Need a good cheap graphics card OR instructions on how to overclock

[neverletthem]

So, I picked up a GREAT 'puter. It's good in all areas, except for the graphics card. I barley get 10 FPS on Portal. So, I'm either looking for a good, cheap graphics card, or instructions from a CAG on how to overclock my card

Specs:

Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.080425-1930)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP-Pavilion
System Model: KJ400AA-ABA a6437c
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2200 @ 2.20GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.2GHz
Memory: 3964MB RAM
Page File: 2293MB used, 5861MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10

Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_07E1&SUBSYS_2A64103C&REV_A2
Display Memory: 1847 MB
Dedicated Memory: 120 MB
Shared Memory: 1726 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor
Driver Name: nvd3dum,nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2um, nvwgf2umx.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0011.7521 (English)


Any help would be appreciated.

 

[joemoedee]

You're really not going to get any real overclock with on-board video. Even if you do, it's still going to disappoint you.

Cheap video card? SAPPHIRE 1010 Radeon HD 2600XT 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 @ Newegg for $29.99 plus shipping - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102755

I just bought one this past week. It's the best deal in video cards I've seen in a long while. It's a no-brainer upgrade from on-board, and to get anything else similar you're spending twice as much.

 

[machindo]

8600 GTs are always fun (overclocked and a free game!):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125070

Why not throw in another Hamilton and get an 8600 GTS? Both should take care of Portal relatively well:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121069

Now I think about it, both cards are essentially the same card; the GTS is a higher clocked version of the GT.

 

[decimalstinger]

If you're looking at video cards in the 60-70 dollar range, try a 9500GT. They're essentially a 8600GTS, but 20 dollars cheaper, and with less power consumption.

 

[decimalstinger]

Also though, why do neweggs links always send me to the recent deals page?

 

[tomfoolery]

the 9600gt...best mid level card out there in my opinion. i just got one and am running cod4 on the highest settings with no slow down. tf2, hl2, etc all run great with the hd stuff turned on. bioshock also looks amazing...does dx10, just get one, you won't be sad about it.

 

[Oktoberfest]

yeah I'd go with a Geforce 9 series card, as well.