Problems with webcam - Will graphics card upgrade help?

[TommyT]

Hello,

I recently upgraded to Windows 7 and everything works relatively well with my 2GB RAM and older AGP video card. The main problem I have noticed is I can no longer multitask when I am video chatting with someone using a webcam when I could using Windows XP. I tried using a program called 'Vista Services Optimizer' which lowered the settings for Windows 7, but it still has problems. My question is, would updating my video card help this problem? My Windows Experience Indices are

Processor 3.1
Memory 4.2
Graphics 3.0
Gaming graphics 3.3
Primary hard disk 5.4

I do not want to update the processor because at that point I would just get a new computer. Any suggestions would be helpful, my current graphics card is a nVidia GeForce 6200 AGP with DDR memory and I am thinking about upgrading to this

Newegg.com - HIS H467Q1GHDAP Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 AGP 4X/8X HDCP Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

but only if it will be worth it.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Thomas

 

[karlsnooks]

Upgrading the graphics card will help, BUT:

The old rule still applies: First more ram, second a faster processor.

Normally 2 G is sufficient but with the tasks your are running at once, then upgrade to 4 G if possible on the system. Yes, I know, the full 4G will not be used.

Next upgrade the processor. Nowadays, processors are cheap. Find out what is the max you can use with your motherboard and then go shopping.
karl

 

[TommyT]

Thanks for the reply, karlsnooks.

I guess if I was willing to spend $75-100 on a graphics card, maybe I can get a decent processor since mine is 5-6 years old.

I have an Intel Celeron D, Model No 320J.

What do I look for when buying a processor? I am not a computer gamer (which is why my video card wasn't great in the first place), but I like to multi-task some demanding programs. With a Asus P4P800S-X mainboard, how should I go about finding a processor really cheap? Am I going to be able to find a significantly better processor for ~$100?

 

[ThePizzaMan]

hm are you you going to be getting a new motherboard to? or not?

 

[stormy13]

Truth be told any money spent on upgrades for that old Socket 478 system is wasted, as there will be nothing of it that can be moved over to a new computer if and when you get one. It just doesn't make much sense to spend money on something with limited or no support for a new operating system.

In your case,

1. CPU. Socket 478 is pretty much dead and buried, and for the most part any "new" cpu's for it will be used (Newegg for example lists all of one socket 478 cpu).

2. Motherboard. In addition to being socket 478 it is using a SiS based chipset that hasn't seen a driver update in close to 5 years, primarily the AGP/GART driver which is needed in order for an AGP card to work properly.

All things considering you would be far better served by saving up and replacing the entire computer.

 

[karlsnooks]

Asus makes excellent motherboards and also provides good documentation.

go to their website to get info / manuals on your motherboard.

Since your motherboard is an older model, you will also be able to find a microprocessor for your motherboard which will be economical in price. Technically, you are not on the cutting edge. However, if you are interested in games, then some of them can be quite demanding on a system.

You might want to visit several of your local computer stores and see what options and possibilities they can offer you.

 

[bassfisher6522]

So, how old is your rig? More than 5 years old and your looking to upgrade, I would consider building a new system. Although upgrading your RAM, CPU and GPU would benefit your old system to some degree but you will be limited to specific upgrades. With just those three upgrades mentioned, at an avg. cost of $100 each you are more than half way there to a new build. The only things are left are a case, mobo then pull your old parts....harddrives, optical drive, card reader and so on.

 

[TommyT]

Thank you all for the replies, they were very helpful.

Really I am satisfied with my computer right now minus the inability to multi-task with a webcam. Are there any settings I can play with to fix this problem without upgrading?

 

[karlsnooks]

Tommy,

It's time to bite the bullet and to upgrade your system.

All other efforts are in vain.


This is years and years and years of experience talking to you.