Video Cards: Is AGP Dead?

If you've been looking to upgrade your computer video card you've probably heard a great deal about PCI Express and SLI. Don't run out and buy a new computer just yet and take that AGP motherboard you just threw away out of the trash. The truth is you can probably make some simple upgrades to your current computer to get a couple more years of gaming out of it. Of course if you have an extremely slow processor and/or less than an 8x AGP motherboard, you will need to do more than upgrade your graphics card. However, in most cases people's computers are only a couple of years old and really have plenty of processing power.

The three things to look at are your memory, motherboard, and video card. To get the most out of the more recent games you want to have at least 1GB of RAM. This is a very simple upgrade and only takes a couple of minutes. For more information on upgrading your memory you can visit my website. Second, check to be sure your AGP slot on your current motherboard is 8x. If your memory and motherboard meet these standards you're in luck. A new video card will probably float you for at least another year, likely two if you get a top of the line card. The thing to remember is that PCI Express is new technology and not nearly as widespread as AGP is. Game companies want to make as much money as possible from each game. For this reason, they will try to make the games play well on the widest array of platforms. When you think about it like this, it is easy to see how AGP will be useful for a while longer. For more information on AGP video cards visit the Video Card review section of my website.

If your motherboard isn't up to par or your processor is outdated it is time for an upgrade. If you are a do-it-yourselfer like I am, you should look into building your own computer. It's not as difficult as you might think and can save you a good deal of money.

Nathan Holsing is the editor of Gaming-Computers.net a website about building and upgrading computers.

---

Rear Projection TV Facts - Understanding the Pros & Cons of Rear Projection in the Home Theater

Rear Projection Television - An Affordable OptionA great deal of... Read More

Computer Parts Online

In today's age, building computers on yourself is often chosen... Read More

Does Size Really Matter In Our Digital Age?

Well, we've all seen the advert, but that's not what... Read More

Drop On Demand Printers

Most HP and Epson printers are drop on demand printers.... Read More

Buying Cheap Refurbished Laptops

When comparing refurbished laptop models, ask about these specifications:Central Processing... Read More

Where Can I Find The Best Case Mods Online and Save Money?

Are you captivated by the stunning Case Mods you've seen... Read More

Generation Laptop

In May 2005 U.S hardware history was made.This was the... Read More

Testing a Transformer- How To Accurately Test A Transformer

There is two types of transformers in the market- linear... Read More

What Is A Crystal? And How To Test It

Crystal are use to keep the frequency of the clock... Read More

Your Business versus Mother Nature

Business Consultants earn hundreds of thousands of dollars every year... Read More

Would You Like An Extended Warranty With That?

Should you buy an extended warranty with your laptop? You... Read More

Lock Workstation Fast

When you work in an office, it's important to lock... Read More

Protecting Your Computer From Power Surges, Data Loss, Viruses, And Spyware

Protecting Against A Power Surge:Your computer is an expensive investment;... Read More

To Upgrade or Not?

To upgrade or not? That is the question. At least,... Read More

How To Refill Your Ink Cartridge

Forget about emptying your wallets every time you see the... Read More

Emergency Response VSAT Internet Communications

As 2005 begins, there are a number of products on... Read More

Computer Components for Idiots

There are many fancy add-ons for computers, but the basic... Read More

Expansion Cards Part 2: AGP

Expansion Cards Part 2: AGPThe first in this series of... Read More

Your Printer Is Out Of Ink -- Now What?

We've all been there. You're in the middle of printing... Read More

Which Notebook Computer Has Your Name On It?

Notebook Computers Are Sexy!Granted, the notebook computer may just be... Read More

Power and Your PC

The power coming into a computer is the most critical... Read More

Batteries for Your Laptop

With technology advancing more every day, electronics have become smaller... Read More

How to Get the Case Off Your PC!

This is the first step to servicing, upgrading or removing... Read More

Tips To Select Proper Hard drive

Day by day computers are getting advanced. Capacity and performance... Read More

DVD Media

DVD is an optical disc storage media format that can... Read More

Video Display

Video displays are most recent technique used in both outdoor... Read More

The Printer Cartridge Review

Years ago computers were huge and their accompanying printers were... Read More

7 Steps to Cleaning the Laser Toner From Your Laser Printer

Cleaning a laser printer, fax, or copier of laser toner... Read More

JunxionBox -- WiFi Access Everywhere

Now you can more easily access the Internet wherever mobile... Read More

Laptop and Notebook Theft Prevention

Laptops or Notebook computers are an expensive personal and business... Read More

Testing Diode -The Accurate Way on How to Test Semiconductor Diode Using Multimeter

Testing diodes is different from testing a resistor because you... Read More

SED is Coming

One of the bigger challenges facing display manufacturers is to... Read More

5 Ways To Backup Your Data...

The data on your hard drive is the most critical... Read More