Hi.

I have a Dell Dimension 2400 (service tag can be supplied on request
if needed) with an integrated Intel video chip. I want to be able to
play games like Sid Mier's Pirates!, or the new Civilization 4 that
will be out soon, or Dungeon Siege II, etc. Nothing like Doom or Halo
2 or other fancy and graphic-heavy games. Therefore, I want to buy a
video card for my computer, but something basic and not expensive.
What video card should I get? I really just want to be able to play
these games, even with all the fancier effects turned off, I don't
really mind those. Price is my main concern. So, my question therefore
is:

1) Which card can I get?
2) Where can I buy it (used even) at a decent price (less than $150
CDN) (I'm in Montreal, Canada)?

When it comes to upgrading graphical hardware newer games rely on a
fast graphical bus.  Unfortunately the now industry standard AGP slots
that will give you smooth graphics in all the newer games is not
available in your computer.  As far as your gaming options are
concerned, one of the best choices in your price range that would work
in your computer would be the 'RADEON 9250 256MB DDR' at
http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=201362  Vibe
Computers is a trustworthy Canadian retailer as well, so that's a
plus.  If you choose to purchase that card, I would suggest upgrading
your ram to at least 512 megabytes with your left over money since
you're going to need all the help you can get.  Good luck!

Thanks a lot;  upgrading the ram is in the works too (I have 256 mb,
with a P4 2.4 GHz). Like I had said in my question, I don't need
anything fancy; I wish I had an PCIex slot, but when I bought my
machine, it was for email/net/word processing purposes, but I have the
itch to play a few games now :)   Thanks for the tip. Any other
suggestons?

This card can play any game you want:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814131227

I'm Radeon 9250 will be able to play the games you want to play, but
it won't be able to run them with very high graphic settings.