Gee, thanks for the good info. In order for it to apply to others could you give a little more info..like..
What is the model # of the emachine. That may tell us some of this info:
Do you know which Integrated graphics it has...like is it the new GMA 900 or the Extreme Graphics 2, or the Extreme Graphics. Do you know what chipset?
Since you are going to get a PCI Video Card, can assume you do not have an AGP slot. Realize you are trying to make this a high end gaming machine, but some things to consider, since this is a emachine(right) and even a new one not configured by the designers to be a high end gaming machine:
A 128MB card would save you money as there are no current games that I know of that require a 256MB card. This 256MB is to feed on high end competition rollers ego, possibly give them a couple fps, and sell them new cards for the future. Don't believe you could tell the difference at all with your emachine. New games, for at least quite a few more years will operate OK on a 128MB card...they want to sell games.
You may need to up your power source wattage as the new card will draw more power. The emachine may have 200W or lower, and you may need a minimum of 300W, with 350-400 mo better. Many non gaming computers come with the power to operate what is on the computer at the time of new purchase. Adding other things like a better video card, DVD or CD burners, etc will draw more power.
I do not know of any games that require more than 512MB of RAM, and in the past some computers have problems with more than 512MB RAM and had to remove sticks to bring it down. It depends on your computer. High dollar ones that have 1 gig of RAM have no problems. I play Doom 3 without a flaw on 512MB of RAM. The game, so far as I can determine, requires about the highest requirements of any game...requiring at least 384MB RAM, a minimum 1.5GHz processor speed, a WinXP or 2000 Operating System, and specific Video Cards.
Yes, Kingston and Crucial.com will give the correct RAM by just keying in your specs to their sites. Everyone should check them before adding RAM.
Regards,