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Graphics (Video Card) upgrade for Dimension 4400
I realize that this query has been posted in the past but am posting it again 'cause, well, the cards just keep changing.
I plan to upgrade the Video Card on my Dimension 4400 system both for installing Windows Vista and for getting a better (newer) game play.
My system stats:
CPU - P4 1.6ghz
RAM - 1GB PC2100 DDR
Video - 32MB AGP NVidia GeForce2 GTS/Pro (upgraded from initial/orginal 16mb...from my old system's vid card)
I was planning on getting ATI Radeon 9550 or X1300 (I think that's the model name). The 1300 is 512mb (and suggested by Dell for my system family) while the 9550 is 256mb. However, while looking around for a deal I ran into reviews that stated that the X1300 doesn't work (well) with Vista.
Don't know much about the newer NVidia cards and that's what I require help for. Any suggestions on a 256/512mb entry/mid level NVidia card for the Dim4400? Also, its' cost. Both the 9550 and X1300 are in the $100-150 Cdn range.
Thanks in advance
stevodevo
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June 21st, 2007 04:00
SR45
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June 21st, 2007 11:00
Message Edited by SR45 on 06-21-2007 08:35 AM
pawanvir2
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June 21st, 2007 11:00
stevodevo
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June 21st, 2007 13:00
SR45
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June 21st, 2007 18:00
SR45
12.1K Posts
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June 21st, 2007 18:00
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=965852
Step One in doing it the right way…
Download the most current driver for the video card, and have it placed on the desktop for later install. Try not to use the video card driver from the cd that comes with the card, since they are some what out of date. ( If it’s a nVidia card, go to www.nvidia.com . ATI card, than go to www.ati.com for the driver download.
Going from an ATI card to NVIDIA or vs versa, one should uninstall the old driver first, from Add/Remove program, than use a driver cleaner, to get all the old driver code completely off the system. Use the driver cleaner twice. If you are going from a nVidia card to another nVidia card ( Same for the ATI card ), you may not have to use the driver cleaner, but I do to be on the safe side, but many, including me, have not seen any issues with this procedure. Others may have.
1. Turn off the system, unplug the power cord, and push in on the systems power button for about 5 seconds to discharge the system further.
2. Remove the old card, and install the new card, firmly. Attach, if required, any power cable to the card, and to a power connector on your system. ( Some video cards, but not all, may need a power connector or Molex Y power cable connected to the rear of the video card, and the other end to a power source, to get the video card to work, or your systems power supply may have this power four pin or six pin connector )
http://www.drivercleaner.net/ Driver Cleaner Pro download site. ( Now they are charging $10 for the program, where it was free before. You can try to manually clean out the old driver if you wish, but this is still a good program to have around )
3. Plug the power cable back in, and reboot the system. You may notice that the monitor screen is larger now. Not to worry if this happens, since you are now using Microsoft’s Generic video driver, prior to installing the one you downloaded.
4. Now disable your anti virus software, and disconnect the modem at this time
5. Install the newer video card driver from the desktop, than if necessary, go into the Display Properties to reset the monitor resolution after it reboots. You are almost done. Now restart the anti virus program, and connect the modem. ( It has been noted from time to time, that the anti virus program may cause problems with the install of some drivers, and some games, so it’s best to disable this during the driver install to eliminate that possibility )
Display Properties.... Right click your mouse on an empty part of the monitor ( desktop ), click on Properties next, than click on Settings on top. Now look at the screen resolution bar on the left side. Move it to the proper resolution to the monitor you have. Click on Apply, than OK. The monitor will go blank for a second of two, than another box will appear in the upper left side asking you if you wish to keep the new settings. Click OK. Do so before the second counter goes down, and you have to start over.... Now you are done
pawanvir2
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June 21st, 2007 18:00
Message Edited by pawanvir2 on 06-21-2007 02:07 PM
pawanvir2
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June 21st, 2007 20:00
SR45
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June 21st, 2007 21:00
pawanvir2
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June 22nd, 2007 01:00
Message Edited by pawanvir2 on 06-21-2007 09:45 PM
Bobman101
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June 22nd, 2007 02:00
ae38cb5bb8b0410
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June 22nd, 2007 03:00