Ask A Geek

Q: Can I set SLI between a GTX 285 xxx edition and a normal GTX 285 without too much hassle?

A: We have seen some cases where this works and some cases where this does not. If both cards are in the same series like GTX 285 and GTX 285 xxx edition then there is a chance it will work fine. If, however, one is a GTX 285 and one is a GTX 295 then you probably wont have any luck. Read the rest of this entry »

Q: I have ASUS motherboard with a Nvidia 8300 mGPU and I have the recommended 8400 GS Video card. Are there other cards I can use with this chip set ?

Q: Can I set SLI between a gtx285 xxx edition and a normal gtx285 without too much hassle?

Q: I have a DELL OptiPlex 320 with an AIT chipset. About a year ago I was trying to upgrade my graphics card and tried several ATI, NVIDIA cards and none of them would work in my system. After taking it to several computer shops, I found a guy that got a Sapphire X300SE to work. Now I am wanting to upgrade to a better card and curious if any ATI card will now work in my system or will I have to do something different other than installing it?

Q: I am thinking about buying a new computer. I will be using this computer for Home Use, Microsoft Office Software Applications, Internet and Games with Windows XP Professional.

I know I want to stick with an Intel processor, Intel (or compatible) motherboard, 2 or 3 PCI Express expansion slots, at least 2GB of RAM, SATA hard drive, at least 4 USB (2.0) and a 512 MB ATI or Nvidia video card.

I was hoping to be able to order these parts off of newegg.com and assemble the computer myself. However, when I started looking at parts I discovered that I have been out of the loop of computers for a little too long and some questions popped up. As a result, I need to get some advise from someone that has been in the loop on the changes and current trends in the computer world.

The questions I have are:

1) Currently, what are/is a good chipset for Core 2 Duo Intel processor(s)?

2) Will I need Hardware Virtualization Support?

3) With current trends, is it best to go ahead and go for DDR3 memory module or go with a DDR2?

4) Is there anything else that you can think of on changes in the computer world that I need to be aware of? I have been out of the loop since like 2004.

Q:I am having trouble getting my ATI Radeon 9250 128 p graphics card working in Windows 7. My computer says that card can not run cause it is not supported by the version of DirectX I have. Is there anything I can do to get the card working with Windows 7?

A: Our friends over at Windows7News.com have a solution in their forum that cover your DirectX issue with Windows 7 and the ATI Radeon graphics card. It also covers how to install the driver for the ATI Radeon graphics card in Windows 7 for those that are unable to get the driver installed. Once the driver is installed it also covers how to make it so your computer does not crash each time you try to shut it down due to the ATI Radeon graphics card driver.

Q: What is the best graphics card for gaming on a computer with only PCI/AGP slots?

A: Gigabyte GV R465D2-1GI – Graphics adapter – Radeon HD 4650 – AGP 8x – 1 GB GDDR2 – DVI, HDMI is about as good as it gets for an AGP graphics card. You will be paying a $20-$30 premium to get it in AGP graphics card instead of PCI-express and the AGP market is pretty dried up. The Gigabyte GV R465D2-1GI should give you a gaming boost but don’t expect to play the latest games maxed out with it. Read the rest of this entry »

Q: What is the best graphics card for gaming on a computer with only PCI/AGP slots? I also have 4 GB DDR RAM?

Q: I have a Toshiba Satellite P305D and I wanted to know if I can upgrade the Graphics/Video card on it?

Q: Can I update my graphics/video card on my laptop?

A: This has to be one of the most ask questions here at AskAGeek.com so I wanted to spend sometime on this. Most laptops out there cannot be upgraded. My rule of thumb is if you have to ask someone if it can be upgraded then the answer is no it cannot be. People who buy laptops that can have their graphics/video cards upgraded usually do so on purpose and they pay a higher price for that feature. Read the rest of this entry »