Hi there. I have an HP Pavilion a730n which was purchased shortly before Christmas of 2004. I mainly play games with this computer, and unfortunately, this computer
has onboard video, meaning the graphics are built into the motherboard. So, basically, almost all but one of my games cannot be played on this computer with onboard video. So I need to purchase a real graphics card
to install in this computer. My questions are:

1. What factors do I need to consider when I purchase a graphics card when it comes to determining whether it will be compatible with this PC?

3. If I end up installing a graphics card, how would I go about disabling the onboard video?

Currently, I have the "Intel(R)82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family" installed in the computer.

Thanks for your assistance!
Chris

the three main types of graphics cards, in order from least performance to greatest, are PCI, AGP, PCI-express. Which one will be compatible all has to do with the slots on your motherboard. So, open up your comp and look at this line of at the bottom of your computer, near the back. You should see some white ones, these are PCI. Then you might see a brown one, like this http://www.mysuperpc.com/pc_assembly/kr7a_motherboard_agp_cr.jpg. This brown one is AGP. You'll probably have it. A PCI express slot looks like this http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/image/11308/ and is usually black. You probably dont have this unless you bought a higher end machine. Anyhoo, now you know what you can buy that will work with your system.
To disable onboard graphics once you get a new card, it is usually in the BIOS or the device manager.
I cant recommend any video cards, because you haven't said what your budget is and you haven't said what kind of games you want to play. post back and we can recommend some good cards

Email me for info on how to get a free ipod. No BS and totally legit and works!

Dell Dimension 4600
Pentium 4: 2.66 Ghz
533 Mhz Front-Side Bus
250 W PSU
256 Mb PC2700 RAM
AGP 8x Gefo

Hi bobby. Thanks a lot for your reply!

I looked at the specifications of my computer (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?lc=en&cc=us&docname=c00233082) and it turns out I have a PCI-Express slot available in the computer (YAY). So, if you or anyone else wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate it if you would all suggest the best video cards for mainly 3D games. Some of the games I'd like to play but I am currently unable to are Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2, Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising, and RollerCoaster Tycoon 3. I don't have a set budget but I would PREFER to keep it in the range of 175 - 225. Please list (no matter the price) the graphics cards you think would be best.

Thanks a lot!
Chris

Well since you have a PCI-E then you might want to buy a 6600GT/Ultra you could most likely find a GT for under $200 at www.pricewatch.com

that card should last you for a good while

Eugene

I'd agree with the recommendation of that card for gaming. It's overkill for those games you listed, but it would keep you going for a long time with new games. Plus you don't have a lot of good options below that price in PCI-e.

"...but in my defense, it was dark, I was drunk, and it was delicious!"

since this is an international forum, i dont know if thats US dollars, Can. dollars, or something else, but ill assume its US dollars (just keep in mind to mention in any other questions you post). Yeah, i would also go for the 6600GT. its a really good card. just make sure you get the pci-express version b/c they make an agp version of it too.

Email me for info on how to get a free ipod. No BS and totally legit and works!

Dell Dimension 4600
Pentium 4: 2.66 Ghz
533 Mhz Front-Side Bus
250 W PSU
256 Mb PC2700 RAM
AGP 8x Gefo

Hi,
I have the same pc as Chris, a730n, but I need a video card compatible for my computer and for tv-out (S-Video). Could any one guide and suggest me which one would be best one and compatible for my computer?
Thanks in advance!