Help deciding on a video card

[jman19]

Hey all,

I recently purchased an LCD monitor, and would like to upgrade my video card to one that supports DVI. However, I have a rather old MB made by Giga-byte - came with my computer 3 years ago, though, so it's quite old - and I'm not planning on upgrading it any time soon (especially since the LCD will leave me broke for a while). What do I have to consider in looking for video card with regards to compatibility with my system board? Which cards should I be looking at? Thanks in advance.

 

[DojoWarlord]

GeForce2's, GeForce3's, Radeon 7xxx series, Radeon 8500/9100 series

I need to know other specs like the cpu would be a start.

 

[jman19]

Originally posted by: DojoWarlord
GeForce2's, GeForce3's, Radeon 7xxx series, Radeon 8500/9100 series

I need to know other specs like the cpu would be a start.

PIII Coppermine 733 mhz
512 PC 133 CL2
GeForce 2 GTS 32MB

 

[DojoWarlord]

ok, a P3 733MHz. Go with a Radeon 9100, Visiontek, 128MB, 250/250. Definate improvement over that GF2. Cheap too, like ~$100 USD

http://www.visiontek.com/9100_128_agp.html

 

[McArra]

Originally posted by: DojoWarlord
ok, a P3 733MHz. Go with a Radeon 9100, Visiontek, 128MB, 250/250. Definate improvement over that GF2. Cheap too, like ~$100 USD

http://www.visiontek.com/9100_128_agp.html

 

[jman19]

Originally posted by: DojoWarlord
ok, a P3 733MHz. Go with a Radeon 9100, Visiontek, 128MB, 250/250. Definate improvement over that GF2. Cheap too, like ~$100 USD

http://www.visiontek.com/9100_128_agp.html

Alright, thanks for the advice. Anyone else have any suggestions?

 

[Schadenfroh]

with that cpu, i think a 9100 is overkill, get a 5200 or a geforce4mx, with a decent memory buss acors. i think you can get a g4mx for like about less than 40, cant you

 

[jman19]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
with that cpu, i think a 9100 is overkill, get a 5200 or a geforce4mx, with a decent memory buss acors. i think you can get a g4mx for like about less than 40, cant you

How does the GeForce FX 5200 compare to geforce 3's and 4's? I've been out of the loop with regards to video cards for a long time.

 

[themanwithapc]

Originally posted by: jman19

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
with that cpu, i think a 9100 is overkill, get a 5200 or a geforce4mx, with a decent memory buss acors. i think you can get a g4mx for like about less than 40, cant you

How does the GeForce FX 5200 compare to geforce 3's and 4's? I've been out of the loop with regards to video cards for a long time.

Well, it depends which version of the fx5200 you are comparing to the geforce 3's and 4's. There's an Ultra and non-ultra version of the fx5200. The ultra is better, but more expensive. If you are only after a graphics card with a DVI output, then I would just suggest for you to buy a geforce mx (if there is one that supports DVI).

In my opinion you should get a non-ultra, as getting an ultra will just be a waste of the extra money spent on it, considering your system. If you are into gaming, you should really be thinking about upgrading your whole rig. Otherwise a fx5200 non-ultra should be just fine.

 

[jman19]

Originally posted by: themanwithapc

Well, it depends which version of the fx5200 you are comparing to the geforce 3's and 4's. There's an Ultra and non-ultra version of the fx5200. The ultra is better, but more expensive. If you are only after a graphics card with a DVI output, then I would just suggest for you to buy a geforce mx (if there is one that supports DVI).

In my opinion you should get a non-ultra, as getting an ultra will just be a waste of the extra money spent on it, considering your system. If you are into gaming, you should really be thinking about upgrading your whole rig. Otherwise a fx5200 non-ultra should be just fine.

Well, I'd like to upgrade my system in about a year, and I like to play some older games (CS, Starcraft, etc). Could I play a game like Rise of Nations with a standard fx5200?

 

[themanwithapc]

Originally posted by: jman19

Originally posted by: themanwithapc

Well, it depends which version of the fx5200 you are comparing to the geforce 3's and 4's. There's an Ultra and non-ultra version of the fx5200. The ultra is better, but more expensive. If you are only after a graphics card with a DVI output, then I would just suggest for you to buy a geforce mx (if there is one that supports DVI).

In my opinion you should get a non-ultra, as getting an ultra will just be a waste of the extra money spent on it, considering your system. If you are into gaming, you should really be thinking about upgrading your whole rig. Otherwise a fx5200 non-ultra should be just fine.

Well, I'd like to upgrade my system in about a year, and I like to play some older games (CS, Starcraft, etc). Could I play a game like Rise of Nations with a standard fx5200?

Well, if you ARE thinking of upgrading your system in about a year, then my recommendation would be to save the money you would have spent on a card now, and get a much better one in a years time. IF you just want to play older games, and maybe just the odd game of 'Rise of Nations', you could just get the fx 5200 now. That way you can play your old games and ave dvi support. Remember though, even if Rise of Nations works, it will be poor quality.