Full Version: Video And Audio Card Purchase Help
Dear Anyone and Everyone,
I have a Compaq Deskpro EN PIII I need help to purchase graphic and sound cards. There is nothing in it now, but a minimum of graphics on board, but I was wondering how I can find out what cards are compatible or are all of them compatible? I just want something inexpensive. I would like to spend 100.00 max, but less if possible.
Thank you all for your help,
LIOTB
Most likely you'll be restricted to an AGP or PCI video card and a PCI sound card. But, to be sure, please let us know the exact model number of your Compaq so we can look the specs up.
usasma,
Thank you for getting back with me so quickly. I am not sure if the information I have is acurate or not, but I will give you what I have. Let me know if there is anything else you need.
Deskpro EN CMT (ENC/P800/15e/6/256c)
Desktop PC D315
Once again, thank you for you time.
LIOTB
PS. Also, it is winXP
Thank you for getting back with me so quickly. I am not sure if the information I have is acurate or not, but I will give you what I have. Let me know if there is anything else you need.
Deskpro EN CMT (ENC/P800/15e/6/256c)
Desktop PC D315
Once again, thank you for you time.
LIOTB
PS. Also, it is winXP
QUOTE(usasma @ May 21 2007, 06:38 AM) 
Most likely you'll be restricted to an AGP or PCI video card and a PCI sound card. But, to be sure, please let us know the exact model number of your Compaq so we can look the specs up.
usasma,
Thank you for getting back with me so quickly. I am not sure if the information I have is acurate or not, but I will give you what I have. Let me know if there is anything else you need.
Deskpro EN CMT (ENC/P800/15e/6/256c)
Desktop PC D315
Once again, thank you for you time.
LIOTB
PS. Also, it is winXP
Here's a link for the technical specs of your system: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechS...8_rev002_us.pdf
You'll need an AGP card that's capable of handling AGP 4x (the maximum that your system can run). FWIW - most AGP 8x cards are backwards compatible with the 4x standard. Also, you'll have to disable the onboard graphics in the BIOS when you install the card.
You've also got 3 PCI slots on the system - you'll have to check and see if any are free (the link above shows 2 free with the top one containing a NIC card. One of those will hold the sound card.
After that it's a matter of shopping around to get cards that you'll be happy with.
You'll need an AGP card that's capable of handling AGP 4x (the maximum that your system can run). FWIW - most AGP 8x cards are backwards compatible with the 4x standard. Also, you'll have to disable the onboard graphics in the BIOS when you install the card.
You've also got 3 PCI slots on the system - you'll have to check and see if any are free (the link above shows 2 free with the top one containing a NIC card. One of those will hold the sound card.
After that it's a matter of shopping around to get cards that you'll be happy with.
QUOTE(usasma @ May 22 2007, 07:57 AM)
Here's a link for the technical specs of your system: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechS...8_rev002_us.pdf
You'll need an AGP card that's capable of handling AGP 4x (the maximum that your system can run). FWIW - most AGP 8x cards are backwards compatible with the 4x standard. Also, you'll have to disable the onboard graphics in the BIOS when you install the card.
You've also got 3 PCI slots on the system - you'll have to check and see if any are free (the link above shows 2 free with the top one containing a NIC card. One of those will hold the sound card.
After that it's a matter of shopping around to get cards that you'll be happy with.
You'll need an AGP card that's capable of handling AGP 4x (the maximum that your system can run). FWIW - most AGP 8x cards are backwards compatible with the 4x standard. Also, you'll have to disable the onboard graphics in the BIOS when you install the card.
You've also got 3 PCI slots on the system - you'll have to check and see if any are free (the link above shows 2 free with the top one containing a NIC card. One of those will hold the sound card.
After that it's a matter of shopping around to get cards that you'll be happy with.
John,
you are a life saver.
I hope you don't mind if I ask a few fallow up questions?
Does it matter that my computer does not look like the one in the picture in the document you sent to me?
