EVGA nVidia e-GeForce 8400 GS 512 MB DDR2 PCI Card (512-P1-N724-LR)

My HP Pavilion computer,(2003 vintage), came with a 17 inch CRT monitor. The monitor is superb and I have always been happy with it, but with only 15 inches of usable screen, I felt it was time to upgrade to a new and roomier LCD screen. After much research, principally at C-NET, I chose a Dell S2409W.
This monitor has a wide-screen 1920x1080 resolution. The problem is that my computers integrated graphics chips would not support this resolution. I could get a useful and distortion free display using my computers 1280x768 resolution setting, but this meant giving up a fair amount of available fine detail. Also, I have the CyberLink DVD suite which came with my DVD drive. This software has only a limited control over color saturation and balance (i.e. tint).

It occurred to me that a new graphics card might solve both problems. I might be able to use more of my monitors potential and get better control of color for my DVD viewing. I went with the EVGA card...Read more

When I updated to Windows 7 there was a steep decline in the playback quality of videos on my computer. Since I have an older machine (HP Pavilion a614n) without PCI express, this card looked like the best I could get. Once I went through all of the trouble of installing the card and choosing it in bios, all the problems with video playback disappeared. As other reviewers have pointed out, the card is a little bulky and may not fit in some enclosures.
The fan seems quiet enough, and Windows 7 recognized the card and downloaded the drivers automatically, though I downloaded and ran the driver installer program myself as well. I'm happy with the card, but I think next time I'll buy a new computer rather than spending the money to upgrade one that's already a few years old.

I have the antiquated PCI system and was hoping to find a graphics card with 3D capability; though this card is a MUCH improvement over my stock card, it does not have 3D. I am able to play more of my games though.

Card is easy to install; that is if you know how to get inside your tower. Card comes with software, (EVGA installation CD), DVI to VGA adapter and HDTV cable.

listed below is some more info about this card.

Over all, I would recommend this card.


D, DVI/VGA adapter, HDTV cable.
Operating Systems Supported - Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows XP Media Center Edition.