Which graphics card would be the best for my computer?

S

Shiva

New Member
I have an HP Pavillion a800n. The CPU is AMD Athlon XP 3200+
I am looking for a graphics card. Currently I have [what I would assume is] the default card for this computer, VIA/S3G UniChrome IGP. I think I heard that a800ns uses AGP. On my System Information for Windows (SIW), it says I have 3 PCI, 1 AGP slots, whatever that means.
Since I don't know a whole lot about computers, I need a little help choosing which one I should get. If you need more information, just ask.

I do like to game on this computer. I'm currently playing World of Warcraft. I lag on it a lot in certain places. Granted, a lot of the lag is probably caused by my low RAM (which should be fixed by tomorrow), I'm sure my graphics card is contributing to it too. I'm not looking for the top of the line card, I just want something that will put me on par with most players. I could probably spend around $200 for one. I would prefer to spend less though, of course.

I will very much appreciate any advice given on this matter!

(oh, and if you could provide Newegg links to any recommended products, that would be wonderful!)
 
Last edited:
Most graphics cards these days are PCI-express or PCI 2.0 slot compatible . AGP and PCI are just different slots on the motherboard where you can attatch hardware. If the only game you play is WoW, then you you should look into an AGP graphics card with 256MB 128bit or something. that would handle WoW no problem. But if your processor is slow, or you have low RAM. then it will still contribute to your lag problem
 
No, that wouldnt. Your current slot for a graphics card (GPU what you'll see most on here) is an AGP slot. Look for a graphics card that is AGP. it should say AGP 8x . Newegg might have some, and i believe there is an option to select AGP on the left when browsing video cards.

By the way an AGP card should cost a lot less than the card you were looking at. or reasonably less.
 
I looked up your computer, Looks like it comes stock with 512mb of ram. if you at least get it up to 1g. that would be a noticable difference, especially in WoW gameplay.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133235

this card here should work no problem.

They do make nicer AGP based cards, but i wouldnt recommend spending or putting a whole lot of money into that computer.

New Graphics card. and another 512mb of ram. should be fine if your just wanting to experience WoW better.
 
Thank you again! That card looks great. I now wish I hadn't just bought something from Newegg so that I could combine the $20 shipping, heh. I've ordered some RAM yesterday (the Newegg purchase), and am hoping to get it tomorrow. I decided to get the max amount of RAM that this computer can handle, 2 GB, so hopefully my gaming experience will be a lot better.

Yeah, this computer isn't the best. It's definitely better than my last one, but I would like to get a new one sometime. My sister's husband decided to get a new computer, so she gave me this one as there wasn't anything wrong with it. However, whenever I can, I'm going to get a new computer. I just want this one to function decently until that time, so yeah, I don't need a fancy card if the linked card will be fine for now :)

Thank you again for taking the time to explain things as well as looking up that card. I really do appreciate it!
 
Techshark, the 8600gt you have linked up was a PCI-E card. I think you have made an mistake, or I have, by means not sure the card-bus on the mobo. But, this card is great since i have this card but building a new comp....... Yea 2 gigs of RAM will definitely be an upgrade to play this certain game. I would look in something cheaper than the 8600gt. The game does not need this card to play it. My opinion your choice:)
 
Granite said:
Techshark, the 8600gt you have linked up was a PCI-E card. I think you have made an mistake, or I have, by means not sure the card-bus on the mobo. But, this card is great since i have this card but building a new comp....... Yea 2 gigs of RAM will definitely be an upgrade to play this certain game. I would look in something cheaper than the 8600gt. The game does not need this card to play it. My opinion your choice:)
Click to expand...

I think you have read something wrong, Checked the link and it's an AGP 8x card.

But yea,
2gb should be a pleasant difference from the stock 512mb.
 
Ohhhhh, sorry my bad. I was using school internet, but at home it popped up as it should. Sorry for the inconvenience :)
 
yeh good choice, for WoW anyway, For hardcore gaming i suggest a system rebuild from scratch. i had a similar system but HP. I was wasting money on a dead end machine. i ended up paying $2500 but man i am LOVING it.
 
lion149 said:
I think you will be nothing but disappointed if you get that card. I would suggest something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133176 although it is more $ and you might even need a new PSU (300w min) but atleast you will be able to play games on a decent setting. Or you could even the FX6200...
Don’t underestimate the anthlon 3200+, those were good cpu’s for gaming.
Click to expand...

I don't know, I think that's investing too much in a computer he'll have to scrap in the near future. $80+ for an AGP is just too pricey.

I say get the cheaper AGP card (fx5200?) and just let that hold you over until you can afford a new build altogether.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top