computer nerd question, video card in an OLD computer

[Pazuzu]

I'm helping an elderly friend keep his computer alive, since he doesn't want to buy a new one.
It's a 10 year old tower (which at least was moderately high end, 10 years ago...).

Obviously, it's been abused, was Vista, then Win7, then Win10 upgrade. Piles of antivirus on top of each other, etc.
Hard drive was going out (physically).

So, this weekend I've done the following:
Replaced hard drive
Installed a fresh Windows 10 64bit Pro
Bumped ram to 8GB
Added a PCI wireless card to replace the weird dongle he had.
So, I'm in about $100 now, on a computer that doesn't need to have $100 spent on it.
The last thing I'd like to do is toss a video card in, both because it'll take the load off of the cpu and because he likes to watch Euro sports online using various unsavory VPN type websites and programs. I think that a video card will help with that a bit. also, maybe he can hook it to his pretty new fangled TV via HDMI and watch the games from his couch, instead of hunched in front of a 15 inch monitor.

So, can I toss a 512MB or 1GB passive PCIex16 card in there and actually see any difference? Or, is that really just burning cash at that point? I see a few $30ish cards at Frys, but is that even worth it, or are they even more powerful than what the computer can handle?
https://www.cnet.com/products/hp-pavilion-a6220n/specs/
now with a 500GB Western Digital drive, and 4x2GB ram. 64 bit system.


OR...would I be better off putting together something like a Google Chromecast stick, and having him cast to the TV from the computer?

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Pazuzu

OR...would I be better off putting together something like a Google Chromecast stick, and having him cast to the TV from the computer?

Yes.

[Pazuzu]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Yes.

How well does that work with a computer (having never actually seen the 'Cast in person).
I understand that it is primarily for phones, which he does NOT have. But, it seems to work with Chrome browser, casting whatever is on the browser? Essentially, like having a 30 foot HDMI cable between the computer and the TV in the other room, but only casting the browser itself?

Because that would actually work...

[flipper35]

Many of the current video cards have issues with the old BIOS as well and may not work on the old system, especially the DDR5 equipped ones.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by Pazuzu

I'm helping an elderly friend keep his computer alive, since he doesn't want to buy a new one.
It's a 10 year old tower (which at least was moderately high end, 10 years ago...).

Obviously, it's been abused, was Vista, then Win7, then Win10 upgrade. Piles of antivirus on top of each other, etc.
Hard drive was going out (physically).

So, this weekend I've done the following:
Replaced hard drive
Installed a fresh Windows 10 64bit Pro
Bumped ram to 8GB
Added a PCI wireless card to replace the weird dongle he had.
So, I'm in about $100 now, on a computer that doesn't need to have $100 spent on it.
The last thing I'd like to do is toss a video card in, both because it'll take the load off of the cpu and because he likes to watch Euro sports online using various unsavory VPN type websites and programs. I think that a video card will help with that a bit. also, maybe he can hook it to his pretty new fangled TV via HDMI and watch the games from his couch, instead of hunched in front of a 15 inch monitor.

So, can I toss a 512MB or 1GB passive PCIex16 card in there and actually see any difference? Or, is that really just burning cash at that point? I see a few $30ish cards at Frys, but is that even worth it, or are they even more powerful than what the computer can handle?
https://www.cnet.com/products/hp-pavilion-a6220n/specs/
now with a 500GB Western Digital drive, and 4x2GB ram. 64 bit system.


OR...would I be better off putting together something like a Google Chromecast stick, and having him cast to the TV from the computer?

Like this for $125?

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B01AZC4NHS/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Windows 10, 32GB storage (upgradeable with Micro-SD card) and it plugs into your monitor. All you might need is a USB 3.0 hub and maybe a LAN dongle if he doesn't have Wifi.

If the PC is 10 years old, no doubt even this processor is better than what he has.

[svandamme]

I still play the latest games on a 2008 XPS Studio (Core I7-920)
Just a new 2GB videocard and SSD disks. runs 10 like a champ


So for just internet and word, memory and SSD can make a lot of difference

[GH85Carrera]

Swing by some local computer store that specialized in used computers. You can likely pickup a used video card for cheap.

[id10t]

I was just given a new vid card, so I have my old spare. Only bothered to replace 'cause the Linux driver that works has as security but, and the new releases that close the bug introduce functionality bugs wtih this card. NVidia GS8400, VGA and DVI plugs. PCI Express-16x slot. It is yours for the cost of a beer if I'm ever in Houston or you ever end up in Gainesville, Fl

Send me a PM with your shipping info.