Hello...(css+dell)

Hi i am a new member. Recently I bought a dell 6400 with the latest upgrades. Dual core, 1 g memory, the list goes on. I used the what graphics card should I buy page to come up with the answer that the ati X1400 was the one for me. Soon I found out that this was a horrible choice. I am a gamer who is on my computer all day. Literally I'm up at 8-9 in the AM till 1-2 in the AM. Don't ask how I manage...Coffee. Any way somewere i read that you can update this graphics card. Im new here, but I know a few names already from being here, like tha admin chaz. I see that you answer everybodys questions and can you help me. I also read the driver update page but that did not help me solve the problem. I emailed ati and they said they do not offer help with laptops. Icoulden t find there number anywere. I also called dell. they were NO help whatsoever. I know dell is not exactly a notebook/gaming company but their service is reliable, sometines...
Anyway, i was wondering if you guys can help me on this one. (like a direct link or something to the update page) I m not a total noob with computers, i know a lot but i get angry fast


ATI X1400 512 hypermemory
looking for dualcore update
then ill be happy


thanks alot

 

Welcome to the forums.

You did pick the most powerful card offered on the i6400, the X1400. It's not the best card, but can hold its own in the latest games.
If you're trying to update your drivers, follow the direct link in this guide for ATI driver downloads.
It is possible to upgrade the video card, but only if that card is offered in the 6400 to begin with . . at the moment, the X1400 is as good as it gets.

 

so do i get the cataylist mobility driivers???
are you saying that i can upgrade or cant???
thanks

 

He's saying you can update the drivers (software) not the actual card itself (hardware). By updating drivers you can get slightly better performance, but the x1400 isn't a gaming card. If you're a serious gamer, I would return the dell and get something with an x1600 or above graphics card.

 

http://www.ati.com/online/mobilecatalyst/

 

You're having trouble running CSS on an X1400?

 

Agreed, Source games (HL2, CSS, etc.) Run amazingly on my 7400 (Nvidia's equal to the X1400) I can run it at 1280x800, everything high, HDR, and 16x AF. With the Nvidia performance drivers I average high 30's- low 40's in FPS, very playable. You shouldt have any problem runing that game. But if you still do, even after updating the drivers, when are you playing it? If your doing it on battery theres your problem. I dont know about other notebooks, but Dells automatically down clock their CPU's and GPU when on battery power to save power. You can change this in the power options if you game on battery.