Video Card Problem

Z

Zack Zecelos

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Feb 14, 2006
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I have A Sony Computer,VAIO PCV-520. I have the ATI Radeon 9200 with 128mb. I have been thinking about upgrading my RAM since it's only 512mb. Maybe to a Gig. Anyway, I was also thinking about to upgrade my Video card, but when I talked to sony they said something about matching the right power of the video card to my power supply. The thing is I don't really want to get another power supply. I think my power supply can withstand 100-120 volts. I was look at the Radeon X800 (Pro) AGP. Can someone tell me the difference between AGP and PCI? I have tried to find some Information, but came up empty. If you can find the power supply of my computer and then list the ATI Video cards with there power.(Volt :confused: Watts)

Thanks
Zack
 
First off, here's a summary of the different types of video cards out today:

PCI: There are many PCI slots inside most computers. These usually appear whitish and there can be as many as six of them. PCI is mostly used for low-bandwidth cards such as network cards and modems. There are also video cards for PCI, but you can only get very slow video cards for this standard and because PCI is for low-bandwidth cards anyway, their performance is slower than usual even given the fact that they are slower cards. The only reason why you would want a PCI card is if you ONLY have PCI slots in your computer.

AGP: This was the standard for video cards from 1998-2004, but is slowly being replaced. More or less, THIS is what you want to get a video card for (if your computer supports it). There is only one AGP slot in a computer and it usually appears brownish and offset from the PCI slots.

PCI-Express: The new standard for graphics cards. Your computer will not have this if it has a Radeon 9200.

NOW... I can't tell you what your computer supports, since I've tried everywhere to find information on the PCV-520 model but can't find it anywhere (you sure that's what the model number is?) You don't need to worry about getting a video card that "fits" your power supply though. All you need to worry about is the wattage of your power supply. If you can find the maximum wattage of your power supply and it happens to be 350 watts or over, you're probably OK for an X800PRO. However, since the X800PRO is AGP or PCI-Express only, you need to make sure your mobo is AGP-compatible first. Here's how to do it:

- Right click on the desktop.
- Click properties.
- Click on the settings tab.
- Click on the advanced button.
- Click on the adapter tab. Look at "chip type." It should either read RADEON 9200 AGP or RADEON 9200 PCI. If it happens to be PCI, then you won't have an AGP slot in your computer because otherwise Sony would have installed an AGP card.
 
I'm sorry I was in a hurry, My Computer Is the PCV-RS520 Vaio Sony Machine. I forgot the "RS". Also, How in the world am I supposed to find the power supply wattage? I know I could go into my computer and look on the power supply, but it's going to be a pain. Is there another way? Also I have a AGP ATI Radeon 9200. I don't really like it though, it works slow with some of the modern computer games like Doom 3 are slow. Works good with Call Of Duty and Halo. I need somethin' more powerful. Better quality and faster performance.

Thanks a Lot
Zack
 
a 9200 is a terribly slow video card, an x800 or 6600gt will be a HUGE speed increase, plus make sure you up your ram to a gig, as you will see a big jump in performance just from that. you will need to open up your case and look at the powersupply to see what wattage its rated for. You will have to open the computer anyways once we get a new video card and ram to be installed.
 
Thank for your help, I just have one question. How do I find out th watts of the video card. And If I have to replace my power supply, how do I do that? Right now I don't have a lot of money, but when I do I'll be able to buy the Video card. My dad can probably get the RAM for me. For the RAM should I get a 512mb or 1G. I already have 512. Couldn't I just add another 512 in?

Thanks for your help Again
Zack
 
you would want to check the power supply wattage, a 350 watt would be sufficient for something like a 6600gt or x800 I would imagine. Just get another 512mb stick of ram and add it with your current 512mb, make sure you have a slot open and your motherboard will accept an additional 512mb of ram. (it should as long as there is a ram slot open).
 
open the case and look at the side of the power supply. It will tell you how many watts it is. You do have agp, so you can get any AGP video card. How much do you want to spend on a video card? Do you play games? Which ones? Why do you want to get a new video card (this will help us help you)?

 
I love now playing video game on my computer. Love it online.(even though I have 56k!) Hate that! I also love movies. The DVD I put in the computer work pretty well, maybe alittle jumping when running something else. I'm a gamer. I just got Call Of Duty 2. I tried playing Doom 3, but it's too much for my computer right now. I have about 160G of Hard drive space so I have plenty of space for other games. Americas Army Works great. americas Army is the best free game online. Try it at www.americasarmy.com. (Big Game to Download) I got StarCraft Brood War from a Friend. And Command and Conquer Generals, Call Of Duty, Halo Combat Evolved, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords. Lots more. The Star War game runs alittle slow too. If your a gamer, buy that Star Wars game. Nice Game!

Thank you Guys again
Zack
 
Yeah, it sounds like you're a candidate for a Radeon X850XT or X850XT PE considering the games you play. However, reading up on your Vaio, it sounds like you're out of luck power supply wise. It sounds like the PCV-RS520 has a 266 watt power supply (from here: http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/33227/) This wouldn't be able to run a video card better than a Radeon 9500 series or one of the GeForce 4s. However, it also sounds like Sony uses proprietary power supplies in their computers, meaning it will be hard to upgrade... :(
 
One Question, by changing the watts will it affect anything else on my computer? I don't want any thing to blow if I replace the power supply.

Thank you
Zack Zecelos
 
One Question, by changing the watts will it affect anything else on my computer? I don't want any thing to blow if I replace the power supply.

Thank you
Zack Zecelos
 
more watts will not effect any other components, its makes it so the power supply has more to offer if the hardware should need more.
 
I would like to thank everyone with this. I had two Ideas for what to do. One, get a new case and replace the video cards and power supply. (Add RAM) Or Get A new Computer.

Thank a lot Everyone
Zack
 
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