Best Graphics Card for an HP a450n?

[TheCyphre]

I realize that I'm getting to the point where a new computer is the best solution, as mine is 5+ yrs old, but I'd appreciate seeing what I could get away with right now, and what the price would be.

I'm a gamer, and have been with City of Heroes for as long as I've had this current PC, but new MMO's are on their way and I want to be able to play them if I can on my current box.

Thanks in advance!

 

[deadlockedworld]

Hey,

You have an AGP slot, so these are the cards available to you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069609639&name=AGP%204X%2f8X

I think this looks like a good option for you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125281

This article on Tom's discusses the card above and its merits:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-4650-agp,2383.html

You should also consider overclocking if you are looking to get a little more out of that old machine along with the card. It has a pretty decent Asus motherboard.
Its not like you should be worried about it wearing out..

 

[deadlockedworld]

Wait.. do you still have 512 mb ram? Upgrading that would be the simplest performance increase you can get.

The FX 5200 that your computer has isn't all that weak of a card considering the age of the system. I had one in my old build and it played UT 2003/2004 surprisingly well.

The problem with upgrading AGP graphics is that because fewer of the cards are sold now AGP graphic cards cost more than their PCIe 16 equivalents. That card i suggested above for $69 sells for $40 in the newer version.

You can get a pretty decent new rig for ~$500... Keep that in mind while you consider spending $70 on a card.

 

[TheCyphre]

Whoops. No, I have already upgraded to 2 gigs.

edit: Also, I have already upgraded my card once to an Nvidia GeForce 7800 GS.

 

[deadlockedworld]

Oh. 7800gs? Yea, dont bother upgrading again. Sorry... but you aren't going to get much better than what you have. Its definitely not worth spending $60-80 on.

Do try overclocking everything though. It might help you get a little more out of the old system.

 

[TheCyphre]

Crikey...
I'm embarrassed to ask...but how do you overclock..?

 

[deadlockedworld]

Haha... its not my area of specialty either.

You should probably google and read a little bit, then ask for advice in the tom's overclocking section with your full system specs.

I dont even know if it would be a good idea with your older system--but its an idea worth exploring/asking pros about. You might get 10-15% better performance.

 

[TheCyphre]

Ok. Thanks for your help!