• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

rec for new video card?

as you can see from my original posting, i am a complete newbie at this so i really appreciate your patience. =X

neway, I'm running a 866 pentium III and i just got a new LCD monitor (Planar 19inch) and I'm looking for a new video card. I know there have been several posts about this before, but I've kinda gotten lost in the language and stuff.

I'm looking for a decent video card (hopefully 128mb) under or around $100. I'm not a serious gamer (a bit of CS and SC when Im bored), and I'm mainly looking for a solid card that I'll have no problems with, easy install, crisp clear images, no ghosting, and has the DVI port thingie for my LCD.

I'd appreciate any feedback you guys can provide.

Once again, thanks in advance.
 
hmm im running a NVIDIA GeForce GTS/GeForce 2 rite now... im pretty sure its in a PCI slot. how would i know if i have an AGP slot? and if i only have PCI slots, does it severely restrict my video card choices?

once again, thanks.
 
Most AGP slots are brown in color, while PCI slots are usually off-white. If you only have PCI slots, then your choice will be very limited. If that's the case, then your best bet is to get a Visiontek 9100 PCI, preferrably with 128mb. You can find them at Fry's or sometimes CompUSA (although the last time I was in my local CUSA I was told they no longer sold the 128mb model, and they were trying to sell out their 64mb cards as well). The 9100 PCI is currently the fastest PCI card available for gaming purposes. The 9100 PCI does have VGA and DVI, but does not have TV/out.
 
thanks for your patience with me MLoot. I know trying to help out a newbie who is unfamiliar with lingo can be frustrating.
Anyway, I opened my case and took a look at my motherboard and saw that my current video card is in fact plugged into the AGP slot. I checked with my computer manufacturer and the whole nine, and I do have an AGP slot that is being used rite now.

Now that we know that i'm not limited to PCI cards, what do u recommend? And is the procedure for changing a video card fairly straightforward (remove and replace into the slot) or are there other wires involved? Do I need to access the BIOS or anything?

once again, thanks!

=)
 
Hmmm, I'm pretty familiar with PCI video cards, but I have almost no experience with installing AGP cards. As far as suggestions go for a decent video card for ~$100, and that will match up well with your P3, I would go with a Geforce 4 Ti4200. You really can't go wrong there, as they are very affordable and will be a nice step up from your Geforce 2.
 
😉 As Mloot says GF4TI4200 128MB is the best choice at the mo in AGP and esp at that price point. Your slow PC won't getthe most out of it but it is better to have a better gfx card than better CPU for gaming. There are different types of AGP slot but a 4200 or Radeon based card should certainly be more than fine in there (no point getting technical). If you go with a 4200 you can force the drivers to ALWAYS use 2xAA and 8xAF which will help use up some of the untapped gfx card power your CPU wouldn't be able to exploit. Other than that you should find you can up the res and max out details with little impact on perf and once again use as much of the gfx card's power as possible. Swapping the gfx card over is easy, older mobos don't even use clips so it should just be a matter of:

1. Uninstall the drivers and any other tools relating to the current gfx card (always a good idea).
2. (Optional) Tell Windows to use a std VGA driver if possible (Device Manager in Control Panel, select 'Display Device' and then 'from a list' 'update' driver).
3. Shut down the PC and open the side of the case so you can see the cards.
4. Touch the side of the case (by the CDROM drives) a few times to help discharge any static from your hands.
5. Turn off the power either at the switch or unlug the big plack power cable.
6. Pull the monitor lead out (thumb screws?) and then use a screw driver to undo the screw holding the gfx card in.
7. Gently pull the old gfx card upward, if there's resistance look for retaining clips.
8. Put the old card down on an antistatic bag (silver) or the side panel or your case, avoid things like carpet where static resides.
9. Take your new gfx card out, plug it into the AGP slot by using a straight down motion, be sure it's fully and firmly seated (no gold teeth should show ideally).
10. Put the screw back in place to hold the card firmly in place and then attatch the monitor lead.
11. Put the side of your case back on.
12. Reattatch the power lead or switch the power back on.
13. Power up the PC.
14. Install the drivers from the CD you got or alternatively visit the manu website (eg EVGA, Gainward) or chipset website (ATI for Radeon or nVidia for GeForce) and download their latest drivers and utilities.
15. Restart your PC (you should be prompted) and ensure your monitor drivers are installed (not plugnplay or generic monitor) and be sure Windows is using the best refresh rate and resolution.

* Be sure to handle all cards by the edges and avoid touching the chips or the golden teeth which plug into the AGP slot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top