Dimension 3000 video card

Question

I upgraded to Windows 7 last year. When I looked for drivers for the Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller, Windows 7 was not listed as an OS choice.

I bought a new game last week and it will not play on this computer... DC Universe Online. First there wasn't enough RAM so I upgraded it to 2GB and that was okay. The next thing it said was that the video card settings are not compatible. It recommends nVidia or ATi, which I cannot upgrade to if I've read the info on Dell correctly.

The DC Online info does state "If your card is not displayed here (nVidia or ATi), we do not support it, though it may be able to run the game as long as the card's drivers support at least DirectX 9.0c (August version). Check with your specific card's manual and manufacturer for more information on getting the latest drivers for your card."

That's what I'm trying to do, but I can't figure it out. Will this download help me: Version 6.14.10.4363, A08? I know just enough about computers to get me this far and now I'm stuck.

Thanks for any help!

rdunnill · Accepted Answer

DX10 is a superset of DX9 and will meet your game's requirements.

osprey4 · Accepted Answer

More video RAM is not going to help on an older system like yours. I would get the 256MB card.

osprey4 · Answer

Hi slkfiller,

Yes, you can upgrade the video card, although your only option is a PCI card. This topic has been discussed frequently, so let me suggest you do a search first and see if any of the cards recommended by DC can be used on your system.

rdunnill · Answer

The 3000 onboard video does not support DirectX 9, and that's the source of your problems. The easiest fix is a PCI video card like this one: www.amazon.com/.../B001G6QDLM

I have a Sparkle 8400GS (an older model) in my 2350 and can attest to the ease of installation and sharp boost in performance. This model has a native HDMI port and onboard audio device, so if you upgrade to an LCD monitor with built-in speakers, you won't need to run a separate cable for the audio.

slkfiller · Answer

Thanks for the suggestion for a card!  I'll try it.  They also have a 512MB card.  Would that be better or is the 256MB okay? The game site also stated that DirectX 10 will not work and they recommend installing 9.0c (August version).  Will I be able to do that with this card?  I haven't put in a video card before and I want to make sure I have the right one before buying one.  Thanks.

slkfiller · Answer

Thanks for your help, Osprey.  I'm considering getting the card suggested by Rdunnill.  I had a question about whether the 256M or 512M would be best, and if I could change it from DirectX 10 to 9.0 (August version) like the DC Online site recommended.  This stuff is a little beyond my computer knowledge.

slkfiller · Answer

Thanks to both of you for all of your help.  I'm ordering the card now.

Mongy · Answer

Hello!!

I also have a Dimension 3000, and, recently got a RADEON 9200 video card....I have spent 8 hours trying to get it to install....but, it causes freezing and general instability (reboots the comp etc)....

Is it not compatible??

rdunnill · Answer

That's an old one. Theoretically, it should work, though.

Mongy · Answer

I tried everything.....took every piece of advice i could find on the internet, for 8 HOURS!!!! All it did was freeze my comp and crash it.....

slkfiller · Answer

If it helps you at all I got the card suggested in a previous post and it was easy to install and it worked just fine right away in my Dimension 3000.  Ordered it from Amazon: Sparkle GeForce 8400GS 256 MB DDR3 PCI . The link is in the post above on 8/3/11.  Good luck!

rdunnill · Answer

Sparkle has a $45 8400GS on the market ... replete with native HDMI and onboard audio device. You might consider it.

rdunnill · Answer

Good to hear! I recommended nVidia because an older 8400GS product installed and worked without issue in my old 2350.

Locked Topics – Desktops General

Dimension 3000 video card

Was this post helpful?