Replacing an old video card

[TimberTDI]

I have an old Sony VAIO desktop that I want to replace the video card in.

It currently has a Nvidia GeForce 4 mx440 w/64mb ram. It's running on an Intel Pentium 4 3.06 GHz with 1.00 gb ram.

I need something inexpensive that will be able to run games like Sims 3 (DirectX 9.0c compatible Video Card with 128 MB of Video RAM and support for Pixel Shader 2.0)

Any suggestions?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

What kind of socket? PCI? AGP? PCI express?

 

[TimberTDI]

Looks like AGP:

I'm confused as to how the PCI card (it has the video outs and in, S-video, RCA and VHF) )in the first pic works with the video card?

Steven

 

[Widdy]

This will probably work http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187045

FYI, DX9 will give you Pixel Shader 2.0, DX9.0c will be Pixel Shader 3.0.

If you're not in a rush, I can dig thru my pile of old cards and see if I have one that will fit your requirements. Yours for the taking if I do.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Funny that you post about switching video card while I just took out 2 blown video cards thinking of fixing them. GL. All my old scraps are G4 or equivalent ATI too, do not help you much.

 

[TimberTDI]

Apparently upgrading this old beast to Windows 7 has knocked out my sound. After spending several hours searching there doesn't seem to be a solution except perhaps installing a sound card.

 

[Widdy]

What model Vaio?

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

if you run out of PCI slots and that sound quality is not demanding, you can get an USB sound card.

 

[TimberTDI]

pcv-rz26g.

 

[Widdy]

Have you tried installing the audio drivers from Sony? Run it as Administrator and flag the compatibility as Windows XP SP2.

PCV-RZ26G specs shows it using the Yamaha AC-XG Audio.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

Whenever I upgrade and run into some issues I use it as justification for more upgrades. Honestly if you are trying to upgrade to windows 7 and you still have all the old parts it might just be easier to look through newegg for some of their bundle deals and just upgrade the mobo, CPU, RAM, and GPU. It doesn't have to be super expensive top of the line to do what you want to do but it would be much faster and you'll probably have fewer issues in the near future. When I upgraded my GFs computer I found an athlon 2 X4 630 and a decent mobo for $150 then it was just a few bucks for 4 gigs of DDR2 RAM and that was about 2 yrs ago. With all the new tech since then you should be able to build a small rig that would destroy the one you have for pennies.

I don't know if Sony uses proprietary cases or mobos, if they do you might have to find a new case as well. When I upgraded the guts on my old Dell XPS I ended up with a brand new mobo that wouldn't attach to Dell's case since they didn't use the regular ATX mounting points. All of those parts can be found pretty cheap though since you aren't trying to build your own Skynet and the Sims isn't exactly demanding.

 

[TimberTDI]

Have you tried installing the audio drivers from Sony? Run it as Administrator and flag the compatibility as Windows XP SP2.

PCV-RZ26G specs shows it using the Yamaha AC-XG Audio.

Perfect!!

Thanks Widdy!!!

 

[Widdy]

Perfect!!

Thanks Widdy!!!

Anytime man!