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General discussion

Newbie question on graphics card?

Jan 4, 2005 5:20PM PST

If I buy a stocked computer with a 64MB shared graphics card will I always be limited to 64MB graphics capability or if I buy a new card that is 126MB or 252MB and put it into the available AGP slot will it run at the new 126MB or max out at 64? Plus if it will run at the new higher speed will it still be shared/integrated?

Thanks, and please don't get too technical I may get lost. Thanks in advance.

Discussion is locked

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Graphics card...
Jan 4, 2005 9:02PM PST

Your new card will be recognized for what it is! It will not be shared/integrated. You might have to disable your onboard video either in the Bios or a jumper on your Motherboard. Read your system documentation.

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If you mean...
Jan 4, 2005 9:06PM PST

"If I buy a stocked computer with a 64MB shared graphics card"
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If you mean an on-board video port, it will be at it capabilities. It maybe possible it can have added ram added to it from the system resources but overall that's not desirable unless you have a system chock full of ram. Even then only so much can be added. If you add a video card, you can "disable" on-board video via the bios, check your manual.

Any added video card that you install to a slot will also be at its capabilities, starting with its *own* ram and most don't allow added ram later. Thus, you can't use system resources(ram) to increase the video ram. Having a video card is usually more desirable as its abilities exceed most mtrbd. provided video. The current ram having come with the card usually exceeds any on-board video like 64mb vs. 128mb if so equiped.

good luck Grin -----Willy

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The guy at the store told me
Jan 5, 2005 2:02AM PST

That I can disable the old card (which is built into the motherboard) by going into the device manager screen or something. Does this sound accurate or do I need to go into the BIOS?

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device manager
Jan 5, 2005 3:44AM PST

You can disable the onboard graphics through the device manager. Open the device manager, open the disply adaptors, then double click on graphics listed. This will open a new window and where is says device usage, use this device(enabled), change it to disabled. Before you do anything, be sure to find out in what order you need to disable your onboard graphic and install your new card.

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Phattferd, The Computer Store Guy Is Right..
Jan 5, 2005 3:50AM PST

Normally, it's not necessary to disable the "on board/integrated" graphics in the BIOS. In "Device Manager", on Windows XP and 2000, you can uninstall or disable the onboard graphics when installing the new one. That allows the new card to "take over" for the old one and it shouldn't cause conflicts that way. Sometimes, they will both show up after the installation and the onboard device can be disabled at that time.

To check that availability in Windows 200/XP, access the "Device Manager", click on the + sign next to "Display Adapters", then RIGHT click on your current video device, choose 'Properties". On the "General" tab, at the bottom of the window, you should see a "Device Usage" line. Use the drop down menu to see the other option to "Do not use this device (disable)".

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re: Graphic Card
Jan 6, 2005 12:24AM PST

Had to read your post a couple times to answer your specific questions.

1. If the computer you are considering has an AGP slot you can install a new Graphics Card with 128MB and it will run at 128MB and not shared. The 252MB is overkill for your PC in my opinion, and besides I haven't played any of the latest games that require 252MB...but 252mb will be effective in the future, however for years the 128MB will play along side the 252MB card in games.
Course if a computer has integrated (on board) graphics without an AGP slot, a PCI card of 128MB can be installed but is limited and not be as effective as an AGP slot

2. Your AGP slot may probably be at X4, which most computers now have. If it has an 8x slot that is a bonus, but 8x video cards will play good in 4x slots.

Believe Moderator Grif and others have covered the disabling of the integrated (on board) graphics.

JR

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It's Nice to see all the replys...
Jan 7, 2005 11:49AM PST

but he /she did say not to get too technical, and aren't you guys basically repeating what I said in the very first reply, only instead of putting it in laymans' terms, you're elaberating on all the details? Why not just keep it plain and simple? and help someone out! instead of trying to show your "knowledge" of a certain subject?

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excuse me?
Jan 7, 2005 9:46PM PST

I don't recall a forum policy that limits the number of replies allowed.