15 replies to this topic

[RCD74]

I would like to use the 3-D transitios, but not sure if my video card is going to be good enough. When I tried to run the graphics test it defaulted me back to Software. Anyway, here is what I have:

DELL Dimension E310 (Microsoft XL)
plug and play monitor Intel ®
82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family

Also, What should my screen resolutions be? I have it set at 1152x864 pixels (32-bit color quality)

Thanks for you help in advance!! I am really a novice when it comes to the ins and outs of how a computer functions!

RCD74

[gi7omy]

Your graphics chipset is an onboard one using shared RAM - it probably isn't up to hardware rendering and the 3D transitions are only available in that.

You could try the latest Intel drivers from here, but I doubt if it will help

[RCD74]

Your graphics chipset is an onboard one using shared RAM - it probably isn't up to hardware rendering and the 3D transitions are only available in that.

You could try the latest Intel drivers from here, but I doubt if it will help

I just spoke to DELL and they said that I would need to purchase a new card with at least 256 MB for video to be able to utilize the Hardware render.  Do you think this will help? I certainly don't want to invest in something that "may" work. I am really not sure what to do. They also said that my current video card is using memory on my computer, where as this new video card wouldn't, therefore it would free up some of my memory. Again, I am not quite sure what I am talking about - just repeating what they told me. I just want to make sure they are correct. Thanks in advance - you gurus are so helpful!!!

RCD74

[grandpabruce]

I just spoke to DELL and they said that I would need to purchase a new card with at least 256 MB for video to be able to utilize the Hardware render.  Do you think this will help? I certainly don't want to invest in something that "may" work. I am really not sure what to do. They also said that my current video card is using memory on my computer, where as this new video card wouldn't, therefore it would free up some of my memory. Again, I am not quite sure what I am talking about - just repeating what they told me. I just want to make sure they are correct. Thanks in advance - you gurus are so helpful!!!

RCD74

I have to make the assumption that that is not a laptop.  If that is correct, then a new vid card will work.

Edited by grandpabruce, 03 May 2007 - 04:31 AM.

[gi7omy]

If your computer is a desktop model (whch, along with Bruce, I would assume it is) then certainly, invest in a new graphics card. You con't need a bleeding edge, toss pixels round the screen at supersonic speeds, one - any reasonable mid range card will do what you want.

Just make sure it's the right type - ie, if it's PCI-e or AGP (they aren't interchangable) but Dell would be able to set you straight on that. Also, whichever card you get, forget the bundled drivers and go to the maker's website and download their latest ones - the ones you get on the CD can be anything up to 6 months old.

[RCD74]

Just make sure it's the right type - ie, if it's PCI-e or AGP (they aren't interchangable) but Dell would be able to set you straight on that. Also, whichever card you get, forget the bundled drivers and go to the maker's website and download their latest ones - the ones you get on the CD can be anything up to 6 months old.

You guys (people) are the best!!! Thank you so much for your insight. Yes, it is a desktop. How much is a new video card going to cost me??  I am trying/hoping to start a little montaging DVD making business and I am just not sure if I should invest in a new card for this computer or just buy a better computer (I've heard Macs are best for graphics). What do you think?? Again, I am clueless about how computers work.

RCD74

[ggrussell]

As Daithi posted, a midrange ($50-$100) should work fine. Just make sure it is DirectX 9 compatible.  If you switch to a Mac, none of your present software will work (with an exception of a Mac with Intel and dual booting or virtual machine installed with Windows).  

Personally, the whole argument that Macs are better for graphics is old and really no longer as strong an argument.  All of the high end graphics software is also on Windows and works just as well with a good machine that is optimized well.

[RCD74]

As Daithi posted, a midrange ($50-$100) should work fine. Just make sure it is DirectX 9 compatible.  If you switch to a Mac, none of your present software will work (with an exception of a Mac with Intel and dual booting or virtual machine installed with Windows).  

Personally, the whole argument that Macs are better for graphics is old and really no longer as strong an argument.  All of the high end graphics software is also on Windows and works just as well with a good machine that is optimized well.

