It appears the graphics card on my eMachine has packed up. Unfortunately I cannot get a replacement until I know I little more about the type I need. I cannot find any information in the generic handbook I received with the PC and I get no response whatsoever from eMachine support. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Model: 3230 Serial No: QM448 006 02172 System Information Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236) Language: English (Regional Setting: English) System Manufacturer: eMachines System Model: MS-6714 BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz Memory: 1016MB RAM Page File: 568MB used, 725MB available Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904) DX Setup Parameters: Not found DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode
You need to open up your computer case and see what expansion slots you have.
If you have an AGP slot, you need an AGP card (highest you can go is an ATI Radeon HD3850 AGP).
If you have a PCIExpress 16x slot, you can use any of the current PCIExpress 16x video card on the market today as long as your PSU is powerful enough to drive it and if the card can fit in your case.
If you only have old non-express PCI slots, it's time for a new computer. Old non-express PCI slot video cards are extremely slow and not worth the money.
Hope this helps.
the MS-6714-020 (845GEM-L) has an AGP 4x graphics slot.
the MS-6714-040 (845GVM-L) has not, so would be reduced to a PCI (not PCI-e) solution.
Opening the case, and comparing with the images on the two links below should give you the answer...
In the unlikely event that eMachines installed a motherboard with a graphics slot, there is the further possibility that there is an AGP card present, obscuring the view of the motherboard. I'd be shocked but if there is a card present, and your monitor is connected to it - then see if you can get the on-board graphics working instead...
If there is an AGP slot:
Money spent on an AGP card for this machine is essentially wasted, so you will want to spend as little as possible.
Scan have an nVidia GeForce 6200 in stock for £32.78
It's 4x compatible, and low profile, although if you have a slimline case, you'll need to buy and fit a low profile adapter yourself.
The PCI 6200 is more expensive at £38.99, and it's not low profile.
If you are restricted to PCI and you have a slimline case, then it's time for a new PC. Whilst a solution may exist, it will be hard to find and you will have to pay through the nose...
Hope this helps.