PCI GPU Memory

[tallman45]

We have an older PIII that we scavaged some parts and installed XP. Runs pretty good with a 160gb 8mb cache drive and 512mb of PC133 memory. It is primarily for a 9 yr old.

Problem is onboard video, it only has PCI slots, I read someplace that PCI can only really utilize 64mb VGA cards, anything more is a waste. For $35-$45 it would seem like a great investment to get off the onboard video.

What would be the better choice, FX5200, ATI 9250, others ?

Would 128mb GPU be a waste

 

[Piuc2020]

Why not a PCI 6200? But then again a 9200 will probably be just fine.

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: tallman45
We have an older PIII that we scavaged some parts and installed XP. Runs pretty good with a 160gb 8mb cache drive and 512mb of PC133 memory. It is primarily for a 9 yr old.

Problem is onboard video, it only has PCI slots, I read someplace that PCI can only really utilize 64mb VGA cards, anything more is a waste. For $35-$45 it would seem like a great investment to get off the onboard video.

What would be the better choice, FX5200, ATI 9250, others ?

Would 128mb GPU be a waste

9250 would be my choice.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: Piuc2020
Why not a PCI 6200? But then again a 9200 will probably be just fine.

If it's just for 2D work, anything from a GF4MX/RADEON 9000 and up is probably good.

Older cards will work too, but most of them have limited or no driver support these days.

The 6200 will perform the best at 3D tasks, though it's certainly not fast by today's standards.