[riesep]

Here is my computer http://www.hp.com/cposupport/persona...html#P135_1782

I am wondering what type of video card I need, an AGP slot type or a PCI slot type? I know nothing about this kind of stuff. I'm planning on getting a geforce 2 MX400 64mb. I am also planning on getting a 4.1 speaker system, and I may need a new soundcard, so comment on that too. I really need help because I don't want to get screwed from buying this stuff.

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[Capt_CruncH]

Ive read in several good sources that HP doesnt make it easy for you to upgrade, first open up your box to see if they have soldered any boards into their respective slots.
I dont mean to spook ya about upgrading, just passing on what I heard and read.
the geforce you mention, I just got yesterday, Im very happy. It is a PCI card by the way.
A soundblaster 128 is reasonably cheap,well made and easy to install.
If your new to the upgrade scene, do some reading.
Knowledge is power. I can turn a compaq233 into an Athalon AMD 800 with a geforce2 32mb for $153.


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[Mosquito]

How much money have you got.
Definately go 1.4 GHz and up AMD Palomino (Athlon XP), or (2.2 GHz Northwood Core P4 if you're rich, although a 1.667GHz Palomino will keep up with it at half the cost)

Video card, the geforce 2 will be out of date real soon, I'd go at least a GeForce 3 Ti-200, if you have lots of coin ATI 8500 or Geforce 3 Ti-500 (people will go and on how one does 4 ro 5 FPS faster than the other, but at the speeds these puppies burn you'll never notice the diff. Especially since most monitors max out at 85 to 90 Hz to begin with) Hell go to a store and ask to see both in action, buy the one with what YOU think gives the best picture quality.
Sound card, only one option : Soundblaster Audigy. You can get the Platinum if you want to be able to plug a dozen different musical instruments and devices into it, but at over $300 that's pricey. I've got an Audigy Gamer for $99 Canadian. Match up with Creative Inpsire 5.1 5300 speakers (I can't afford the 5700's at $450, or the Klipsch at 600+), it pumps out great sound.
In the end decide on what YOU want, and check out prices at several different stores.

One secret: If you go to a major electronics store and buy a Dell or HP, you won't be able to upgrade the damn thing in the future. They use all kinds of proprietary crap to make. Find a reputable computer store, and if you don't know how to perform the upgrade, get them to do it for you. If you do, do it yourself and save a couple of hundred.

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Remember Dieppe

[acgreen]

No! Don't get 4.1! Get 5.1 - surround sound plus a subwoofer. Creative has this new thing coming out called Inspire 5.1 5300 and it looks pretty good. It's only $100, su it won't dip into your wallet too much.

Also, do NOT get a GeForce MX. They're a waste of your money. Sure, it's a big step up from that old ATI All-In-Wonder Pro, but get at least a GeForce2 TI - maybe even a GeForce 3 TI500. Also, The Radeon 8500 is REALLY good, plus it's a hundred bucks cheaper than the TI500 and still kicks butt.

AC

[acgreen]

Hey, mosquito, stop taking my ideas...

jk... You and I must be really smart...

AC

[Mosquito]

Sorry, but on reading your mind I found some really good ideas so I used them and took the credit for them.
I need recognition dammit I feel so alone.
great sobs of pain and shame.



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Remember Dieppe

[Dodd]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by riesep:
Here is my computer http://www.hp.com/cposupport/persona...html#P135_1782

I am wondering what type of video card I need, an AGP slot type or a PCI slot type? I know nothing about this kind of stuff. I'm planning on getting a geforce 2 MX400 64mb. I am also planning on getting a 4.1 speaker system, and I may need a new soundcard, so comment on that too. I really need help because I don't want to get screwed from buying this stuff.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

based on that link, your pc doesn't have any AGP slots. Only PCI slots. AGP was created only for gaming purposes. PCI was used for multiple purposes ie=sound, modem, etc. AGP handles more bandwith as well.

Since you can't get AGP, I'd say that geforce 2 MX400 64mb for your PC is a pretty good addition.

[acgreen]

I know it, mosquito.

So, riesep, basically what Dodd said is to get a new computer. Trash that Ford POS and get a new Corvette. Put some *shrimp on the bobbie*...

Dumb and Dumber rules...

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AC