Graphics Card Upgrade - Old Computer

**badprimer1** · 02-06-10, 08:28 PM

I have an old computer - I believe coming up to 6 years old - Pentium 4 - 3.20. I would like to upgrade my graphics card, but don't believe my system supports the newer ones. Currently it is an ATI Radeon X800SE (PCI Express). No, I'm not interested in upgrading my desktop just yet. I play only BF2.

What card would you recommend I upgrade to? I believe my card is a 256mb.

BadPrimer1

**SpecOpsScott** · 02-06-10, 10:03 PM

I'm going through the same thing, I'm just and nvidia guy though. The first thing i found out is the stock 300w power supply in my box will not do for any decent vid card of today. I'm looking at a 500w PS, and make sure you have the physical space for whatever card you choose.

**badprimer1** · 02-06-10, 10:19 PM

I'm not married to any graphics card (mine came with computer) - just don't know what to upgrade to? Seems as of late my computer starts lagging more and more in game.

How do you find out what wattage the power supply is and is it easy to swap out?

**darktower** · 02-06-10, 10:40 PM

I don't know if there is an easier way but you could always open up the case and there is usually a sticker on the PS that will tell you the wattage.

**Forquetsson** · 02-06-10, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by SpecOpsScott

I'm going through the same thing, I'm just and nvidia guy though. The first thing i found out is the stock 300w power supply in my box will not do for any decent vid card of today. I'm looking at a 500w PS, and make sure you have the physical space for whatever card you choose.

Or more. Some nVidia cards require 650.

Although you might not be looking at a GTX295.....

**badprimer1** · 02-06-10, 11:10 PM

So provided I am able to upgrade the PSU, what would be the max card my system could feasibly run?

**badprimer1** · 02-07-10, 03:10 AM

well - my lag issue is not my graphics card. It is my new keyboard with my new headphones hooked up through the keyboard (razer headphones / g110 keyboard). Evidentially, my slow ass computer doesn't like that hookup.