I need a new graphics card but am unsure on which one to get. Please help?

[krishanchopra]

Hi everyone. Im looking to buy a new graphics card for my Sony Vaio VGN-FE31H. The following are some details of the laptop.

 

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 75500. Supports enhanced intel SpeedStep Technology. 1.66GHz

 

Memory: 1GB/Go DDR2 SDRAM (533 MHZ)

 

HDD: 120GB/Go

 

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 with TurboCache supporting 256MB

 

OS: Windows XP.

 

I am not a gamer but i would like a better graphics card, as far as i can understand, which will enhance the overall look of my computer. i also have a 22inch monitor (LG Flatron W2243S) as well as the 15.4 inch which is on the laptop. So i would like maybe some recommendations that will work on my laptop, and deliver excellent graphics.

 

Thank you very much , and i appreciated any help anyone can offer me.

 

Thanks

[Jelly Bean]

Hello and welcome.

 

You cannot fit a new graphics card into a laptop I am afraid to say.

 

You could install another gig of RAM which would help the performance.

 

Update the graphics card hardware driver.

[krishanchopra]

Ahh

 

Oh ok thanks alot. How do i do that?

 

sorry, im really not good at things like this.

 

thanks

[krishanchopra]

Also

 

Also would you be able to recommend one which will help the performance of my computer greatly? etc etc.

 

thanks

[Jelly Bean]

Logon to the laptop and connect to the internet.

 

Run this scanner and it will tell you which RAM and what speed etc can be installed on the laptop:

 

RAM Memory Upgrade: Dell, Mac, Apple, HP, Compaq. USB drives, flash cards, SSD at Crucial.com

 

Please note matching pairs must be installed.So if 1 gig is fitted now you need to buy the same sized and speed etc.

 

 

Then download the graphics card driver from here by filling in your graphics card make and model and OS.Download and install:

 

 

Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers

[krishanchopra]

oh ok .. then is there any point in buying new RAM, if the speed and size must be the same?

[Jelly Bean]

Well yes of course there is,it will take strain off your graphics card and improve performance.

 

The system will run faster.

 

You would then have 2 gig of RAM installed if you keep the origonal and the fit the new one.

[krishanchopra]

oh ok. Sorry about this i really am a bit of an amateur at this subject lol. So if i buy another 1gig of RAM, i can put that in and keep the original?

[krishanchopra]

and should i buy the same as i have in my laptop, or can i buy completely different one with same size and speed?

[Jelly Bean]

Run the curical scan link I posted and post me the result of tha scan please.

 

 

If there is two slots on the mainboard for the RAM to be fitted and you already have a full gig of RAM fitted you fit the new 1 gig into the spare slot.

 

I need you to run the scan to make sure you have a full one gig installed and not 2 x 512 mb.

 

If you have 2 x 512 mb then you would have to buy 2 x 1 gig sticks.

 

You can buy most brands as long as it is the correct speed etc.

 

Curucial,Kingston,Samsung.

 

Please do not appoligies,we have many levels of members of computer experience here on the forum.Ask questions we are here to help you.

[krishanchopra]

Maximum Memory Capacity: 2048MB

Currently Installed Memory: 1GB

Available Memory Slots: 0

Total Memory Slots: 2

Dual Channel Support: No

CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel

CPU Family: Intel® Core2 CPU T5500 @ 1.66GHz Model 15, Stepping 6

CPU Speed: 1662 MHz

also it seems that i have 2 512MB rams in there. and no slots available. what can i do.

 

thanks in advnace!

[krishanchopra]

Currently installed memory:

 

512MB

DDR PC2-5200

512MB

 

 

Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*

[krishanchopra]

Q: Do I have to install matching pairs?

A: No.

No, you can install modules one at a time, and you can mix different densities of modules in your computer. But if your computer supports dual-channel memory configurations, you should install in identical pairs (preferably in kits) for optimal performance.

[Jelly Bean]

Thankyou for the results.

 

Yes you appear to have 2 x 512 mb installed.

 

Ok you can have mixed RAM modules.

 

Ok you must stick to the speed as indicated by the scanner.

 

You could fit 1 x 512 mb and 1 gig RAM stick then some time in the future buy a second 1 gig stick.

 

Or go ahead and buy 2 x 1 gig sticks it is upto you.

[krishanchopra]

so could i buy 2 of the following?

 

TECHGUYS 1GB 5300MHz at PC World - Buy cheap DDR2 SODIMM Memory - TECHGUYS 1GB 5300MHz Laptop DDR2 Memory

[Jelly Bean]

I would not buy that one.

 

Try Amazon,if funds are limited buy Kingston value RAM.

 

Look for Crucial value RAM also they are both decent enough.

[krishanchopra]

Oh ok .. not trying to doubt you ... just curious y not that one?

[Jelly Bean]

I would just rather go for a well known branded RAM.

[krishanchopra]

ohh ok. Thanks so much "jelly bean" hehe. you have been a great help. wouldnt have any clue what to do if it wasnt for you. thank you very much. it is much appreciated

[Jelly Bean]

You are very very welcome.

 

If you need help in the future please pop back and ask,we are here to help you.

 

You have a good day.