Computers & Tablets

[arvin]

Hi, I would like to ask some advice on how to improve my computer performance for playing games.
Today I installed Assassin's Creed, the installation was fine. However when i played the games

It laggs so much -- about 3 second delay. the gameplay  is choppy.

Then I tried to put the graphic settings to the minimum level but the result is the same.
I was wondering if it is because of my video card ?

Im using HP Pavillion a6650f - AMD Phenom(tm) 9550 Quad-Core Processor 2.20 GHz
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Service Pack 2 6gb Memory.

My Video Card is Nvidia Getforce 6150SE nForce 430. I also installed DirectX 10.0

If i have to upgrade my Video Card, can someone give me advice on which good Video Card to buy.

It doesnt have to be the best video card that gives HD. I just need a good video card for new games like

Crysis, Assassins Creed, etc etc..  A good Video Card with resonable price.

if possible around 100$ -200$

Sorry for my bad english and
Thanks in advance!!

[davedsmer]

Yeah your graphics card is your weak point on that computer. 

Just about any video card in your price range would be a great upgrade.  There are plenty of options and you can't really go wrong as long as you get a PCIe card.  

I would suggest though checking your power supply output and free connectors just to make sure you get a video card that your power supply can support otherwise you will have problems. 

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

I would hope that in a Quad-Core system there is a powerful power supply inside the unit. But you need to check the amperage and voltage rails really for the card you are buying. Some power supplies lack quality transistors and other components inside that can make a weak power supply fry a computer with a powerful video card.

[Noob]

I agree, the graphics in your computer seems like the only weakness.  But if you plan on upgrading your video card,  you might want to consider purchasing a new power supply as well.

Your power supply is most likely a 300w at most.  The power supply in your HP might not have a PCIe connector, as davedsmer said you should check that out.  Most video cards require at least a 300w power supply at the bare minimum.  You should probably get a power supply with a higher wattage that supports a PCIe video card.  A 400w power supply will work fine.  The more quality you want in your games, the more price your going to pay for a video card. 

I'm not too familiar with game requirements, but I would probably get at least an 8600 video card. 

[Nokia]

300W is probably enough, and a PCI-E connector can be added.

[Noob]

That would work.

I forgot that you could add the connector... lol.

[arvin]

Thanks for the reply! =)

Im not sure about my power supply so i look at the sticker at the back of my PC. It says..

AC Input   100-170V 6.0A

50/60Hz   200-270V 3.0A

Im possitive that my power supply is 300 watts.

hmm so guys can you help me pick a good video card pls =) I tried to search and found these cheap video cards..

I was wondering if these are good for playing 3D games like assasins creed, crysis, etc etc...

pls give me some advice guys! thanks!

1st Choice = http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4588148&CatId=3669

PNY GeForce 9500 GT Video Card - 1GB GDDR2, PCI Express 2.0, Dual DVI, SLI Ready

2nd Choice = http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5296653&csid=ITD&body=MAI...

EVGA GeForce GT220 Video Card - 1024MB DDR3, PCI-Express 2.0, DVI, HDMI, VGA

3rd Choice = Palit NE3T220SFHD51 GeForce GT 220 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail GDDR3 memory, Core clock 650MHz with HDMI interface

[TheLexMachine]

#2 is the best choice out of those 3 for your machine. Pair that card with one of HP's new HDMI-equipped 1080p monitors and you'll have yourself some fun. You'll have to dial down the settings a bit though as your PC isn't really all that good for gaming to begin with since it was designed for multi-media.

[arvin]

Uhmm which one is better?

EVGA GeForce GT 220 Video Card - 1024MB DDR3, PCI-Express 2.0, DVI, HDMI, VGA
= $75 ( its alot cheaper and some specs are higher but i saw the stream processrs is only 48 )

or

Visiontek Radeon HD 3850 Video Card - 256MB GDDR3, PCI Express 2.0, CrossFireX Ready, (Dual Link) Dual DVI, HDTV, HDMI Support, Video Card
= $89 ( some specs are lower but the stream processor is 320 ) omg why is the difference so high.

Im not sure which one is to choose for gaming like assassins cread, half life 2, fear, crysis, etc..

can anyone give me any advice..

Thanks in advance!! - vin

[seekrtz]

Hi Arvin. 

Those cards are essentially both junk 

If your budget is $100-$200, I would recommend taking a serious look at the ATI 4870, Nvidia GTX 260, or the ATI 4890, as they will fit into your price range and give much better performance.  I would also urge you to do some research.  There are tons of review sites that outline the value of various video cards; and of course, you should find that the cards I listed above are currently the best bang for your buck