Superlow-end VGA card suggestions

[Ryan Norton]

Hi folks,

Friend's dad has asked me to build him a cheap computer for web browsing, iTunes, kids' homework, DVD player, etc. Normally when I build cheap PCs for friends I use a microATX mobo with onboard VGA, but I have a spare nForce4 mobo, 1GB DDR RAM, and AMD64 3500+ that I'm going to use.

So I need a video card. I was thinking a 7300, but does 7 series ?= more future proof than something 6x00 in case my "customer" decides he wants Vista? I'd like it to be passively cooled and have both DVI and VGA outputs. Here's my current candidate:

PNY 256MB 7300LE

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

 

[MDE]

I'd get a 6200, it should be more than enough for Vista and a lot cheaper, I'd just stay away from the TurboCache models.

 

[LittleNemoNES]

How about this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125027

 

[yepp]

Same as above but a wider 128bit bus, faster and more memory, plus a better heatsink, $11 more.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125029

 

[LittleNemoNES]

Originally posted by: YEPP
Same as above but a wider 128bit bus, faster and more memory, plus a better heatsink, $11 more.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125029

hey, you're right but I was looking @ price

 

[kobymu]

Originally posted by: Ryan Norton
Hi folks,

Friend's dad has asked me to build him a cheap computer for web browsing, iTunes, kids' homework, DVD player, etc.

If by DVD you mean plain old DVD and NOT high definition, then any card/IGP will do, standard feature.

...Normally when I build cheap PCs for friends I use a microATX mobo with onboard VGA, but I have a spare nForce4 mobo, 1GB DDR RAM, and AMD64 3500+ that I'm going to use.

So I need a video card. I was thinking a 7300, but does 7 series ?= more future proof than something 6x00 in case my "customer" decides he wants Vista?

Don't forget that aero glass only comes with the 'Home Premium' & 'Ultimate' == cost more & cost even more respectivly.
edit
Most people will just get the 'Vista Home Basic' version and it will probeblly fit best with "for web browsing, iTunes, kids' homework, DVD player, etc."
/edit

From Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready footnotes

Windows Aero requires:
* DirectX 9 class graphics processor that:
- Supports a WDDM Driver.
- Supports Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware.
- Supports 32 bits per pixel.
* Adequate graphics memory.
- 64 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor less than 1,310,720 pixels
- 128 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions from 1,310,720 to 2,304,000 pixels
- 256 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions higher than 2,304,000 pixels
- Meets graphics memory bandwidth requirements, as assessed by Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor running on Windows XP

I'd like it to be passively cooled and have both DVI and VGA outputs. Here's my current candidate:

PNY 256MB 7300LE

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

64-bit memory interface, this could (but not necessarily) be a problem.

/edit

Originally posted by: gersson
How about this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125027

same as above

 

[Ryan Norton]

Man, you can't beat this place for good info. Thanks for pointing out that the stupid Aero shizz won't be in most versions of Vista, and the memory interface issue. Fortunately this guy's dad isn't even thinking HD, just plain ol' DVD, so he should be good.

 

[Cookie Monster]

Originally posted by: Ryan Norton
Man, you can't beat this place for good info. Thanks for pointing out that the stupid Aero shizz won't be in most versions of Vista, and the memory interface issue. Fortunately this guy's dad isn't even thinking HD, just plain ol' DVD, so he should be good.

Agreed