Graphics card really necessary? Left 4 Dead

I'm getting Left 4 Dead for the computer, and since my computer is pretty old i'm upgrading my computer. I'm upgrading my RAM to around 1.5g. But my question is do i really need a new graphics card? Can i still play my game without it being horribly laggy and/or even run? BTW graphics card atm is Radeon9200.

 

Its not a huge strain on your graphics but then again I have a 4870. If you're looking into gaming beyond L4D I think you should consider upgrading to a 3870 or 4870.

 

Yes, even my comp cannot handle it.

Lags and bad quality.

 

I would consider upgrading even if your card will play it, more frames = less lag = more fun

 

HD 4870 is AWESOME but expensive ! how much did it cost you?

HD 3850 or GeForce 9600GT are good choices

 

Well that depends, my HP laptop which has an INTEGRATED graphics chip (HD Radeon 3200 using shared ram off the MB.) can run l4d just fine without lag or problems, but at VERY LOW graphics settings.

IF we however chuck it over onto my main computer (Core 2 Quad q6600, 4 gigs of DDR3 ram on my 790i FTW motherboard, with two pipping 9800GX2s pumping in the graphics flow.) you're looking at a whole new game, full of vivid colors and real crazy looking zombies. And a far better contrast ratio of light to dark.

In my humble opinion this is however a game which the graphics have a HUGE impact on the game play, the eerie atmosphere isn't so eerie when the whole screen is pale because the graphics card cant run with the full contrast going. And the zombies don't look nearly as good without their skin glistening and shinning in the moonlight. They also don't look nearly as nice when they explode. Therefore I have to vote if you want a SICK gaming experience, go for the GUSTO and pick up a new card to run that sucker on max. But if you just want a mediocre experience stick to what you have.

 

If you dont want to spend money then ur card is fine now, but if u want better gameplay and got some cash you should upgrade

 

YEah, I would suggest upgrading it. I really DOES make a difference, and you will for sure notice less lag, better quality, more fps.

 

I got a 3870 card and it runs perfectly.
You might need a card upgrade yes.

 

an HD4670 should be fine for you, and they run around $80. They're the best bang for the buck and should handle l4d just fine, considering you have a decent processor

 

yes its important buddy. I DL it the other day, on my backup pc. The game works and everything but the graphics are just horrid. And if you set it to med you get that anoying ass 2 second delay.

 

If anything the Graphics card Is more important than the RAM in terms of frames.

Get 2gb 800Mhz atleast and prehaps an ati 4850 or a 9800GT. Also get atleast a dual core.