[mitchie151]

Right, so... I have just realised that my graphics card drivers are horribly out of date. I have (as far as I know) a Radeon 4350 graphics card. Now, it all works fine, but when i update minecraft crashes on start-up.

The updated graphics driver is 8.630.0.0 and the normal one is 8.881.0.0 (even that sounds higher)

Can anybody recommend something to me? When i try and play the Diablo 3 beta it tells me to update, but if i update i can no longer play minecraft, so i have a bit of an issue.

[Magerman]

play diablo 2.

[mitchie151]

play diablo 2.

Already have... fact is, this update is stopping me from getting any new games.

I need a way to play minecraft and have this update xD

[TechnoProdigy]

On topic: Try using a slightly older graphics card driver.

Off topic: ATI 4350?? Bleehhhh.

[eplawsl]

invest in a 5000 series, 7000 series is out soon, 3 series behind is going to cause problems as the rest of your system tries to update stuff. I also sincerely hope you aren't running anything above winxp on that or some Linux derivative that doesn't get updated anymore, as OS updates like to break old things. If your system can handle a 5770, they are super cost effective and should support your needs for at least another 5 years if you get one that was taken care of and never OC'ed. I think they go for like 80 USD, used- like new, on Amazon/Ebay and whatnot.

[TechnoProdigy]

7770, do it.

[carcinoGeneticist]

Honestly, I'd just drop $150 on a new graphics card... The ATI 4xxx line is antiquated and really is outclassed by a lot of modern cards.

Assuming this is a desktop computer and not a laptop, I'd spring for a 6xxx or 7xxx series card. I personally own a 6850, and it was a great deal for $145... it has good performance at a decent price range. The 7xxx series are newer and I believe they stay in the same price bracket.

The power consumption is fairly low on them, and your current power supply should probably be able to keep up with it if you have anything above 400w. The only complaint I have is the model I have (XFX) has a single central fan that can be rather noisy at times.

As for driver updates, there isn't much you can do, short of making your own drivers if you use linux. Companies aren't supporting older hardware like they used to, so I doubt you'll find a solution other than upgrading, or just dealing with having to choose between Diablo III beta and Minecraft.

Cheers.

[TechnoProdigy]

Honestly, I'd just drop $150 on a new graphics card... The ATI 4xxx line is antiquated and really is outclassed by a lot of modern cards.

Assuming this is a desktop computer and not a laptop, I'd spring for a 6xxx or 7xxx series card. I personally own a 6850, and it was a great deal for $145... it has good performance at a decent price range. The 7xxx series are newer and I believe they stay in the same price bracket.

The power consumption is fairly low on them, and your current power supply should probably be able to keep up with it if you have anything above 400w. The only complaint I have is the model I have (XFX) has a single central fan that can be rather noisy at times.

As for driver updates, there isn't much you can do, short of making your own drivers if you use linux. Companies aren't supporting older hardware like they used to, so I doubt you'll find a solution other than upgrading, or just dealing with having to choose between Diablo III beta and Minecraft.

Cheers.

TL;DR Version- Get a 7770, they are relatively cheap and provide decent performance.

[eplawsl]

He has a system containing a 4350, his motherboard (as well as the rest of the machine) will probably be of similar age and performance, so it will likely choke anything but a small upgrade. I know minecraft normally acts weird with Nvidia cards, but I put this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814500204

in a custom rig I built specifically to play Minecraft a while ago, this card uses the same motherboard interface as the 4350 but has significantly better capabilities and compatibility. It's compatible with more recent open GL 4.0, where as the 4350 is only compatible with open GL 2.1. It also just so happens that this card is just enough of an upgrade to stay up to date and not get bottle-necked by the rest of your system. (just noticed Newegg doesn't carry it anymore you can just search it on amazon and still get a new one for 60 to 70 USD, sorry I didn't get currency conversions for you, its 3am and I'm mad lazy)

TL;DR: If minecraft was the only thing that has been updated automatically on your computer recently, you need a new GPU. For better advice (that could save you money and some work) post stats like your OS, motherboard specs, power supply rating etc.

[mitchie151]

Lol, guys. Im getting a new PC soon enough, it will have an XFX 7970 so... no problems there!

I just want to be able to buy and start some of these new games.