When I disable the graphics in the BIOS I assume that it is before I install the graphics card? Further, when I install the sound card, will there need to be anything changed in the Bios, etc? (that will just be in the normal bios at start up, correct, just an options there)
Sometimes, I feel a burden when I come to places like this, but it is usually when I have depleted my search ability. Do you know place I can go to where I can read about questions such as I posted here.
John, I want to thank you for your time and efforts.
LIOTB
PS. what is FWIW
I don't have a clue about the system looking like the one in the diagram. All I did was to search HP for the model number that you mentioned. Go to http://www.compaq.com and click on the link for downloads or drivers - then enter the information that it asks for (it'll have help to find the information there) so you can look up the exact computer model.
I suspect tho', that the model are very similar, so you shouldn't have any issues. As for the BIOS settings, here's the suggested sequence:
A( Go into the BIOS now and make sure you can locate the settings to disable the onboard graphics (and the onboard sound if it has it).
1) When you're ready, unplug the system and open the case
2) Install the cards
3) Put the cord to the monitor on the old video output in the computer.
4) Start the computer and immediately enter the BIOS
5) Change the settings to disable the onboard video and sound and save them.
6) Turn off the system, switch the monitor cable to the new video output on the computer and start the system.
Learning about computers is a lot of work (and a lot of reading). I'd suggest just visiting here and reading the posts - eventually you'll start to see how things work. Then you'll start posting, and pretty soon you won't be able to stop! That's how I got started in this!
Just ask any questions you've got (even if it's questioning why we suggest a certain fix or procedure) and we'll do our best to let you know why. That's the true spirit of the online community!
Finally, I'll tell you what FWIW if you'll tell me what "LIOTB" means! Seriously, FWIW is "For What It's Worth" - sorta like IMO and FYI combined.
I suspect tho', that the model are very similar, so you shouldn't have any issues. As for the BIOS settings, here's the suggested sequence:
A( Go into the BIOS now and make sure you can locate the settings to disable the onboard graphics (and the onboard sound if it has it).
1) When you're ready, unplug the system and open the case
2) Install the cards
3) Put the cord to the monitor on the old video output in the computer.
4) Start the computer and immediately enter the BIOS
5) Change the settings to disable the onboard video and sound and save them.
6) Turn off the system, switch the monitor cable to the new video output on the computer and start the system.
Learning about computers is a lot of work (and a lot of reading). I'd suggest just visiting here and reading the posts - eventually you'll start to see how things work. Then you'll start posting, and pretty soon you won't be able to stop! That's how I got started in this!
Just ask any questions you've got (even if it's questioning why we suggest a certain fix or procedure) and we'll do our best to let you know why. That's the true spirit of the online community!
Finally, I'll tell you what FWIW if you'll tell me what "LIOTB" means!
Seriously, FWIW is "For What It's Worth" - sorta like IMO and FYI combined.
usasma,
Wow! Thank you. I like it here it is has been a serendipitous experience. I have learned a lot already and you have been a great help. We need more people and places like this in the world.
I believe this answers all of my questions, on this subject, and I will do all as you have directed. And I will be back to visit.
Well, "LIOTB", that is to say... "logic is only the beginning."
It keeps me grounded when I am writing. It's sort of a pen name.
Once again, I am sincerely thankful for your help and so that you know, you have contributed to a charitable act...may you recieve likewise.
Gratefully,
LIOTB
[quote name='usasma' date='May 24 2007, 09:25 AM' post='529114']
I don't have a clue about the system looking like the one in the diagram. All I did was to search HP for the model number that you mentioned. Go to http://www.compaq.com and click on the link for downloads or drivers - then enter the information that it asks for (it'll have help to find the information there) so you can look up the exact computer model.
I suspect tho', that the model are very similar, so you shouldn't have any issues. As for the BIOS settings, here's the suggested sequence:
A( Go into the BIOS now and make sure you can locate the settings to disable the onboard graphics (and the onboard sound if it has it).
