[hhannam]

I had a tech friend mention to me that a strong video card helps considerably when using an HDTV monitor for a computer display. Trouble is, he's away on a road trip now and I can't get any further info from him about how to select and purchase a video graphics card for my old Dell Dimension 4500S (P4 chip) computer (circa 2002) that I'm about to start using with my big screen HDTV for occasional net surfing (I also have a newer (dual core chip) desktop computer in my home office).

If anyone can make any recommendations on specs, compatibility factors, or any other info I would need to select and purchase a strong video card, I would deeply appreciate them, because I've never involved myself with graphics cards before.

[warrior19]

From Dell website: http://en.community.dell.com/forums/...en&cs=19&s=dhs

This is like a slim version of a normal desktop PC hence the 'S' in the model number. Correct?

hence you need to source an AGP Graphics Card and a Low profile Slightly older than today's versions. AGP fits the graphics card slot on the motherboard and low profile as the card needs to be small/slim enough to fit in a S (slim) PC!!!!

Also you need to look at your HDTV regarding what inputs (connectors) it supports. The best picture quality will be from DVI or HDMI connections. The Graphics card needs to have these too.

Invest in a card with the largest onboard memory you can afford and do your research on the internet as the card is older it should have lots of reviews. Do not but a lemon that everyone has issues with in other words!!!

Good Luck!

[warrior19]

Oh and the card should supply the cables too but not always!!! Worth checking!

[hhannam]

My HDTV does have the terminals you mentioned, but as you probably know, my older computer has only a 15pin VGA (maybe SVGA also) terminal which my HDTV has also. I was hoping for just the kind of info you provided...such as needing a "low profile" card for my "S" computer...I didn't have a clue

Looks like I've got my work cut out for me in finding a good, compatible (older) card...wish me luck Thanks so much again for your help. .

[Triple6]

If both devices have a VGA connector then you can simply use a VGA cable to connect the two together. You can actually get HD signal through a VGA cable.

For audio you'd have to get a separate stereo cable to go from the computers speaker out to the TV's audio in for the computer input - it'd be a simple male to male stereo cable.

Edit: The integrated audio in the Dell(was thinking the Winfast system in your Signature) won't likely be able the higher resolutions very effectively, if at all.

However even though the case is a slim case, the PCI slots come off a riser and a full sized PCI card can be used. Here's one with HDMI, DVI, and VGA outputs: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131325

[hhannam]

I've decided the best thing to do is to buy a new (used) video card with either 64 or 128 MB of memory and that has a DVI terminal outlet. I already have a 6' dvi cable and I'll be able to run it from my old Dell computer to the HDTV monitor. My (former) Winfast motherboard was in another used desktop (dual core)computer I have, but it's been replaced by an HP motherboard.

Unless someone would like to contribute a comment that hasn't been mentioned thus far, I'd have to say this issue is pretty much solved.... Thanks to all.