Lookin for a Geek

Dupontster

Dupontster

Would THIS face lie?
Any computer Geeks out there. I need to replace the video card in wifey's computer. Is it a big deal. I have been inside the computer before. Is it just a plug and play or is there a disc to download for the driver? She is having issues with playing videos. It won't. When the screen saver is supposed to kick in, I get a message that says "The screen saver can’t run because it requires a new video card or one that’s compatible with direct 3D" I checked and the drivers are the right ones. There is also a problem with the screen. It is wide and distorted. I tried to change the resolution but that didn't make it any better. Everything is stretched out. I bought a new monitor thinking it would solvce the problem but it didn't. The guy at Best Buy told me the Aspect Ratio was messed up on the old monitor. Well it must be messed up on the new one too because I have the same problem. Could this be related to the video card? Anyone have any feedback?
 
DoWhat

DoWhat

Deplorable
PREMO Member
One of the best ways to determine if your video card is in need of repair (or replacement) is to run a program such as FurMark. FurMark is a specialty program which attempts to inundate your video card with information. The idea is as follows, if a program requires every single part of your video card to be used, then you will likely be able to tell if there is a problem somewhere on it. You must realize, however, that programs such as FurMark generally will not be able to tell you exactly what is wrong with your video card. Rather, they will simply tell you that a problem exists.

How to Test your Computer's Video (Graphics) Card for Errors
 
Dupontster

Dupontster

Would THIS face lie?
ylexot said:
What kind of card is in there now?
Click to expand...
As far as I know it is the card that came with the computer..

DoWhat said:
One of the best ways to determine if your video card is in need of repair (or replacement) is to run a program such as FurMark. FurMark is a specialty program which attempts to inundate your video card with information. The idea is as follows, if a program requires every single part of your video card to be used, then you will likely be able to tell if there is a problem somewhere on it. You must realize, however, that programs such as FurMark generally will not be able to tell you exactly what is wrong with your video card. Rather, they will simply tell you that a problem exists.
How to Test your Computer's Video (Graphics) Card for Errors
Click to expand...

OK, I downloaded FurMark. It tells me to run a stability test and if FurMark fails, then you video card is shot.. I ran it and it failed and gave me the following message: "FurMark requires an OpenGL 2.0 compliant graphics comtroller.
Startup failed.
NVIDIA Geforce 6 and higher (with the latest Forceware drivers) orATI Radeon X1000 and higher (with the latest Catalyst drivers) are a good chioce.

koan00 said:
Definately looks like a driver issue. What is the model of computer? (service tag, etc)
Click to expand...
It is an older Dell.

Looks like now I need to replace the video card. Going back to my original question: Is it a major project or can I do it and just load the driver that comes with the card. Next is where and what to buy? Thanks for all the comments so far..
 
GWguy

GWguy

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Dupontster said:
Looks like now I need to replace the video card. Going back to my original question: Is it a major project or can I do it and just load the driver that comes with the card. Next is where and what to buy? Thanks for all the comments so far..
Click to expand...

Easy replacement. Instructions come with the card, follow them. Sometimes they want you to install the driver first, other times they want the hardware first , then the driver. One screw at most to remove the card.

Best bet for pricing is to mail order, but be very sure which video slot you are using before you order. Cards come in a few different configs.
Types of Graphic Card Slots | eHow.com

TigerDirect.com, CyberGuys.com are two places I use.
 
Dupontster

Dupontster

Would THIS face lie?
Thanks. That's kind of what I thought. Didn't think it was rocket science if I follow the manufacturers instructions. Once I get it and get it all loaded with drivers etc, it should just take off and run OK, right?
 
GWguy

GWguy

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Dupontster said:
Thanks. That's kind of what I thought. Didn't think it was rocket science if I follow the manufacturers instructions. Once I get it and get it all loaded with drivers etc, it should just take off and run OK, right?
Click to expand...

Pretty much.

Actually, I just realized I have an Nvidia eGeForce 6200 256Mb PCI card here. If you have a PCI video slot, you can have it.
 
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czygvtwkr

Guest
Most modern video cards require a pretty stout power supply also. Just sticking a video card in some computers can cause the voltage to sag and spike from the PS and that can ruin your ram, processor, and the video card.

Im guessing being a Dell it has integrated video, that isnt going to have a very strong power supply.
 
FancyBelle

FancyBelle

I'm 2 old 2 die young!
Z is coming over here one day this month if you want to wait for him. He can do them both same day
 
Dupontster

Dupontster

Would THIS face lie?
czygvtwkr said:
Most modern video cards require a pretty stout power supply also. Just sticking a video card in some computers can cause the voltage to sag and spike from the PS and that can ruin your ram, processor, and the video card.

Im guessing being a Dell it has integrated video, that isnt going to have a very strong power supply.
Click to expand...
I have read that too.. I was just going to put something standard in there. Don't need anything special. Would like to have what is in there now. Just want it back to normal..

FancyBelle said:
Z is coming over here one day this month if you want to wait for him. He can do them both same day
Click to expand...
I have talked with him and he said he'd take a look at my Norton stuff he installed. Last time he was here he looked at her computer and he really didn't have an answer as to what is was doing. Maybe I have more information for him this time..
 
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czygvtwkr

Guest
Dupontster said:
I have read that too.. I was just going to put something standard in there. Don't need anything special. Would like to have what is in there now. Just want it back to normal..


I have talked with him and he said he'd take a look at my Norton stuff he installed. Last time he was here he looked at her computer and he really didn't have an answer as to what is was doing. Maybe I have more information for him this time..
Click to expand...

If the computer has integrated video there is no seperate video card and it can't be replaced without replacing the mother board. IS the spot you plug your monitor into in one of the expansion slots or with a bunch of other connectors that seem to be part of the computer?
 
GWguy

GWguy

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czygvtwkr said:
If the computer has integrated video there is no seperate video card and it can't be replaced without replacing the mother board. IS the spot you plug your monitor into in one of the expansion slots or with a bunch of other connectors that seem to be part of the computer?
Click to expand...

If the current video is on-board, and it may be, a newly inserted video card becomes the primary and the on-board will not be used. No need to replace the motherboard. There *might* be a BIOS setting to tweak it.
 
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czygvtwkr

Guest
GWguy said:
If the current video is on-board, and it may be, a newly inserted video card becomes the primary and the on-board will not be used. No need to replace the motherboard. There *might* be a BIOS setting to tweak it.
Click to expand...

And the power supply in the computer most likely can not handle a discrete video card.
 
ylexot

ylexot

Super Genius
IMO, if the card is so old that it can't do Direct 3D (~20 years old?), that means it might be time to replace the whole thing.
 
Dupontster

Dupontster

Would THIS face lie?
ylexot said:
IMO, if the card is so old that it can't do Direct 3D (~20 years old?), that means it might be time to replace the whole thing.
Click to expand...

I am thinking the same thing...:whistle:

I took it out. (see pics)
Service tag on computer is DN3KR61
Express Service Code is 29694899593

Where should I buy just the computer? She has a new keyboard and monitor.. Don't need anything special. Just basic. She does FB, pictures and just a little looking around. Hell, she isn't even on the forums..
 

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GWguy

GWguy

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I don't believe that's a video output card. I don't see an RGB connector, but there appears to be 2 RF 'F' connectors in a shield. I think that's actually a TV tuner card. Allows you to input cable tv and record it.
 
Dupontster

Dupontster

Would THIS face lie?
I think I am going to just put this back in and go get something newer.. This thing is very old..
 
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