Graphics cards !!! Need a cheap upgrade from 128mb Gforce 8300 gs

[AC199]

Originally Posted by Cardnim

I think it is bad advice to tell a guy to sell his whole computer, buy a new build it yourself machine and new OS, when all he asked was to watch streaming content better.

Heh, having done tech support for my whole family and friends for the better part of 10 years, its easier in the long run, without having 12 conversations like this, so simply buy properly in the beginning, but everyone has to start somewhere...

Originally Posted by Cardnim

Building computers from scratch is a bit of a task with many pitfalls to avoid. You and I both know how to do it as we have been doing it for so long (and only 15 years? try 25 here!) but perhaps the guy who posted the question isnt familiar with putting a computer together from scratch.

With the greatest respect, Tab A in Slot B is all thats involved with building a modern day PC, no messing with bios, worrying about compatability etc, its the easiest its ever been. So long as you arent wearing nylon pants and licking 9v batteries, its very difficult to do anything wrong.

Originally Posted by Cardnim

But look, I apologise if I came across strong - just I see this on forums all the time, that people in the know with computers recommend awesome things (and what you recommended is a great machine) but perhaps overkill for the average punter.

Built the EXACT same machine for my brother for his company not 3 months ago, and my brother is the ultimate technophobe. I dont think its overkill at all, its pretty much an entry level PC with some upgrade capability for in 2 years when they want to game harder... but I see your point.

Originally Posted by Cardnim

PSU - At that price I could buy four of my EvoLabs ATX 650W. I would rather have 1 perfectly adequate one in the machine and 3 spares (or better yet, my cash in my wallet) than invest more for just a media server machine.... but again, just my opinion.

I'd rather blend my head than use a budget PSU. As someone who used to game hardcore, the 3 parts of the PC you NEVER try to save money on are PSU, Motherboard and RAM. If you buy cheap, you'll buy more of them and wish you'd bought properly in the first place. Its just a fact of computing.

Originally Posted by Cardnim

Trying not to offend, just offering an opinion

Heh, you'll have to try harder than that to offend me fella, I just dont want someone to spend money in the wrong place.

Also, by the time you've bought a PSU that'll cope with a decent Graphics card, bought the decent card and fitted it, found out it wont fit in the case, bought the exhaust fans to cool the case etc, its almost 400 quid, you might as well have bought the new PC and had the faster processor and ram in it...

Its different sides of the same coin, both achieve the same goal.

AC