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General discussion

Question about new computers from retailers?

by phattferd Dec 19, 2004 1:00PM PST

If I buy a computer that is on stock at a Circuit City, Best Buy, Office Depot, etc.... will the built in video cards be decent? I am looking at eMachines, Compaq's and HPs that are around 600 bucks. I don't have specific model numbers, but I want a decent video card so I can watch DVD's and play Tiger Woods golf and be able to play later versions as they come out. Thanks.

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2 Posts

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Watch DVDs = Yes.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Dec 19, 2004 9:09PM PST

Play current games is dependant on the video cards and many of the cheap machines don't have dedicated video cards you can pull out and replace when you need to.

If the retailer won't talk to you about this, why buy from them?

Bob

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Sure for DVD watching

by Willy Dec 20, 2004 12:04AM PST

On-board video will do fine for DVD watching. However, once you get into more demanding video expect a drop-off point as it can't deliver those glorious display w/o added memory or attributes found on video cards. Most on-board video uses system ram for its own use thus cutting that resource even more a good reason just to install a video card. When you buy a new system from OEM, like Dell, Emachine, etc, they'll usually be of on-baord varity, but yes many can be upgraded to better video through a card. However, you should visit whatever maker's support website to get the specs as well as the upgrade path available for that, "model#".

good luck -----Willy