Ok, a friend gave me a bix box of random PC parts. There wwere a number of video cards in there, most were pretty old. I'd say the newest one is a Radeon 9600 pro 128m ddr. I'm interested in installing it on my PC. I have a very old and cheap eMachines t1742 . Here are specs for the PC and Memory cards.

eMachines Support: Product Support and Downloads (click on specifications)

I think the motherboard has the graphics card built in I think. Would it still be possible to add the graphics card to my motherboard (which is an IM845GL). Are they compatible? Is it an improvement over what I have? And can someone explain the connections on the graphics card, I only have the card and no cables or anything. Thanks a lot.

If you don't have one, download and print out the motherboard owner's manual:

http://support.thetechguys.com//Uplo...sers_Guide.pdf

A quick glance at the board didn't reveal an AGP slot, just PCI slots, so the Radeon 9600 (AGP interface) will not work. Again, I didn't spend much time searching out 9600's, so there might be a PCI version. If you are unfamiliar with the various video card connections, Google: PCI-e, AGP, and PCI.

The board appears to have built-in graphics, so you should atleast be able to light up the monitor, but don't expect any game play with the onboard graphics. The onboard video must be shut off (in BIOS or with jumpers) to utilize an add-on video card.

Read and understand your motherboard manual, as it's your computer bible. Also, if you're not there yet, install atleast 1GB of RAM. Go here:

Memory upgrades, flash media, and usb storage at Crucial.com

scan your computer for compatable RAM, then use this info to possibly find it cheaper somewhere else.

Hey Guys,

@ Cobracon, thanks for helping out, that was good advice.

@ Ramiro, welcome to PCHF. We have a great group of techs and helpful and knowlegable users, as you have already seen.

At this point I can't see anything to add to Cobracon's advice. Please post back and let us know what you have learned, we will be happy to help you with any other advice you need on your graphics upgrade attempts.

Looking forward to your reply,

TTFN

LGW