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hi,
so i just got my new HP desktop....6GB ram, 640 HD, and yes, an integrated Graphics Card.
now, i have ordered a 1GB GEforce graphics card but havn't installed it yet.
i just installed DOOM3 on the machine and played the game with the integrated GC that came with the desktop.....worked just fine.....not a single problem....very fast....graphics are good....etc.
so my question is.....do i really need a new/high tech GC? why?
Dedicated video cards blow the doors off onboard video for playing games. But if the game(s) you're playing can be handled by the onboard video, there's really no reason to spend the money on an upgrade. Do you plan on playing more demanding games in the very near future? If so, keep the card. If not, upgrade when and if the onboard video becomes insufficient. Video card tech advances rapidly so if you can't hold off on buying a card for a year, what you get a year from now will be better than what you just bought.
I have a pet peeve with places like best Buy, Wal mart, etc. I am looking to buy a new computer but want a higher end graphics card. Not the best of the best, just a good one. But the ones they sell are all middle range( $50 to $100). I'm looking for a $150 to $200 card on a HP, a desk top, but not an all in one touch screen. I don't want to order one online I want to see it on the shelf and have them set it up, check it out, etc.
They wouldn't have to sell alot of higher end computers, just have one or two available.
The easiest way is to look at the specs for the games you want to run. Games post them on the box.
Most integrated graphics cards are fine for low-end games or games that are a few years old (like Doom3), but for anything current even a "low end" dedicated graphics card for $70 will be a vast improvement.
As stated you can't go by a 6 year old game, buy a current graphics intensive game and you'll see the difference, many won't run at all with the onboard graphics chip.
I have a pet peeve with places like best Buy, Wal mart, etc. I am looking to buy a new computer but want a higher end graphics card. Not the best of the best, just a good one. But the ones they sell are all middle range( $50 to $100). I'm looking for a $150 to $200 card on a HP, a desk top, but not an all in one touch screen. I don't want to order one online I want to see it on the shelf and have them set it up, check it out, etc.
They wouldn't have to sell alot of higher end computers, just have one or two available.
This kind of thing is where your local Mom and Pop 'puter store will excel *and* shaft Best Buy in the process.
As stated you can't go by a 6 year old game, buy a current graphics intensive game and you'll see the difference, many won't run at all with the onboard graphics chip.
i guess you're right...
that's really what i was thinking when i first posed my question too....
i know doom is kinda old....and it ran fine....but i'm planning on getting newer games like the new Call of Duty and based on what you're saying, i bet it won't work...or won't perform at its best.
i bought a GEforce 1GB from best buy for 100....so i guess i will just put it in....
one question though....will it 'improve' the quality of already working games (like doom3) or will it just allow me to play the more graphics intensive newer games?
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