Once again, thank you so much!! This forum is the best. I really appreciate your quick replies and the fact that you take the time to answer our questions. I've decided to stick with the computer I have and update my video card. I will take all your suggestions!! Thanks again. I am sure I will be posting again real soon with more questions!! They are endless!!

RCD74

[RCD74]

I am back!! I spoke to DELL and they said I have one of 2 choices in video cards for my system. Both made by VisionTek.

Radeon X1300 256MB PCI Graphics Card for $129
OR
Radeon X1300 256 MB GDDR2 DMS59 PCI Graphics for $149

Not sure of the difference but I may just go with the cheaper one. Thanks again and if you have any insight, I'd love to hear it!! As always, THANK YOU!!!

RCD74

[tbrewst]

I find it hard to believe that only 2 video cards out there would work on your machine.It's probably some deal that Dell has with ATI about video cards that makes them push only those 2.
If you have PCI graphics then pretty much any PCI card you get should work.Take a look around the Web and see if you can find one cheaper.You can probably even find those same 2 cards cheaper.
Just make sure in your searching that you look for PCI not PCIe.It's a different kind of slot that they fit into.

[RCD74]

I find it hard to believe that only 2 video cards out there would work on your machine.It's probably some deal that Dell has with ATI about video cards that makes them push only those 2.
If you have PCI graphics then pretty much any PCI card you get should work.Take a look around the Web and see if you can find one cheaper.You can probably even find those same 2 cards cheaper.
Just make sure in your searching that you look for PCI not PCIe.It's a different kind of slot that they fit into.

Thanks. I will search around. So basically, I need 256 MB and to make sure it is PCI. Is there anything else that I should look out for?? I want to make sure I buy the right thing. Thanks again and again!!

RCD74

[grandpabruce]

Thanks. I will search around. So basically, I need 256 MB and to make sure it is PCI. Is there anything else that I should look out for?? I want to make sure I buy the right thing. Thanks again and again!!

RCD74

Ask Dell if you have a PCIe slot.  You might have one, in which case, you want a PCIe card, not just a PCI card.

It looks like the motherboard only has a PCIe x1 slot, which won't help you.  You will need a regular PCI video card, and with a Celeron processor, it may work, but it will be slow doing any video work.

Edited by grandpabruce, 03 May 2007 - 10:29 AM.

[tbrewst]

If you got a manual with that computer you may also be able to look in there and see what kind of video slots you have.

I did a quick search for that model and it looks like your choices are limited.According to what I saw there is a PCIe slot but it's only 1x,not good for video.So it looks like your only choice is PCI.The article I read said you have 2 PCI slots in that machine.As long as you have a vacant one then that's the type of card you need.

Edited by tbrewst, 03 May 2007 - 10:21 AM.

[RCD74]

If you got a manual with that computer you may also be able to look in there and see what kind of video slots you have.

I did a quick search for that model and it looks like your choices are limited.According to what I saw there is a PCIe slot but it's only 1x,not good for video.So it looks like your only choice is PCI.The article I read said you have 2 PCI slots in that machine.As long as you have a vacant one then that's the type of card you need.

Ok, you guys kinda lost me. I have a Pentium 4 HT inside so that isn't Celeron, right?? Again, total novice here!!  I will probably buy the $130 video card that DELL told me was ok since I am too scared to venture out on my own to find a cheaper card. I will definitely try to find that particular card cheaper. I have already found places it's sold at about $20 less.  Thanks again for all your help!!

RCD74

[grandpabruce]

Ok, you guys kinda lost me. I have a Pentium 4 HT inside so that isn't Celeron, right?? Again, total novice here!!  I will probably buy the $130 video card that DELL told me was ok since I am too scared to venture out on my own to find a cheaper card. I will definitely try to find that particular card cheaper. I have already found places it's sold at about $20 less.  Thanks again for all your help!!

RCD74

You are welcome.  I don't know what choices you had for a processor, but Dell's site lists that model as being a P-4 Celeron processor.

[tbrewst]

You're welcome.Go with what you're comfortable with.If you feel comfortable changing the card then I'd at least try and find it cheaper somewhere besides from Dell.Then again if they'll handle warranty stuff you may be better off just using them.