Upgrading Dell video cards?

[HewittC4]

I have never owned a Dell. My sisters both own Dells and their kids just bought Everquest 2 and it won't run on their computers because Dell used cheap video cards that aren't compatible with the game. All I have heard is that Dell uses proprietary parts and they can't be upgraded without spending lots of money to have Dell do it.Before I pop the case and void their warranties, can you install a new video card in a Dell or are they SOL like the stoner dude that used to be their spokesperson?

[DigitalJ]

Dude, don't get a dell...

Can you give us a model number? If the graphics are that crappy, there probably isn't a card at all, it's probably just intel's integrated graphics chip. They use standard interfaces though (PCIe/AGP 8x) as far as I can tell, so you should be able to upgrade if you want. Might have to call tech support and do some homework.

Stupid Dells.

[hockey man]

First off, what model # do they have. Secondly, how much are you willing to spend. And thirdly, unless you have the 4 year extended "super" warrantie, I would put the card in without blinking. If you do, go ahead and call them up to check. If you have the newer models, they most likely have intergrated graphics. Anything below a dimension 4700 only has PCI I believe. Above that they have PCI express.

[deddard]

The best bet to find out what's inside without opening up is to run Belarc Advisor. This can be downloaded free from several places including crucial.com

Belarc will give you loads of info, including the graphics adaptor you are using, and the current version also runs a security scan (effectively a security baseline) which can be used to choose any security updates etc that you may need.
If you use the security feature (off-subject, I know) don't be frightened by the low score you will get on some things - they are designed for use in Domains etc.

Do Dell really void the warranty if you open it?!! I've never touched the things because they have such a bad reputation, but I think that would come under 'unfair contract' laws.

[Erik]

As mentioned the biggest potential problem is that it is one of the lower end computers using an integrated card, and no expansion slot specifically for a graphics card. In that case the best you can hope for is a free PCI slot.

Also I have read that on some models they might not even give the option to disable the onboard video, making it impossible to upgrade the card. Though this is usually only on the cheapest models as I understand it. Your best bet would be to call Dell and ask them if you can upgrade the cards, then just buy them somewhere else.

[saphalline]

EQ2 is a frickin' demanding game!! Pending a model number here, I'd say that off-hand your chances of getting that Dell up to par for that game are low. OEM PC's in general have a reputation for not being decent for gaming platforms, much less great.

This could end in tears...

[pop pop]

Ahhh don't ya just love Dell? The word itself rolls off the tongue like poetry.

On the serious side...I hardly think opening the case voids the warrantee. The would have a seal on it if that was true just like HDDs do. And anyway, if that was Dell's policy, I would advise everyone that owns an under warrantee Dell to call and DEMAND they send someone out to clean out dust bunnies every couple of weeks. :p

[DigitalJ]

That's a fantastic idea, pop pop. I'm pretty sure Dell does have the little warranty seal on their machines. You can probably buy one on ebay though :) I'm sure there are disgruntled employees somewhere.