Graphics card?

[iGas]

I just picked up an AMD Athlon II X2 245, 4GB ram, and Vista Home Basic computer (currently using onboard graphics).
I have an older 1280×1024 19" LCD monitor, and main OS is Linux, and Civ4 is pretty much the only game I play.

What graphic card is the best match base on my monitor resolution, game, CPU, and OS choice?

Thanks

 

[yh125d]

I'm sure a 4670 should be able to max Civ4 out no problem

 

[iGas]

4670 512megs/1GB is going for $70/$90 at Ncix.com, or I should jump on the 4850 512megs for $100 CAD.

 

[yh125d]

If that's really all you use it for, the 4670 should be more than enough. Though if you want a bit of futureproofing for any games you might play going forward (or a larger res monitor), a 4850 wouldn't be a bad idea.

 

[frozentundra123456]

Either of those cards should be fine. You also need to know what type of power supply you have. The 4670 should run on almost anything, while the 4850 needs probably 400 watts or more and also an auxiliary six pin connector.

If your power supply is adequate, I would think you should get the 4850 since it is quite a bit more powerful and very cheap at the moment. If you have a decent power supply you might also look at the nVidia 9600GT. It is slightly better than the 4670 but weaker than the 4850. I even saw one on closeout at best buy for quite a bit less than 100.00.

 

[CurseTheSky]

I second the HD 4850 suggestion if your PSU can handle it, as long as you're not hurting for cash. For only $30 more, you're getting a card that should last a couple of years at that resolution, and will take the strain better if you upgrade to a 22" monitor in the near future.

Check to see if your PSU has enough amps on the +12v rail. Posting the PSU's specs and the specs of the computer in the Power Supply forum is probably your best bet.

Edit: I've heard that nVidia's Linux drivers are much better than ATI's though, so you may want to look into a 9600 GSO, 9600 GT, or 9800 GT instead (depending on prices, rebates, promotions, etc.)