Cheapest AGP Vista compliant card

sps

Member
Oct 3, 2000
166
0
0
The title says it all. I'm looking to upgrade my Ti4200 to something that will do the Aero interface in Vista. Since I don't want to upgrade my mobo right now, I would need AGP rather than PCI-E, and therefore don't want to spend much money on a basically obsolete interface. I need DVI and if possible on the cheap, dual DVI out. I don't use the system for gaming. Mostly surfing, etc. Any advice is appreciated.
 

MrWizzard

Platinum Member
Mar 24, 2002
2,493
0
71
Im guessing a X1950 Pro....

Hmm looks like Nvidia has some cheaper options though.

Look into each card as there are different AERO classifications of approval, I think you want an approval rating of 5, that?s the highest I think. To be able to enable all aero features.
 

sps

Member
Oct 3, 2000
166
0
0
Originally posted by: MrWizzard
Im guessing a X1950 Pro....

Hmm looks like Nvidia has some cheaper options though.

Look into each card as there are different AERO classifications of approval, I think you want an approval rating of 5, that?s the highest I think. To be able to enable all aero features.

I just looked these up and they are WAY more than I want to spend. I definitely want the highest Aero classification, but can easily ditch the dual DVI requirement to save $. I am not looking to spend even $100 on this card. The only things I HAVE to have are DVI, AGP, and Aero compatibility. Beyond that, I'm just looking for the best bang for my buck.
 
Mar 19, 2003
18,289
2
71
Do you have to buy new? If not, perhaps look into an older card like a 9700/9800 Pro (or maybe a 6600GT on the Nvidia side). I'm running a 9700 Pro with two monitors in Vista and it works just fine - including the Aero interface (and even a bit of light gaming, as long as I don't try to run anything newer than about 2003/2004 :p). You should be able to find one of these cards really cheap on the FS/T forums...

Edit: Only one DVI output though. Not an issue for me since one of my monitors is a CRT. I'm not really sure if you'd be able to find dual DVI on a "budget" card (but then again I haven't much kept up with the market either).
 

sps

Member
Oct 3, 2000
166
0
0
Originally posted by: SynthDude2001
Do you have to buy new? If not, perhaps look into an older card like a 9700/9800 Pro (or maybe a 6600GT on the Nvidia side). I'm running a 9700 Pro with two monitors in Vista and it works just fine - including the Aero interface (and even a bit of light gaming, as long as I don't try to run anything newer than about 2003/2004 :p). You should be able to find one of these cards really cheap on the FS/T forums...

Edit: Only one DVI output though. Not an issue for me since one of my monitors is a CRT. I'm not really sure if you'd be able to find dual DVI on a "budget" card (but then again I haven't much kept up with the market either).

I suppose I don?t have to buy new, but I would prefer to (even if it?s refurbished or OEM), just to have the peace of mind of a return policy, etc. If dual DVI out will make the price jump, I can certainly live without it. If I could get it for a small premium, I would do it though. Is there a list somewhere that shows cards that are capable for all levels of Aero? I haven?t found anything like that yet ? only the tool on the MS website that just tells me my Ti4200 is not up to snuff?
 

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
30,342
10,860
136
Just about any DX9 graphics card with proper driver support will run Vista Aero so if you don't care at all about gaming you can grab somthing like an Nvidia FX5200 / 6200 or an ATI 9200SE all of which are available in AGP will do the job although I don't know if any of them can be had with dual-DVI.

If gaming does matter, the best bet for cheap is going to be a 6600GT, 6800nu or a 9800Pro/XT ... the X800 Pro/XT or 6800GT would perform better still in 3D but will cost a bit more & draw more power as well.

 

aka1nas

Diamond Member
Aug 30, 2001
4,335
1
0
I would avoid the 5200s and 6200s as there have been reports of them having trouble with Aero Glass, but just anything faster should be fine. For current cards, look at the 7600s or X1600s.
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
14,377
19
81
ATI 9700, or even a 9500, if you can find one used.

I'm not sure if an FX5200 has enough horsepower, but it might even cut the mustard (barely).
 

sps

Member
Oct 3, 2000
166
0
0
Hmmm... How about a Radeon 9550? It looks like I could get one of those for $70 shipped.
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
14,377
19
81
Originally posted by: sps
Hmmm... How about a Radeon 9550? It looks like I could get one of those for $70 shipped.
That sounds waaaay overpriced.

Someone recently offered me $65 for my X800Pro. :confused:
 

Stumps

Diamond Member
Jun 18, 2001
7,125
0
0
hmmm GFFX 5200 would be the cheapest card, but they offer crappy performance while using the Aero interface (It does work but it just isn't a viable solution...the OS isn't supposed to be a slide show).

as a minimum the GF 5600/6600 series or ATI 95XX/9600 seies can do the job fine...I'm not sure if they have dual DVI versions availible.

Don't use a 9200SE like somebody else suggested...they are only a DX8 solution and there for not compatitble with Aero.

If you are talking about a HDCP complaint card well...the X1950 series are the only AGP cards currently able to that....most come in a dual DVI arrangement.
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
9,427
16
81
Even the 6150 IGP can handle Aero. It's not that intensive.
 

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
30,342
10,860
136
Originally posted by: Stumps
hmmm GFFX 5200 would be the cheapest card, but they offer crappy performance while using the Aero interface (It does work but it just isn't a viable solution...the OS isn't supposed to be a slide show).

as a minimum the GF 5600/6600 series or ATI 95XX/9600 seies can do the job fine...I'm not sure if they have dual DVI versions availible.

Don't use a 9200SE like somebody else suggested...they are only a DX8 solution and there for not compatitble with Aero.

If you are talking about a HDCP complaint card well...the X1950 series are the only AGP cards currently able to that....most come in a dual DVI arrangement.


Whoops ... this is correct! :eek:

However the Nvidia 6200 should be pretty decent in Aero & a 5600 or 5700 would also be a better option if you can find a used one really cheap on FS/FT. (like $25-$30 shipped)


If you want a new card this would be a very good option:

ATI/Sapphire 256mb 9600 Pro