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N Ellingworth View Drop Down
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Points: 1324 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 09 2006 at 10:50
Before I built my PC I'd never done anything to the insides of a computer so it was very daunting for me when I saw all those expensive bits and tried to figure out how they all went together.
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Tony R View Drop Down
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Points: 11979 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 09 2006 at 10:39
Any advice is welcome,thanks Mike.

This task probably seems simple to you guys,but is a bit daunting for me. I have replaced CD/DVD drives on my current PC but they are on caddies..
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Points: 21276 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 09 2006 at 10:33
Originally posted by Tony R Tony R wrote:

Yes,this issue of static worries me - do I need to purchase an antistatic strap?

Without sounding thick what exactly do you mean by "grounded metal surface"?


I have been building PCs from scratch and exchanging components for ten years, and I'm perfectly fine without any professional anti-static "devices".

All you need to do is to touch the PC case with both hands shortly before you take the card out of the box and exchange it with the previous one ... also make sure you touch the case again after walking around in the room, especially if you're wearing sneakers or synthetic socks on carpeted surfaces.

BTW: The card is ok - currently there are no cards with HDMI interfaces, and I don't think it makes sense to wait for one - better upgrade the whole system next year, when Windows Vista / Direct X 10 and HDMI/HD-DVD/Blueray are out of the beta stage. Wink
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N Ellingworth View Drop Down
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Points: 1324 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 09 2006 at 10:08
Well I got one when building my PC but if you're just installing a graphics card I wouldn't bother.

A good metal surface for getting rid of static is something like a radiator or a metal chair/table leg.

Technically any metal surface can be ground. Tongue


Edited by N Ellingworth - November 09 2006 at 10:09
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Tony R View Drop Down
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Points: 11979 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 09 2006 at 10:03
Yes,this issue of static worries me - do I need to purchase an antistatic strap?

Without sounding thick what exactly do you mean by "grounded metal surface"?
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N Ellingworth View Drop Down
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Points: 1324 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 09 2006 at 09:55
No problem.

BTW installing a graphics card is very easy, all you have to do is remove the old one, slot the new one in place and connect the extra power supply if the card needs one. Just make sure you touch a grounded metal surface before you touch the card as static electricity can fry the sensitive electronics.

Before you install the new card remove your old drivers as they can cause problems when you plug the new one in.
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Tony R View Drop Down
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Points: 11979 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 09 2006 at 09:50
Thanks Nicholas.

Meant DVI not DVDI...sorry.

    

Edited by Tony R - November 09 2006 at 09:52
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N Ellingworth View Drop Down
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Points: 1324 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 09 2006 at 09:45
The best spec Nvidia AGP card in your price range (actually slightly above) is the XFX Geforce 7600GS.

It has a DVI output, I've got no idea what DVDi is so I can't help you there. Embarrassed

Most PC screens have a far higher resolution than normal TVs and many HDTVs so HD DVDs shouldn't give you a problem (provided your player can play them).

EDIT: Forgot the link http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=443220




Edited by N Ellingworth - November 09 2006 at 09:46
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Tony R View Drop Down
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Points: 11979 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 09 2006 at 09:33
    I intend to upgrade my graphics card over the next couple of days and would like some advice,please.

My motherboard is an Asus P4s8x-x and only supports AGP8x.



I presume I want an Nvidia card (my old one is an ATI Rage 9500Pro and isnt great)

I am not into playing games much but I do use graphic programs like Adobe Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro.

I do watch DVDs on my PC and would probably like HDMI capability at some stage. I need a DVI connection too.

I usually shop here as it is 15 mins drive from my house:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Products.ASP?CatID=15&Category=Graphics+Cards&Thumbnails=yes

I am prepared to spend up to around £100.
I have never installed a graphics card before so would be interested in a few basic installation tips.


Thanks in advance

BTW,I am thinking of buying this:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=462643

thoughts?
    
    
    

Edited by Tony R - November 09 2006 at 09:51
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