i need help, my graphics in game suck and it lags so i'm really in need of shaders, but want the cheapest graphics card that has just what it needs to run it, the thing is, do i have to buy a new graphics card? Right now i got an Intel(R) 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller
with its chip type being an Intel(R) 82845G Graphics Controller
my computers a Microsoft XP Home Edition (5.1,Build 2600) and has DirectX 9.0c

should i buy a new graphics card? A new computer may be?

Well techically you need to run pixel shader 1.6 at least.
Basically, you need pixel shader 3.0 to run shaders at maximum capacity, which means more then 15 fps, and more then 4 options allowed.

And yes, I think you need a better graphics card:P

Well, things are strange these times.
I could run the shaders very smoothly with Toribash 3.7. I was running it at 60FPS. Now, with Toribash 3.8, I can't put the shaders at all.

My graphic card was handling Shaders 2.0.

So as Slipanc, 1.6 is the minimum, but if you are planning to buy a new graphic card, buy one that is at least with shaders 3.0