Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests suggestions for new video card?

Oh, and in the future, if you ever need to purchase any computer item, just check http://www.pricewatch.com It's just a database of online vendors.

Even if you don't buy from their vendors listed (there are thousands) and are bidding on Ebay, if gives you a good idea of what it's worth so you don't overbid.

I think your right about it being pc 800. i have to go to work now, and when I get home I'll find out exactly what it is and I'll let you know. If it's only 100.00 for 2x256 that would be sweet. Thx alot for all your help, and I'll be back on later tonight or tomorrow morning with more info.

i too recommend u spending the money on ram instead. u can get 512 for around that price. that u will notice a difference in gta 3. im running a geforce 3 ti 200, and it was kinda slow and crapy at first. then i added more game, and the game runs smoothe. my other computer has a geforce 4 mx 440 or 420 i dont remember whats the exact name. it can run most games with out taking a hit. it runs raven shits pretty well. so i dont think gta 3 will kill your card that much. u need ram thats it. so i dont have the stop and go. u are probably experencing.

The stop and go syndrome is exactly what's happening. I just got home from work but I don't have time to check right now about the memory my comp has; have to meet some friends for some drinks. If I don't get home too late I'll check tonight, if not I'll check tomorrow.

There is a good chance your drivers may not be set up properly.

For my motherboard I have to use certain VIA drivers and certain AMD drivers. It can get really confusing at times. It could make a huge difference. If your computer is still in the original configuration then this is probably not an issue.

Make sure you get the latest video drivers for your current card too at www.nvidia.com

In the event you can't locate your original documentation, you can check your computers exact hardware list from http://support.dell.com Just put in your pc's Service Tag into the space on the site to retrieve your system details.

The Service Tag can usually be located under the lower panel on the front of the tower (it may lift up and expose USB or firewire ports depending on the case), and also on the back of the pc on a white tag under a barcode.

I also came to the same conclusion as Sigma about it likely being PC800. A quick search on Dell's site revealed 3 PC800 memory chips for the 8100, none were cheap. That link is here . Unless your worried about warranty issues, I'd also go with newegg, though none of the currently in-stock stuff is particulary cheap either.

GTA3 sucks on my comp as well. i'm getting more RAM and video card soon though. i have 128mb, will another 128mb be enough? i also have to get a PCI video card, but that's ok, cuz i don't have lots of money for a high end video card anyways. any recommendations (i know i asked before, but now it's closer to when i'll get it). thanks.

alright, first thing first. dell does not use prop parts. rambus is not prop. second, yes your vid card is fine. you just need more ram. plain and simple. the thing is, remember to get them in pairs. YOU HAVE TO BUY RAMBUS IN PAIRS!! remember that. i.e. if you want another 128 megs of ram, get two (2) pairs of 64. if you want to upgrade later on, get more now if you can. it'll probably be around $100 for the pair. depending on where you buy them. plus get the 800mhz one. not the 1066. too fast for the 8100 series. one more thing, do not get ecc. you don't need it for your comp. pm if you need more help...

I checked dell's website and my comp has 128 mb 184 pin Rimm pc800 rdram. I would like to get either 2x256 chips or 2x128 chips, but most of the cheaper ones on newegg's website are out of stock. Is there another place I can get it for a good price, and if so, could you post a link? I would like to order this tomorrow because I can't stand playing gta 3 anymore the way that it is. Thx to all of you for all your help. Vinny