I currently have a Compaq Presario Intel 4 processor, 2.6GHZ, 512MB with Windows XP Home Edition. The computer is 4 1/2-yrs. old and the monitor is a 17" NEC CRT model (older than the computer). A week ago, I turned on my computer and the screen and colors were off. A NEC technician indicated that I might need a new video card. Considering the age of my computer and monitor, is it cheaper to purchase a new one in the form of a bundle package (computer/monitor) or should I upgrade my current computer and purchase a new monitor? I have read bad press about Windows Vista and I am currently pleased with my Windows XP which is one reason I am fearful of purchasing a new computer. First, I would want to confirm whether the monitor is the cause of the problem, not the video card. Can you connect your monitor to another computer to test it? Or, borrow another monitor to connect your computer to verify the NEC tech's assertion that the video card is the problem.

If the video card is the problem, I'd replace the card rather than buy a new computer unless you think you need a new system for specific reasons.

Are you familiar with the different types of expansion slots? You need to know whether your computer has an AGP slot or only PCI. I'm assuming it does not have the newer PCI Express slots. If you have AGP, get an AGP video card, not a PCI card.Thanks so much for responding.

Fortunately, I did have an older model computer waiting to be donated. After connecting the monitor to that computer, the monitor worked well. I re-connected the monitor back to my current computer (one described here) and the colors changed to the colors when I first purchased my computer. This happen after connecting the monitor to the computer and not doing anything else. I thought that was so odd. So, far I am not having any PROBLEMS. Can you explain what could have happen and why is it working ok without my making any changes? Does it mean the video card may be on its way out?

I know very little about computers but I happed to save a printed version of my computer specs from 2004 and I see is says the following: TOTAL EXPANSION SLOTS: 3 PCI, 1 AGP /AVAILABLE EXPANSION SLOTS: 2 PCI, 1 AGP
So, I guess that means I have the AGP slot. Just some general thoughts ...... IMO upgrading machines of several years age is not always going to be all that easy - in order to ensure compatibility between all the hardware if some old and some new. All depends of course on the depth of an upgrade.

You certainly could tweak the old machine usefully by adding more RAM and a good vid card.

The NEC monitor should work on any machine with a reasonable card - and just the regular VGA cable connection. Before I went LCD I was using NEC 21" Accusync units and they worked on anything. Did find tho that a better quality card did yield better definition.

The problem with upgrading is deciding how much to do and invest - as beyond a certain point a new machine could well be worth considering - as long as the spec' is adequate - you need to look in depth at bundled packages to make sure you spot the corners that so often get cut!

One useful approach is to set a budget - and see then what you can do comparing new with an upgrade. techoforless and newegg have LOTS of hardware available - just look carefully at spec's to either get the right PCI type or - with AGP be sure to get a card that your mobo can handle. On that subject - you may want to CHECK you have Directx 9 on board.You monitor cable may simply not have been securely connected to your computer when you were having the problem. The end on the cable has two screws you need to turn in to secure it to the connector on the computer, right? Make sure you get the cable end properly seated and the screws snuggly tightened when connecting it.

If your AGP slot is truly available, that indicates it's not being used, which also means your system has onboard, or integrated, video. In other words, the video adapter is built-in to the motherboard and that's what you're using. If so, you could upgrade your system by disabling onboard video and installing and AGP card. But, since the problem seems to have been solved, this is entirely an optional matter; it's just a possible upgrade option to improve performance.

Video cards installed in expansion slots usually out-perform onboard/integrated video, often yielding very noticeable improvement in performance. But, of course, the benefit to be recognized will also depend on what you normally do with your computer. Today's Best Buy sale paper has a Dell Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q9300, 6GB DDR2 memory/750GB hard drive computer with a 19" LCD monitor and Canon All-In-One Printer for $999.97. It is also OFFERING no interest for 2-yrs. on all purchases totaling $999. All reviews about this computer/monitor/printer were great. Everyone said the Windows Vista worked great and no one expressed having problems with installing other software with Vista on this computer. I am thinking if I purchase this one, I should be able to have it for quite some time considering the memory and hard drive and my current computer would be a great backup. What is someone's else' opinion? Quote

6GB DDR2 memory