So, I've been told that for my birthday I can update my graphics card, and possibly RAM along with it.
My question is not how, but rather what to upgrade to, specifically for Garry's Mod and other such source games.
Is there any graphics card specs and/or a specific card that would run well with it?
If I have to, the motherboard can be updated to run with it.
Currently I'm running an Nvidia GeForce4 MX 420, and I would prefer to stick with Nvidia.
Also, please, stay away from fights over which one's the best, just let me know what you think in particular.
Thanks

Here is a 2-pack memory to boost your memory by 2GB. Perfect for memory other than the price.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8298576&type=product&id=1172881539154

If you buy crap from Best Buy, you deserve what you get.
TLB: Alright, who manufactured the actual card?

Well, seeing as it's an Nvidia card, I would assume they manufactured it.
I don't have access to the inside of the computer right now, so I can't really check any specifics.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download181.html
nVidia makes the GPU, other companies make actual cards.

Ah, alright.
Uh, just before we go anywhere, by upgrade I quite literally mean buying a new card.
Is there any reason I would want to know the manufacturer?

Eh, just easier to stick with the same manufacturer. Their ♥♥♥♥ is more likely to work.

EVGA is my pick for nVidia cards.
OCZ is my pick for RAM.

You need to make sure your motherboard will support specific types of RAM. You cannot just plug any type of RAM into your board--even if it fits in the slot.

System memory has specific timings that it operates. Not all boards support all timings. You need to look into this first. Goto the manufacturers page for your motherboard and see the system specs or models and timings they suggest.

Additionally, look into whether or not your motherboard is compatible with Dual Channel memory. Dual channel memory allows memory access time (a common bottleneck) to be reduced by allowing one sending and one receiving channel (as opposed to one channel for both). DC boards require DC kits.

On the GPU side, we'd need some kind of budget to make a decent suggestions. In my personal experience, the amount of shared VRAM (video RAM--or memory on the gfx card) is more important than the model. If you buy a 512-MB GF6000 series, it will overpower a 256-MB GF8000 series.

Additionally, if your board is equipped with a PCI-Express 16x slot, use it. If its not, spend your money upgrading your motherboard and chipset :]

Hmmkay, the budget range is probably at around 200$, but I can pay another 50-100$ if completely necessary.

I agree, EVGA is the ♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥♥. They have GREAT customer service, they build their ♥♥♥♥ soundly. All around good company. Kinda like how Alienware used to be.

My suggestion? Hit up TigerDirect and browse the GPUs in the nVidia category. Try to find a card that has the absolute most memory for $200 in the highest possible product range (6, 7, .

Prioritize the amount of VRAM over the product range. Meaning you should prefer a 512MB 6-series instead of a 256-MB 8-series. You should be able to find a fairly cheap 512Mb 6- or 7-series.

Additionally, is your board equipped with PCI-e?

Hell, I didn't think of PCI-E. Also Thor, I'm pretty sure my card was in the 200 dollar range, and it's an 8800GTS. I may be wrong, gonna look it up.

Not for a 512 or higher.

TLB: If your board is not PCI-e--like I said--spend the money on a board upgrade. Dont waste your money on a card upgrade if it isn't a PCI-e card. You're just shooting your wallet in the metaphorical face

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.a ... 6814130318
Close enough Also, mine's 256, not 512.

See, buying a 256-MB non-PCI-e 8-series was a stupid waste of money.