Question about installing a video card for gaming?

I share a computer with my father. It is a very good windows xp that i use for gaming. every spec is good except a very bad video card. Geforce 6150SE nForce430. I'm unable to run games from 2004 on max graphics because the card is holding me back. My dad wants nothing to do with changing the video card so it's up to me. I'm interested in something that will let me play upcoming games like starcraft 2 or diablo 3 on fairly decent settings without lagg or freezing. I would like reccomendations for a good video card, and i dont mind spending over 100 dollars for one, as long asi get my money's worth.



Also, i'm not too big on computers, is installing a new video card difficult? How is the process itself?



Thanks|||Well, the card I have is an NVIDIA GeForce 9400GT and it is a pristine card. It will be worth around $80 - $90 but it will be worth it.



Installing a card is just like building a model car, it is straight forward. Just place it in a port and you're away. One proviso, make sure you have an internet connection. It is best to download the driver from the manufacturer. You know what you're getting that way.|||Okay, so let's approach this situation realistically. First of all, I would love to help you find a video card appropriate to your needs, but to be honest with what information you've given me I can't make a decision. If you have hardware questions, you should post all your system specs, so us tech geeks can tell you what you need as accurately as possible. This includes motherboard model, power supply, cpu, operating system, and anything else you feel might help us.

As far as your performance issues, you may very well be having performance bottlenecks in your video card, but many other places are well. Technology is moving very quickly!



Here are the UNOFFICIAL UNTIL VERIFIED BY BLIZZARD system specification requirements for Starcraft 2:



Minumum Requirements

GFX: GeForce 7/8 Series or Radeon 1000/2000 with 256 MB RAM

CPU: Pentium 4

RAM: 1 GB

Internet: ADSL 1 Mbit



Recommended Requirements

GFX: GeForce 8000 or Radeon 2000 series with 512 MB RAM

CPU: Core 2 Duo or Athlon X2.

RAM: 2 GB

Internet: ADSL 3 Mbit



Optimal Requirements

GFX: Geforce 9000er or Radeon 3000er Series

CPU: Core 2 Duo 3 GHz or Athlon X2

RAM: 2GB with DualChannel mode



Nothing official as far as the system reqs on Diablo 3, so I can't really give you any reliably grounded advice!



Installing a new video card can be broken down into easy steps. Completely disconnect computer, open the case, remove old card restraints, remove card, install new card into appropriate slot, fasten card, and restore the computer case. There are lots of great resources online for examples, look around google and youtube!|||1. Please confirm that you are using the VGA socket on the mobo itself?

2. What add-on cards do you have installed?

3. follow the link below - scroll to bottom of page that shows orange, white and yellow slots. White slots are regular PCI which can take medium quality graphics cards.

The yellow slot is a PCI-E slot that will take a high end graphics card.

BUT - check to see if you have a PCI-E power connector on your PSU, which is a must for the best cards (also a high wattage PSU - mine is 460W and only just enough for a 9600GT)



Remember, if you only have a VGA monitor, pick a card with VGA output, else you will need to buy a HDMI-VGA adaptor)



Finally check the "Requirements" listed for the games you want to play - especially the RAM needed - and let that be your starting point in checking which graphics card to buy.

Fitting is a breeze - turn off completely at wall socket (leave plugged in to keep anEarth (Ground) connection).

Remove casing and check out your available slots (a fat card needs more room than you think)

Remove the blanking plate closest to the slot you want to use.

Remove all dust from the slot (vacuum cleaner and soft fine brush)

Plug the card fully home and fit securing screw.

Fit PCI-E power plug if you went for high-end card.

Transfer monitor cable to new video card and power up.

Check fan on new card spins up - if not, power off immediately and check connections.

"New hardware detected" - should ask for installation disk - etc etc

Have fun!