Upgrade Dell Dimension 4600 Graphics Controller

For that 4600 system, you can go either low end or higher in the AGP video slot flavor, depending if you just want Vista with Aero or want to play a few good games as well.   The ones to look at for some fair gaming would be the 7600 GT or the slightly lessor 7600 GS AGP cards.  They will cost you around $ 130 to $175.00 or so.  If you are not planning on games, since you have the integrated video now, than perhaps the less costly 6600 non GT model, which is under $100.00.  2 GB of memory would even be better total for Vista and the Aero effects, but that is up to you.   Let us know how much you are willing to spend. 

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122011  the 7600 GS AGP card

 

 

Dim 4400
2.6 Ghz 400 FSB
1 Gb 2100 DDR memory
Windows XP Home
24 inch 2407 WFP
XFX 7800 GS O/C AGP ( 91.47 driver )
Dual 16x DVD-R
410 watt ( PcPower&Cooling )
PC-Cillon Internet Security

SR45,

 

I'm not much of a gamer, but I'm not really thinking about cost either.  Whatever will work with my system so I can upgrade to Windows Vista.  I see you think I should install 2 GB of memory.  I just sent to Dell for 1 GB of memory. Perhaps I'll get more later.  Do you have any idea if Vista is better than XP? 

Vista would like a 256 mb video card, and the cards mentioned come in 256 mb or even 512, and I think you would be happy with either card.  Dell is kind of high in price for a memory upgrade, but sometimes they surprise me in being lower than some other vendors, but only sometimes.  They are meant for your system, and cannot go wrong with them.  Many of us go to www.crucial.com and use the memory advisor on top to find the correct memory for our Dell systems.  They to are more expensive, but guaranteed to work with a Dell computer and are trusted by many, including me.  You can run the Aero effects of Vista with 1 gb now and if you wish, upgrade later if need be.  Our systems are getting long in the tooth and spending money for Vista is something I would not do.  I'll wait for a new system first.

 

Is Vista better  ?  It will be more secure, but will have more bugs at first just like any new OS.  We do hope it will be better, but this new OS is now becoming a memory hog over XP

 

Dim 4400
2.6 Ghz 400 FSB
1 Gb 2100 DDR memory
Windows XP Home
24 inch 2407 WFP
XFX 7800 GS O/C AGP ( 91.47 driver )
Dual 16x DVD-R
410 watt ( PcPower&Cooling )
PC-Cillon Internet Security