Graphics card?

Hey guys!
I just recently tried playing a Steam game on my computer (MW2) and it can't handle the graphics! I'm told i need to get a card, but I'm not sure if a laptop is compatible with this? I have a VERY nice laptop, and it usually handles gaming very nicely. I use design programs, messangers, games, etc. in the same session and it works fine.
To clarify, the game was UNPLAYABLE. I tried non-online as well, and i lagged right there as well. My computer is clean, that isn't the problem.
Please help me to know how i can play, and how do get and/or install a graphics card, thanks!

System Specs:

OS Name	Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Version	6.1.7600 Build 7600
Other OS Description 	Not Available
OS Manufacturer	Microsoft Corporation
System Name	ERIC-PC
System Manufacturer	Gateway
System Model	MD2419U
System Type	x64-based PC
Processor	AMD Athlon(tm) X2 Dual-Core QL-65, 2100 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 2 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date	Phoenix Technologies LTD 9A.30, 10/14/2008
SMBIOS Version	2.4
Windows Directory	C:\Windows
System Directory	C:\Windows\system32
Boot Device	\Device\HarddiskVolume2
Locale	United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer	Version = "6.1.7600.16385"
User Name	Eric-PC\Eric
Time Zone	Eastern Standard Time
Installed Physical Memory (RAM)	3.00 GB
Total Physical Memory	2.75 GB
Available Physical Memory	1.56 GB
Total Virtual Memory	5.49 GB
Available Virtual Memory	3.74 GB
Page File Space	2.75 GB

Please don't post if you don't know what you're talking about. I'm not trying to be rude, but this isn't the place for "maybe's."

 

[X3Flame]

What graphics card are you currently using?

 

Default (none?)

 

[X3Flame]

Open start menu, right click the Computer option then hit properties. A window should open up about your specs. Go to the left, click Device Manager and open up Display Adapters. It should show it there. Right click your device and open the properties. Copy and paste your device type and Location here.

Video if you can't find the device: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-prEJLDQZ5Y

 

ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics

 

[X3Flame]

Hm, MW2 should run on that card on minimum settings. Have you installed the latest drivers for your card? Open up your cards properties and tell me the location.

 

PCI bus 1, device 5, function 0

There's the location.
And no, it doesn't work for shit.

 

[X3Flame]

From the looks of it, you'll need to get a new card. Your laptop only takes PCI type cards so make sure to get one of those. Not PCI-E. You would have to open it up and replace your current card with a new one that you would have to buy.
Being a PCI, you don't have many options for a new card. Just look for a Nvidia GeForce 8000 and above with 512mb+. Those cards should play most games in HD, top quality. Try aiming for 9800 GT cards, you can get anywhere from $80 - $150.

 

That's sounding quote costly, thank you very much though!
I'll look into it immediately.

 

[Noodles :)]

From the looks of it, you'll need to get a new card. Your laptop only takes PCI type cards so make sure to get one of those. Not PCI-E. You would have to open it up and replace your current card with a new one that you would have to buy.
Being a PCI, you don't have many options for a new card. Just look for a Nvidia GeForce 8000 and above with 512mb+. Those cards should play most games in HD, top quality. Try aiming for 9800 GT cards, you can get anywhere from $80 - $150.

Pretty sure the guy stated he was playing on a laptop.

 

^^ Yes, and that's what he addressed, correct? ^^

Also, are there any CHEAP ones that will do the job?

 

[X3Flame]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4104560&CatId=1603

Cheapest one I could find, should be able to do the job though.

 

Crapp. I'll look into it, thanks.

 

[Noodles :)]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4104560&CatId=1603

Cheapest one I could find, should be able to do the job though.

Isn't that a desktop gpu? n.n

 

[X3Flame]

External: http://www.amazon.com/2-PORT-External-Pci-Express-X1/dp/B000I67SIS

 

[Unpredicted]

Laptops can be hard to upgrade a graphics card in.

Because of the laptops being compact, they're made to fit all in one (if that makes sence), and are hard to replace.

I have a brand new Laptop, which is for gaming, and i don't have the option to upgrade my Graphics card without it costing almost half the price of the laptop.

It will be expensive, but if you are prepared, it can be done,