Graphics card upgrade for Windows 7?

[JessePenn]

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.

 

[torrentg]

Which video card do you have? That tool is bonkers when it comes to video cards. It's a conspiracy I tell you!

 

[ken9122]

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.

 

[torrentg]

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/Downloads/IEGD/#compatibility

 

[JessePenn]

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?

 

[torrentg]

Here's the problem with your class of machine:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...3196&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=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.

 

[kpo6969]

DX10.1
Newegg.com - HIS H435H512PP Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Low Profile Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

DX10
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187083

 

[JessePenn]

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

 

[JessePenn]

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

 

[torrentg]

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.

 

[ken9122]

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.

I agree, i've used that board in similar system.
Ken

 

[JessePenn]

I'm not bothered by the noise of a fan so I'll order the one that you recommend. I like more value for my dollar as you recommend.
JessePenn

 

[ken9122]

Good luck and lets us know how it works out.
Ken

 

[GandalfPR]

I have a Dell Dimension 4700 PC with a P4, 3.0Ghz Processor and 1 GB of RAM. Do you recommend me the same graphics card?? In the specs it has PCI and also PCI-Express slots.

Documentation

Are these "PCI-Express" the same as the PCI-e slots you mentioned earlier??

Thanks!