Help buying a Graphics card

GoofyGAT

I'd open the PC & have a look to make doubly sure - use philnicandamy's link or these links if still not clear: AGP graphics slot

From the Dimension 3000 PDF manual (see page 53) it would appear that you do not have a dedicated graphics card slot!

Looks like you need a PCI one after all? Not PCI-E, btw. G

Edit: Yes, you can connect to a TV if it has a TV out port. But it's not really worth it, as the picture won't be as good as on a monitor.

deary65

Also remember to check you monitor connection will fit the card. i have a dell and had to get a bridge DVI-I to VGA. so the monitor could connect. so watch what you order.

BillScarab

Why are you looking at replacing your graphics if you're not going to play games? What can't you do with your current graphics?

Mr_Mister

BillScarab wrote: »

Why are you looking at replacing your graphics if you're not going to play games? What can't you do with your current graphics?

I am finding the PC slowing down when watching movies and using Google Earth for example.

b33r

Mr_Mister wrote: »

I am finding the PC slowing down when watching movies and using Google Earth for example.

That's more likely to be system memory IMO, and hard drive seek time (assuming you are watching the movies off your hard drive?), films will need a constant bit stream and I know Google earth has a huge cache on your hard drive it will constantly be accessing.

GoofyGAT

Mr_Mister wrote: »

I am finding the PC slowing down when watching movies and using Google Earth for example.

Your system specs seem fine & shouldn't cause the slow down you're experiencing. How are things if you close unnecessary/background processes & just do the one task - watch a movie or run Google Earth (GE)? How much free disk space do you have? 2Gb is recommended in the GE's system requirements.

For GE try this tweak (from here):

Intel 3D graphics [which is what you have] machines can use the default OpenGL version, but work better in DirectX: choose Start > Programs > Google Earth > Start Google Earth in DirectX

If no joy, try updating your graphics drivers & DirectX - look here for instructions (includes download link for DirectX). Download Intel graphics drivers from Dell (under Video). If it doesn't work/is outdated, I'll help you find the latest drivers from Intel.

BillScarab wrote: »

Why are you looking at replacing your graphics if you're not going to play games? What can't you do with your current graphics?

That's the question we should have asked in the beginning! G