I need a new Graphics Card, Where do I start?

Question

I like to play World of Warcraft, but my video card is no longer supported, and I think it's bogging down my processor, not to mention causing some fantastic errors with game textures. Unfortunately I know very little about computers and compatibility between hardware, so I'm going to give all of the relevant computer specs I can think of, and hopefully one of you can suggest a nice replacement. Thanks!

Current Specs

-Computer
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5.1, build 2600)
System Manufacturer: Dell
System Model: Dimension 4600i
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A07
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 CPU 2.66GHz
Memory: 2GB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)

-Display
Card:NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440 with AGP8X (last driver update was 6.14.0010.9371 on 10/22/2006, loooong time ago)
Current Display Mode: 1920x1080 (32bit)(60Hz)
Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster EX2200

I'm computer literate enough to get that info, but what motherboard I'm using is a mystery to me.
Here's a link to Blizzard's support site, and all of the video cards they currently support for the game. As you can see, my GeForce4 has a solid place in the Unsupported Video Hardware list.
http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?locale=en_US&articleId=21085&parentCategoryId&pageNumber=1&categoryId=2332
So, in a nut shell, what I'm looking for is a new video card that is compatible with my machine that will run WoW and make me happy. Also, I'd love to have options. If you have one card that you'd like to suggest, wonderful; but I'd like to know everything that's going to work so I have a little wiggle room.
Thank you so much for any help you can provide!
=D

Answer 1

The best AGP video card that will work with your system (which has an AGP slot) would be the ATI HD4670. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161337



The HD4670 is as high as AGP can go. To get a more powerful video card means you will need a new computer with a PCIExpress 16x slot, since better cards than that are only available in the newer, more advanced PCIExpress 16x format.



The HD4670 will give you decent WoW performance.



Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The first thing you'll want to look for is the amount of video RAM, that is to say the amount of memory on the video card itself. I believe World of Warcraft (WoW) demands a minimal amount of video memory.



There are a lot to choose from now a days. You can spend anywhere from $75 up to $500. If you're on a budget look for a named brand card such as NVidia. You can find something that's more than adequate for $100 to $125. Choose one that has at least 1 gb of on board video ram. That should be fine for WoW but you may suffer some "lag" for other 3D intensive games like your FPSs.



There are two things you have to also be aware of. 1) The type of slot needed for the card and 2) the recommended power supply. Most likely your motherboard has a slot that'll work however newer video cards demand more power so check the side of the box before purchasing.



If you're filthy rich dump your computer and by a new system, something with a quad core and 8 gb of memory and a fast BUS. Then get the hottest card out there.

Answer 3

Check the motherboard and power supply compatibility. I would get a GeForce GTX 400 series or a ATi Radeon HD 5000 series if all you want is WoW.

Answer 4

I'd gladly help yah! Unfortunately everything I have to say will probably flood this whole page lol, email me on my page if ya wanna know more about this. Hope I Helped! :]

Answer 5

also to note that world of Warcraft is VERY Cpu dependent