Help me not rip my father off

[beelphegor]

So I think I might have figured out a solution to my graphics card problem. I need to upgrade from my current 8600gts, but lack the funds to do so. My father is currently anticipating the release of civ 5, but is worried about how well his computer will handle it. My thought is why not give him my old card in exchange for helping me buy a new one. I think he will go for this, but I want to make sure that his computer can handle the card fine and that his cpu isn't going to bottleneck the crap out of it.

cpu: amd athlon 64 x2 dual-core 3800+ 2.0
ram: 3g
Its actually an HP Pavilion a1600n if that helps. I know it has the right slot for my card, but it has never been used.

One other thing, I know my card isn't even made anymore, or at least i can't find it on newegg. How much is a fair price for it? I'm sure my father will be generous and pay what a small local retailer would gouge him for, versus expecting a "family discount".

So what do you guys think? Will it work fine for civ 5?

 

[jefe323]

Here are the system requirements for civ 5:

Minimum Requirements

Operating System: Windows® XP SP3/ Windows® Vista SP2/ Windows® 7
Processor: Dual Core CPU
Memory: 2GB RAM
Hard Disk Space: 8 GB Free
DVD-ROM Drive: Required for disc-based installation
Video: 256 MB ATI HD2600 XT or better, 256 MB nVidia 7900 GS or better, or Core i3 or better integrated graphics
Sound: DirectX 9.0c-compatible sound card
DirectX®: DirectX® version 9.0c

Recommended Requirements

Operating System: Windows® Vista SP2/ Windows® 7
Processor: 1.8 GHz Quad Core CPU
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Hard Disk Space: 8 GB Free
DVD-ROM Drive: Required for disc-based installation
Video: 512 MB ATI 4800 series or better, 512 MB nVidia 9800 series or better
Sound: DirectX 9.0c-compatible sound card
DirectX®: DirectX® version 11

a good price would be around $20-$40
(http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A3477&rt=nc&_nkw=8600gts&_dmpt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=1&_sc=1)

 

[beelphegor]

cool, so this should work fine then. He isn't looking for awsome graphics, just playability. Ty for the price check also
One last thing, I realized that the card i would give him has only dvi and his monitor is vga. I have an adapter, but will this cause any issues?

 

[jefe323]

i think you'll be fine with the adapter

 

[beelphegor]

alright! tyvm I guess that does it for this thread.

 

[jay2tall]

I'd say $40ish.

The only thing you want to look out for is his power supply. The power requirements are below.

Minimum of a 350 Watt power supply.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 22 Amp Amps.)

 

[beelphegor]

son of a... he isn't going to have the right power cord for the card... damnit

 

[jay2tall]

^ Sorry to rain on your parade. I tend to do that, but better finding out now than later.

You can always upgrade his PSU with something cheap. This cooler master has always been a fav of mine as being a cheap PSU that will run a lower end card. They have it on sale at Newegg many times.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171046

 

[beelphegor]

Best answer selected by beelphegor.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey