The Video Card

For high performance video cards, the ATI line has nudged out the NVIDIA models for top honors. For an overview of computer video cards and which ones I think are best, see my How to build a computer like My Super PC - Video Card page. The one I chose is the ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB.

Next: Computer Assembly - Monitor

My complete recommendations for building a computer with quality components at unbeatable prices is on my home page at Build A Computer Like My Super PC - Cost To Build A Computer. Here again are the recommendations for a video card! Description Where I Would Get It Today Today's Price Comments eVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB DDR3 Amazon $158.36 Free shipping! Retail box. Clicking the link takes you directly to it. A GeForce 8800 GTS like this one is great for demanding graphics environments, including digital video and top-tier gaming, without spending too much. SLI compatible. Fast DDR3 memory. Power supply of 400-watts or better recommended. Does use an extra slot. Uses the 6-pin PCI-E power connector from the power supply. eVGA GeForce 8600 GT 256MB DDR3 Newegg $79.99 Retail box. Click the link to get there. Then find it fast by entering N82E16814130062 in the search bar. Price reflects this $30 rebate good on purchases through May 30. Not the powerhouse of a GeForce 8800 GTS, but a powerful video card nonetheless. This will get the job done and save quite a bit of money if top level gameplay is not one of your needs. It includes a DVI connector for using with a flat panel LCD monitor. Fast DDR3 memory. Power supply of 350-watts or better recommended. Does not use an extra slot. Does not use the 6-pin PCI-E power connector from the power supply.

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How To Build A Computer. Step By Step Instructions To Assemble. Skip To Any Assembly Step.

	Parts List [go]
	Tools [go]
	Antistatic Wrist Strap [go]
	Computer Case and Power Supply [go]
	Motherboard [go]
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound [go]
	RAM - System Memory [go]
	Video Card [go]
	Monitor [go]
	Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	Floppy Drive [go]
	Hard Drive [go]
	CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW [go]
	Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Modem [go]
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard [go]
	Install the CPU Cooler [go]
	Install the RAM - System Memory [go]
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case [go]
	Install the Video Card [go]
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard [20-pin Connector  or  24-pin Connector]
	Connect the PN1 and PN2 Indicators to the Motherboard [KS-282 to EPoX 8RDA+  or  Sonata to MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Ready the Monitor [go]
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	First Boot [go]
	First Boot Common Problems [go]
	Install the CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW Drives [go]
	Install the Hard Drive and Floppy Drive [PATA Hard Drive  or  SATA Hard Drive]
	Connect the Speakers (if using built-in sound) [go]
	Second Boot [PATA  or  SATA]
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Test The Hard Drive [PATA  or  SATA]
	Install a Second SATA Hard Drive For RAID (optional) [go]
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP [on PATA hard drive  or  on SATA hard drive]
	Driver Installation [go]
	How To Copy Big Files From Another Computer Using Just a Floppy Drive [go]
	Install the Modem [go]
	Install the Motherboard Chipset Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Monitor Driver [go]
	Install the Video Card Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Install System Information Utility - EVEREST [go]
	Diagnostic Test - DirectX [go]
	Speed Test - System Memory (RAM) Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Hard Drive Performance [PATA and SATA results]
	Speed Test - CD Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Total System Performance [go]
	Stress/Torture Tests [go]
	Connect Front Panel Ports For Audio, Firewire and USB 2.0 [go]
	Install Rear Panel Ports For Firewire And USB 2.0 [go]
	Install The Computer Case Fans [go]
	Post Assembly Needs [go]
	Graduation [go]
	Video Card Driver Settings [go]
	BIOS Flash Update [go]
	BIOS Settings [go]

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© 2001-2008, Rob Williams, all rights reserved.