graphics and sound card

[Pippa24]

I want to buy a computer for the kids to play games on (besides other stuff). I've found one but am not sure about the graphics and sound cards. This computer states that it has 64MB AGPX 8 Intergrated graphics on board and 6 channel sound card. Most games require graphics and sound cards compatible with Direct X8.1. Would this computer be OK? Any help appreciated

[j2buttonsw]

It would be OK but struggle with the higher end games (Doom 3, Half-life 2 etc). The key thing is the word "integrated". If you wish to upgrade the graphics in the machine (to a 128 MB or 256 MB GeForce or Radeon card) you would not be able to. As far as the sound goes, I believe the Creative cards used to have their own special features (EAX technology?) but, on the whole, most sound cards are Direct X compatible and will run games OK

[lisaj]

This isn't strictly true. You can upgrade the onboard graphics by simply disabling them in favour of a plug-in graphics card. The cost difference on this side is also minimal since not many people 'trade in' their existing card for a better one.

[Pippa24]

Thanks for both your answers. So let me get this straight. The graphics card should probably be ok for most games. If it is not I can replace it with a better one (or get someone to do it for me) , if I can't replace it as such I should be able to disable the old one and use the new one. Is this correct?

[Kerplunk]

As lisaj says you can buy a graphics card and plug it in and use that instead of the on board one (may require configuring in bios). The only way to upgrade the on board card is to buy a new motherboard with a better integrated graphics system. The sound card shouldn't cause a problem as long as you make sure you have the latest drivers.