PCI Graphics card for Dell 1100

[mark121]

First time on here so Hello and Thanks to all involved!

 

I have a Dell Dimension 1100 which i've just upgraded the CPU and Memory to P4 2.8ghz and 2 x 1Gb PC3200. Now i want to add a good PCI graphics card to it. I have found 2 i like the sound of but both only seem to be available in the USA:- Diamond HD2400 256 PCI, HIS X1550 256 PCI. Is there a reason why these cards are not available here (Different Voltages)?

 

Anyway, could anyone suggest a good card to go for in the UK for this machine thats capable or equal to any of these cards i've mentioned above.

 

Links:-

Newegg.com - DIAMOND 2400PCI256 Radeon HD 2400PRO 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI HDCP Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

 

Newegg.com - HIS Hightech H155F256EDNP Radeon X1550 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

 

 

Thanks in advance for any help:confused:

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Hello Mark

 

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Our Hardware expert nipped out just before you posted, please hang around for a short while and he'll be back to offer advice on this matter.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

You could also have a look here.

 

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[mark121]

Hi and thanks for your reply, the motherbord in this machine has PCI slots only for expansion, no AGP or PCI-Express.

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

Do you know what motherboard you have? Can you please tell us the make and model number of the motherboard.

[Dalo Harkin]

Hi Mark,

 

PCI graphics cards are very old and I thought that they were obsolete...

found some Scan Computers UK: Computer Hardware - All - GPU - ATI

 

but if you have upgraded the CPU and the RAM you would be far better of getting a new MOBO that has graphics built onboard, and have a PCI-E expansion slot - at least then when you want to upgrade you have the option to do so.

let me know what socket your CPU is and I will have a look for something more viable.

Can you also give a brief description of what you use the PC for - is it just internet and word docs as I think it would be with the spec you listed.

[mark121]

here is a link i found on the the dell web site Documentation

 

the motherboard has no name on it but it has a number: E210882

[Dalo Harkin]

Ok - would you prefer to get a PCI card or look at a new MOBO - ??

[RandyL]

Like Dalo said a new MOBO or a new computer would be a better option.

 

Just be advised that you may have Activation issues with a new MOBO as Microsoft would consider it a new PC.

[Dalo Harkin]

It is less of an issue now Randy - 99% when you install the OS its fine and if not then you just need to bell MS and they sort it in 2 minutes for you

[RandyL]

Actually this is an issue and not as easily solved in many cases. The more components that are changed the less likely Microsoft will re-activate.

 

To get Microsoft to re-activate after a MOBO change you will need to call them and convince them that the reason for the new MOBO is because the old one failed. Otherwise they will consider a new MOBO a new computer. An upgrade will not qualify.

 

Couple that with numerous other hardware changes and you likely won't convince them of anything.

 

Keep in mind this is a Dell and he does not have a full version.

 

As a side note what is that Activation phone number? I think it worthy of posting.

[Dalo Harkin]

Honestly mate - even if you have an OEM they will do it - I had to redo mine on Vista after a complete rebuild.

I called them and she didn't ask anything and just did it all while I was there - obviously this was only my experience.

 

Unsure of the number - it was on the screen at install

[RandyL]

If you have to do a rebuild then thats different. If you have a full version of Windows that's different. You still have to contact them though and explain it. It's not always easy.

 

On an OEM computer the license is tied into the hardware. The only time you can change a major harware component like the mobo is if the old one failed. Otherwise the limited license is tied to that OEM computer. There is a reason why it's cheaper.

 

With a full version of Windows all you have to do is deactivate and reactivate.

[Dalo Harkin]

Randy when I did mine it was not that long ago - when I first joined the forum looking for a reason for my AW9D MAX would not work with a Q6600 - I bought the Q6600 as an upgrade and the board didnt like it -

I then bought an ASUS MOBO and as such did a reinstall -

I only ever buy OEM as the 'support' you get from MS is not worth the extra cash IMO.

so I tried putting my CD key and it said no basically - called the number and I didnt say anything - she then gave me a number to put in - did that and hey presto done.