Computer dummy , Video card ?

[puffnstuff]

OK , I need a new video card but am pretty dumb when it comes to computers , I only have one because of my DVR and my remote control ( all my post are done from my msntv2 ) but wanted to start using it for streaming to it . I just need a little help . I am comfortable with the physical and other parts of installing it , but need to know what to get . I have looked everywhere but it is to confusing for me . So then the other day I thought hey this site helps with everything else why not ask . OK I have the specs of my computer now all I see under expansion slots is pci 3 ( 2 available ) , pci express 1 ( 1 available ) . What else do I need to know in my decision .

[deltafowler]

You'll be getting a PCI Express Card - PCIe.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=1558&name=PCI-Express-Video-Cards

[puffnstuff]

You'll be getting a PCI Express Card - PCIe.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=1558&name=PCI-Express-Video-Cards

When picking one what do I need to consider on my PC ? ( ram , processor , stuff like that )

[Cholly]

If you list all the specs of your PC, it will be helpful -- include the power supply output capacity, because that can be a determining factor.

[puffnstuff]

If you list all the specs of your PC, it will be helpful -- include the power supply output capacity, because that can be a determining factor.
I can't seem to find any info on the power supply part thats where I get confused . The computer is a compaq sr2180nx . I already upgraded the RAM . Processer Pentium D 820 , chipset intel 945G , open pci exspress . where would I find power supply info ? 300 watt power supply . Please help !

[Cholly]

Probably an Nvidia Geforce 7300 or 7600 series card unless you need DirectX 10 caqpability, in which case you'd want a Geforce 8500 or 8600 series card. These cards should work with your 300 watt power supply. Look inside the case at the power supply and copy down all the info on output voltages and current. That way, you can look at the specifications for a card and see if the supply will handle it. Here's where to start looking: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048+1069609641&name=PCI+Express+x16

[puffnstuff]

Probably an Nvidia Geforce 7300 or 7600 series card unless you need DirectX 10 caqpability, in which case you'd want a Geforce 8500 or 8600 series card. These cards should work with your 300 watt power supply. Look inside the case at the power supply and copy down all the info on output voltages and current. That way, you can look at the specifications for a card and see if the supply will handle it. Here's where to start looking: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048+1069609641&name=PCI+Express+x16

Thats where I was going . I'm thinking about the evga nvidia 8600gt 512 mb . There are 2 I was looking at one is ddr2 other is ddr3 does it matter ?

[puffnstuff]

Checked power supply I have 300 w , 12v/19amp . Card says I need minimum of 350 w 12v/18 amp for 256 mb and 350 w 12v/22amp for 512 mb . what should I do . Will the 256 work ? If yes how much of a difference is it from the 512 ? ( I am only using it to stream from the hr20 ) If no , and I do need a new power supply any suggestions ? Also is the extra 15 dollars worth it for the 1 gig ?

[deltafowler]

The computer is a compaq sr2180nx .

My condolences.

[Cholly]

Checked power supply I have 300 w , 12v/19amp . Card says I need minimum of 350 w 12v/18 amp for 256 mb and 350 w 12v/22amp for 512 mb . what should I do . Will the 256 work ? If yes how much of a difference is it from the 512 ? ( I am only using it to stream from the hr20 ) If no , and I do need a new power supply any suggestions ? Also is the extra 15 dollars worth it for the 1 gig ?

You'll have to settle for a lesser card unless you do a power supply upgrade. Since you are primarily interested in streaming video, you don't need an 8600 -- an 8500GT might be your best choice -- one like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133197

[puffnstuff]

My condolences.

Yeah I know but I have never needed a computer for anything . I got it just for my Remote control and so I could stream DvDs so hey you get what you pay for ( $299 ) .

[puffnstuff]

You'll have to settle for a lesser card unless you do a power supply upgrade. Since you are primarily interested in streaming video, you don't need an 8600 -- an 8500GT might be your best choice -- one like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133197

Thank you so much !! Ordering right now !

[CoriBright]

I'd have gone ATI for sure.... I just put ATI HD 2600 XTs in three of my PCs and they are great.