posts : 17
    XP
       #1

    Graphics card upgrade for Windows 7?


    I have an HP Pavilion 1034n with XP. I have ordered the Windows 7 upgrade and to facilitate the upgrade, I ran the Windows Evaluation tool. Everything is fine except it tells me that the graphics adaptor won't support Windows Aero. Can anyone advise me on a graphics card that I should purchase that is compatible with Windows 7 and my system? I don't play video games so don't need a real high performance card.
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  2. Posts : 5,747
    7600.20510 x86
       #2

    Which video card do you have? That tool is bonkers when it comes to video cards. It's a conspiracy I tell you!
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  3. Posts : 568
    Win7 x64 Ultimate SP1
       #3

    First find out what kind of slot you have available, PCI express, PCI or AGP. Then shop around for a board in your price range. just make sure it has Direct X9 or higher.
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  4. Posts : 5,747
    7600.20510 x86
       #4

    I was just checking on your hardware. The tool is actually correct in your case. So yeah, you do definitely need a new card if all you are using now is the integrated onboard video.

    http://edc.intel.com/Software/Downlo...#compatibility
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  5. Posts : 17
    XP
    Thread Starter
       #5

    torrentg,
    In looking at the system "hardware" it lists the video card as:
    intel (R) 82915G/910GL Express Chip Set Family

    FYI, it is the video card that I purchased as standard with the system.

    Any specific advice on what card to purchase? When I look at Windows 7 compatible cards, one of them listed is: eVGA e-GeForce 6200 - graphics adapter - GF 6200 - 512 MB

    Do you know if that one will work?
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  6. Posts : 5,747
    7600.20510 x86
       #6

    Here's the problem with your class of machine:

    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...reg_R1002_USEN

    The motherboard does not contain any dedicated graphics expansion slots. So you can not use the video card standards of either PCI-e or AGP.

    The good news:

    Your motherboard accepts PCI cards. So you will have to ensure that whatever card you purchase, is a PCI one (and not PCI-e, huge difference and incompatible.)

    Newegg.com has a decent selection of this type of card. All of these are PCI, cheapest to highest price order.

    Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,Video Cards & Video Devices,Desktop Graphics / Video Cards,PCI

    As Ken has said, you need at very least DX9 capabilities and other factors.

    If you want, pick out something you think you'd purchase and post back which one. It will most likely work and we will tell you if it's good.

    One further thing you should do before making any purchase is look at the back of it and tell us how many cards are attached? Does it appear that there are available, empty slots to be used? If you're comfortable opening the computer, have a look inside if you're not sure how to tell. It would be easier then.

    You would really like anything in HD series by ATI. They can play Blue-Ray, if that's an interest. They are slightly more difficult to install because of power requirements, however. If you're looking cheaper and least expensive way/easiest way with very decent results for a non-gamer, 6200 is a good choice.
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  8. Posts : 17
    XP
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Thanks soooo much for the VERY helpful responses. That is FANTASTIC and exactly what I was hoping for but didn't expect to get. I will check out Newegg and select something and let you know what I plan to purchase. I will also check the slots to make sure that it can accomodate it. Thanks again. I would have gotten myself in real trouble if it were not for your advice. I'll be back after work.
    JessePenn
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 17
    XP
    Thread Starter
       #9

    I'm back and have checked out the Newegg site. Based on your comments, the PCI card that seems to be ok is:

    EVGA 256-P1-N399-LX GeForce 6200 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Video Card - Retail


    In addition, I did check out the available slots and it looks like I have two available.

    Torrentg - Let me know if you think that this card is ok for my purposes. I've got some other questions but they can wait until I am ready to go with the upgrade.

    Thanks again,
    Jessepenn
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 5,747
    7600.20510 x86
       #10

    This is a much better choice for the same exact price, by a huge margin.

    Newegg.com - ECS N8400GS2-512DS-F GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI HDCP Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

    It has a fan though, and your choice does not. If you want your pc to be quiet as possible, go with what you posted. If you want more value for the dollar, my choice is good for that.
      My Computer


 
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