upgrading video cards when you have vga......

[thespeakerbox]

Is it pointless to upgrade when you still have a vga monitor?

 

[thespeakerbox]

no one?

 

[NoStateofMind]

You usually get an VGA adapter for the DVI output when you buy a new video card. So no, it's not pointless.

 

[Wolfshanze]

No, it's not pointless... cards with dual-DVI inputs always have VGA-adapters... also, many companies still sell video cards with VGA output... BFG often sells cards with one VGA and one DVI connector for example.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Thanks for the confirmation Wolf

 

[thespeakerbox]

but wont the vga image coming from high end cards look cheaper than the dvi image from the same card?

 

[NoStateofMind]

If you have a CRT, I would think the IQ between the 2 would be nominal. LCD, it may be more pronounced. WOLF GET BACK HERE!

 

[Wolfshanze]

but wont the vga image coming from high end cards look cheaper than the dvi image from the same card?

The differance (if even noticeable) would only occur on a monitor built to take advantage of DVI... namely LCDs... I assume you're speaking of owning a CRT, so using a VGA connector on a modern card will be just fine showing on a CRT.

Also, the differance most people speak of between DVI and VGA on LCDs mostly revolves around displaying text... which some will swear is a bit clearer on DVI-equipped LCDs then VGA. Once again, this is mostly an LCD issue.

If the only reason you're considering getting a new video card is image clarity only, unless you're running some God-awful 1992 video card, I doubt you'll see a huge upgrade in image quality if you're only talking using it in Word or on the internet... the main reason to upgrade your video card is to get better performance in horsepower for games and the like. If that's the case, then YES, by all means, upgrade your video card, and you'll be just fine with a VGA connector.

If you're ONLY upgrading for video quality and not performance of any kind, I'm not sure how much of an improvement you'll notice.

Bottom line, if it's to stay "modern" for performance, don't hesitate to upgrade... but if you don't need the horsepower for anything, I'm not sure it's worth an upgrade.