ARGH!! All video card gurus plz read!!!

[PieDerro]

I have researched a couple of vid cards over the last few days for my new system. I'm running a TBird 1.2GHz on a KT133A motherboard.

I bought a Gigabyte GF2000 (Geforce 2 GTS DDR) and any res above 1152*864 @ 70Hz looks like complete rubbish!! My TNT2 (also a Gigabyte) was much clearer than that!!

I am going to return the card tomorrow hopefully, and get a swap for another card. Basically, I need a card that would do my 1.2GHz some sort of justice, whilst running nice and crisp up to 1280*1024@85Hz.

By the way, are there any Geforce 2 video cards with exceptional 2D graphics??

Also, I don't want a Matrox card (too slow in 3D)

EDIT: I run mainly Need for Speed games, Freespace, and other car-racing games... occasionally an FPS, but not often!

 

[Taz4158]

<< I bought a Gigabyte GF2000 (Geforce 2 GTS DDR) and any res above 1152*864 @ 70Hz looks like complete rubbish!! My TNT2 (also a Gigabyte) was much clearer than that!! >>


Nice crisp 2D and the GTS do not go together. Apparently the Leadtek and Elsa are 2 with better 2D but I wouldn't bet on it. Have a look at a Radeon in action and see what you think.

 

[PieDerro]

I'm thinking about the Radeon, but it's dearer than a GTS Pro here in Oz. What is a Hercules GTS Pro 64MB like for 2D quality and KT133A mobo compatibility?

 

[Taz4158]

Really the best advice is to see if you can view a Radeon and GTS side by side. That will make your decision much easier.

 

[Hawk]

Heh, Taz, he can't afford one! I would say, try and find a Leadtek GF2, though if you can buy one of those super cheap Radeon LEs, do it, pay someone 20 bucks to have them buy it and ship it to you! =)

 

[Taz4158]

<< Heh, Taz, he can't afford one! I would say, try and find a Leadtek GF2, though if you can buy one of those super cheap Radeon LEs, do it, pay someone 20 bucks to have them buy it and ship it to you! =) >>


Now that's good entrepreneurial thinking!

 

[PieDerro]

I saw the thread about the Radeon LEs, but with the POS exchange rate as well as tax and import duties, its not really worth buying the LE from overseas!!

I'll have a look at the leadtek cards. Is the Hercules any good? (reason I am pressing the Hercules point is that the Pro 64MB version is $100AU less than the 32MB leadtek!!)

 

[PieDerro]

Another question (I'm full of em at the moment ) What resolution should I expect to be able to run at CLEARLY with a GF2 (I might have gotten a crapola card)!

 

[Smbu]

Well if you can use a soldering iron you should try this rd filter mod on your GTS. It really improves picture quality at higher resolutions(1280x1024 and 1600x1200). I did it to my GTS and the 2d picture quality looks great on my IBM P96(19&quot; FD Trinitron) monitor. Here's a thread with more information about the rf filter mod and the quadro mod.

 

[bluemax]

You know... you should try to find a good deal on a Voodoo5. The V5 played those games you mentioned in Glide mode better than you might expect, has razor-sharp 2D and solid 3D performance and excellent compatibility. Drivers still leak out slowly, should be a great card for another year at least!
Best FSAA in the biz!
You know.... I'm still tempted by one.