Upgrading computer/video card

[golf]

So, I have a desktop thats going on 4 years old this summer. I want to upgrade it so that I can play some of the new(er) games that have been coming out (Assassin's Creed, maybe Need For Speed Shift). However, it seems that pretty much any PC game requires a video card that can handle pixel shader 3.0. Now, I've been told that the motherboard I have should be replaced soon/is on its way out, and also that most motherboards now come with video cards included. So, is there a motherboard out there, at a reasonable cost, that includes a pixel shader 3.0 video card? Or will I have to get another video card in addition to the motherboard. Either way is ok, but it would be nice to know if I didn't have to pick up another video card because the motherboard can handle what I want it to do.

[Luminaflare]

What? Mobos don't come with graphics card's unless it's some kind of bundle deal (but following that logic every PC part comes with every other PC part), true there are onboard graphics but it's no where near enough to run games, especially newer ones. Also replacing your motherboard is the most complex of replacements since you'll probably end up needing a new processor and probably RAM to fit the mobos slots. Do you know what slot your current mobo has for a graphics card? Also you need about 500W PSU or higher to support a decent card.

Either way replacing your motherboard would probably cost you a lot if you don't already have something with a Core2 socket or AM2+ since if you don't you'll be needing a new processor as well.

Also specs of your current computer?

[Tanner]

Yeah, it might be preferable just to replace that computer and loot your old computer for parts. Like, if the power supply's still good, and you can snag the HDD and DVD drive. But like Luminaflare said, "replacing your motherboard is the most complex of replacements."

[golf]

I wasn't necessarily considering doing the upgrading myself, but taking it in to the place where it was built and having them do it for me. But I want to know what parts I want to be able to tell them. I was already figuring to upgrade to 4GB of RAM. I don't know what the current power supply is, and don't really want to open up the case to look at it (too lazy).

My computer currently has:

Intel D102GGC2 motherboard
Petium D 930 Processor (3.0 GHz)
1 GB RAM - DDR2
XP Pro SP2

The current slot for graphics card is PCI Express

Hope thats enough info for you guys.

[smartalco]

Well, that is enough info for me to tell you that you need a new computer :/

You certainly could stick a new graphics card in there, but it would be pulled down by your way-too-old CPU.
If you are intent on not buying a new one though, buy more RAM (apparently that mobo maxes at 2gb, so don't go crazy) and get something like a Radeon 4850 or 4870 if you can still find them. If not, Radeon 5770.

[Vyacheslav]

I'd say just save up for a new computer.