Will adding a second video card up my total video memory or does each card remain discrete?

[Threemoons]

Okay.  I have a desktop that is a few years old, and I  need more video memory in order to run some new games smoothly.  So far, my HP "helper" on my desktop has been useless in helping me find this basic info:

--Info on my power supply

--how many slots I still have open

Also, will adding a second card up my overall video RAM or do I need to replace the primary card?

Thanks for any help!

Info:

Model Name d4996t

Microsoft Windows Vista - Home Premium Edition (x32)

Current vidcard NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS

Motherboard info:

Motherboard
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

System Board

Chipset Intel Q35/Q33/P35/G33 SouthbridgeIntel 82801IR (ICH9R)

Base Board

Manufacturer ASUSTeK Computer INC. ProductBurbank

BIOS

Vendor American Megatrends Inc. Release Date 12/17/2008 BIOS Version String 5.21 ROM Size1.00 MB

Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6850 @ 3.00GHz CPU:0

Specification Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6850 @ 3.00GHz Size 64.00 kB Size4.00 MB

Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6850 @ 3.00GHz CPU:1

Specification Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6850 @ 3.00GHz Size 64.00 kB Size4.00 MB

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Here are the specifications for the motherboard in your PC.  The HP d4996t shipped originally with a 350 watt power supply.

If you want to improve video performance then you will need to replace the power supply and replace the video card. Most if not all HP consumer PCs will only support one video card.

The processor is fine for most modern game with a few exceptions.

Review this posted document for background information.

Tell us what your $$ budget is and I can then suggest a video card and PSU.

[Threemoons]

Thank you all.  I seem to remember that this particular model supported dual vid cards.  Whom could I check with?

Would that be the motherboard specs?  System specs?

Also, other than opening the case is there any system option where I can "see" what the power supply is?  I vaguely remember getting a higher-grade one when I first ordered.

Thanks!

[Threemoons]

Let me add that I am willing to spend around $300 or so for an upgrade.

[Big_Dave · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Review the following sugggestions:

Sapphire Radeon 6850 ---- $135 after rebate, 128 GB/s   --->probably the best price/performance

Sapphire Radeon 6870 ---- $170 after rebate, 134  GB/s ---> ATI 3D support

EVGA NVIDIA 560 TI DS ---- $240 after rebate, 134.5 GB/s

EVGA NVIDIA 560            ---- $160 after rebate, 128.2 GB/s

Corsair CX600 PSU       ---- $50 after rebate ---> measure your current PSU and make sure that this one fits (5.9x3.4x5.5)

These HP 'how-to" articles should be helpful.  Reread the background document that I had referenced above.

[Threemoons]

Thank you so much for all of your help!  Didn't see this reply before.  Much appreciated.