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On-board graphics/update
I have a Dell Dimension 2400 (I know, I know) with the Intel Extreme graphics card. I want to play the matrix online, but this and my RAM doesn't meet the minimum requirements.
I was just wondering if anyone has had the same experience and what they did.
I dont know whether to A) add RAM --going to add 1GB to slot 2 with 256MB in slot 1-- and update to a "OK" PCI card (since there is no AGP slot)
or B) get a new motherboard with a AGP slot even though i can deal with 'under-par' graphics. I just want to get rid of the lag.
I'm not on a serious-budget, but do not want to spend too much.
Anyone know what the best thing to do is?
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Most any rececent game on a PCI graphics card will very likely be nearly unplayable.
New motherboard, some more ram, and a lower midrange AGP graphics card (along the lines of a 9600pro, or even an older geforce 4).
If you change motherbaords, be warned that you will ahve to reformat and that you mostlikely would not bebable to use the disks that came with the computer to reload the OS.
Also, using a new motherbaord with a dell case and psu might be a problem.
There are several Imension 2400s, can you be specific as to wich CPU yours has?
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Yeah, thats why I keep going back-and-forth on what to do.
I dont know the first thing in actually changing a motherboard and I know how it can be huge pain with the good ol' Dells
Here's some of my computer specs;
Dell Dimension 2400
Pent. 4 Proc. -2.4GHz
256MB RAM
Windows XP
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You could sell the Dell and build a budget system from scratch.
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Its harsh but i agree with oralpain, you could build your PC for not that much and it sounds like you have some money to spend on better spec. Mabe you could give or sell your pc to a family member who does not have a pc but would benefit with one but of course does not need a powerfull one, or you could just sell it to some randomer.
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Dell don't like people messing around with their motherboards. They'd rather you bought a new PC from them than upgrade for better performance. You may be able to replace the motherboard but before you buy one you need to check to make sure you can connect it up to the power supply and to the 'front panel' connectors (power, reset, power LED, HDD LED, internal speaker). I had problems with these when I replaced the motherboard in my Dimension XPS600 - I had to fit a new PSU and make my own front panel connectors.
However, I would say go for it. Buy a recent micro-ATX motherboard (I can recommend Abit SG-72 and Aopen S661FXm which both use the SIS661 chipset) and have a go. As mentioned above you will need to do a re-install of the OS so make sure you have the full version of Windows XP. Also, before you start have a good trawl through the Dell support forums - you may find someone who's already done what you're trying to do.
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...also...
You might want to budget out the cost of upgrading and replacing
To get a gaming box that will not shy away from modern games, you will need:-
- Reasonable card: Less than £150 if you have a 17" screen - maybe less than £100 if you have a 15" which can only run 1024x768
- Reasonable CPU: Again - this will depend on the screen you have. The 2.4GHz that you already have might be fine with a 17" screen - but running 1280 or 1600 may require more horsepower
Work out the pricing before you do anything else !
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A quick look through the delltalk forums shows that many, many folks have wondered about replacing the 2400 motherboard with one that supports AGP. It seems that a Dell 4600 motherboard can be popped right in and will bypass the PSU and front panel connector problem.
http://delltalk.us.dell.com/
