Dell 4600 with integrated video card

[adb280z]

Anyone know if you can replace an integrated video card with an aftermarket video card on a Dell 4600? My computer's video card doesn't fit the min. requirements (doesn't have T&L) for civ iv and I want to play it. If so what card would you recommend?

[alva]

The best way would be to open the case and check if it has a graphic card slot (either AGP or PCI-Express).
An AGP slot is usually located at the top (near the processor) and is smaller than the other (mostly in a darker colour too).
Doubt the PCI option so I'm not going to cover it.

If they all look the same then I'm afraid you're out of luck.

I did a quick search on it but can't find anything that says it does.

NOTE: opening the case may void warranty claims. not sure how DELL works but that could be the case.

[adb280z]

Cool, thanks I'm gonna check it now.

[adb280z]

Found it, it has AGP 8X.

[alva]

Do you know how to get into to the BIOS? You're more than likely going to have to get in there to avoid problems. You may still conflicts, no promises.


Do yourself a favour and don't ever buy integrated again...ever!

[adb280z]

Definitely won't make that mistake again.
Haven't the slightest idea how to get into BIOS.

[alva]

Was afraid you'd say that.

have I mentioned I charge by the letter btw.

To get in the bios (this is true for the majority of them but not all (sounds familiar?))

Reboot --> hold down the 'Delete' key.

Don't change anything in there! (for now ).

press 'escape', some warning should come up about saving or not. don't save.
your system shold restart and go back to windows.

Try that and see what happens.
Do you happen to have a second PC (laptop) just in case?

EDIT: if you could write down wich BIOS it uses, that could be helpfull.

[adb280z]

I do have a laptop, but I think I might leave this kind of stuff to my brother in law, he knows a lot more about this than I do. I'll wait for him to be available. Any suggestions about a reasonable card to get that will definitely work for this game?

Thanks for the help so far.

[alva]

Nvidea : 6600 or 6800
(preferably not the LE version and note that they come in both AGP and PCI Express versions, I think you need the AGP one)
(120 $ US and up)
slightly cheaper

ATI: 9800 pro or better ( 100$ US )