1) When you're ready, unplug the system and open the case
2) Install the cards
3) Put the cord to the monitor on the old video output in the computer.
4) Start the computer and immediately enter the BIOS
5) Change the settings to disable the onboard video and sound and save them.
6) Turn off the system, switch the monitor cable to the new video output on the computer and start the system.
Learning about computers is a lot of work (and a lot of reading). I'd suggest just visiting here and reading the posts - eventually you'll start to see how things work. Then you'll start posting, and pretty soon you won't be able to stop! That's how I got started in this!
Just ask any questions you've got (even if it's questioning why we suggest a certain fix or procedure) and we'll do our best to let you know why. That's the true spirit of the online community!
Finally, I'll tell you what FWIW if you'll tell me what "LIOTB" means! Seriously, FWIW is "For What It's Worth" - sorta like IMO and FYI combined.
Wow! Thank you. I like it here it is has been a serendipitous experience. I have learned a lot already and you have been a great help. We need more people and places like this in the world.
I believe this answers all of my questions, on this subject, and I will do all as you have directed. And I will be back to visit.
Well, "LIOTB", that is to say... "logic is only the beginning."
It keeps me grounded when I am writing. It's sort of a pen name.
Once again, I am sincerely thankful for your help and so that you know, you have contributed to a charitable act...may you recieve likewise.
Gratefully,
LIOTB
[quote name='usasma' date='May 24 2007, 09:25 AM' post='529114']
I don't have a clue about the system looking like the one in the diagram. All I did was to search HP for the model number that you mentioned. Go to http://www.compaq.com and click on the link for downloads or drivers - then enter the information that it asks for (it'll have help to find the information there) so you can look up the exact computer model.
I suspect tho', that the model are very similar, so you shouldn't have any issues. As for the BIOS settings, here's the suggested sequence:
A( Go into the BIOS now and make sure you can locate the settings to disable the onboard graphics (and the onboard sound if it has it).
1) When you're ready, unplug the system and open the case
2) Install the cards
3) Put the cord to the monitor on the old video output in the computer.
4) Start the computer and immediately enter the BIOS
5) Change the settings to disable the onboard video and sound and save them.
6) Turn off the system, switch the monitor cable to the new video output on the computer and start the system.
Learning about computers is a lot of work (and a lot of reading). I'd suggest just visiting here and reading the posts - eventually you'll start to see how things work. Then you'll start posting, and pretty soon you won't be able to stop! That's how I got started in this!
Just ask any questions you've got (even if it's questioning why we suggest a certain fix or procedure) and we'll do our best to let you know why. That's the true spirit of the online community!
Finally, I'll tell you what FWIW if you'll tell me what "LIOTB" means!
Seriously, FWIW is "For What It's Worth" - sorta like IMO and FYI combined.
John,
I hope this topic is still open and you get this. I hope you don't mind my shooting another question your way.
I have a question about getting the right graphics card for a motherboard. If I understand it correctly the three main questions are power supply, AGP/PCI, and the transfer rate. Other than that it should just work on the board? I hope this is not to noob of me.
Thank you for your help.
LIOTB
I hope this topic is still open and you get this. I hope you don't mind my shooting another question your way.
I have a question about getting the right graphics card for a motherboard. If I understand it correctly the three main questions are power supply, AGP/PCI, and the transfer rate. Other than that it should just work on the board? I hope this is not to noob of me.
Thank you for your help.
LIOTB
I'm not real sure about "transfer rate" - but having a powerful enough PSU is a requirment - as is making sure it'll fit in the slots on your motherboard. There are many different slots, but the most common are AGP, PCI, and PCI-Express (PCI-e). Video RAM is important also, depending on what you'll do with the card.
Easiest thing is to pick a board out and ask here for what type of video card will fit it (and how powerful a PSU you'll need).
Easiest thing is to pick a board out and ask here for what type of video card will fit it (and how powerful a PSU you'll need).
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