Video card for non gamers.

[Lemon law]

Right now I have a computer running XP pro---768 MB of ram---and the video is powered by an on the motherboard Nvidia Geforce 6100 chip that can use up to 128 MB of shared ram. With an option to add a PCI express video card to the mobo. In terms of Vista, the existing computer would qualify for running the aero feature according to the windows upgrade adviser.

Since I am a non-gamer, the hardest likely video challenge now would be playing a fast action movie on my LCD monitor. And I am looking more to minimum recommendations on what would work for me if I upgrade to vista without being overkill. I only have a 400 watt power supply so I am looking for something that does not suck a lot of system power. I am also willing to look on the used market to save money. Some limited TV out and with dual DVI and VGA output options would also be nice. I also note there seems to be many options for ram with cards in the 128 MB and 256 MB range being fairly plentiful on ebay.

Since I know very little about the video card market, I am looking for posters who can bring me up to speed on what I should be looking for and considering.---and please leave overall system ram out of the responses as I will be also upgrading my PC3200 ram.

I am also ignorant on direct X 10---is this support provided by Vista alone?--or do I have to be video card selection specific to make sure the video card will run or is driver capable of being upgraded to running direct X 10?

Thanks in advance for any that respond.

 

[Job]

Any 128MB card will suit you nicely and probably only cost you $40 - $50. Even the cheapest PCI-E video card will give you dual output and most will have a TV-out option too. Vista is the only OS which will run DX10 but you can run it in directX 9 (everyone does at the moment). A DirectX10 card will set you back $350 and is not worth it as 1)You're not a gamer and 2) There are no DX10 apps out yet. Ignore all the hype about DX10 as it is ages away from being commonplace.

Try a Nvidia 6200LE - only about $50 and is 256MB of RAM, DVI/TV out, perfect for your needs - just don't expect to be blown away by 3D performance.....

 

[lobbyone]

What is your LCD screen size? I play DVDs fullscreen on my laptop's 14.1" widescreen and it has a measly 64mb VIA S3, but since its only a movie, it does the job perfectly without slowdown. I'm quite sure your 6100 would be more than enough and you'll just need to up your RAM. But if you want a little bit more, may I suggest a 7200?

 

[Lemon law]

My monitor is a 19" lcd and the computer is not a lap top.---but so far we have a vote for the nvidia 6200LE---and I assume a vote for a nvidia 7100. But somewhat disturbed here because I recall a lot of complains with nvidia about not updating their video drivers for vista.

 

[wseyller]

I am running vista ultimate with all visual features on with the nvidia geforce 6100 onboard video and it runs fine using a dell triniton 21" flat crt display. Just not good for games.

 

[lobbyone]

Originally posted by: Lemon law
My monitor is a 19" lcd and the computer is not a lap top.---but so far we have a vote for the nvidia 6200LE---and I assume a vote for a nvidia 7100. But somewhat disturbed here because I recall a lot of complains with nvidia about not updating their video drivers for vista.

I believe thats for the 8 series of geforce cards. My desktop runs a 7600GT and Vista Home nicely. But as far as video card for movies, your 6100 should be perfect, as I was just comparing my laptop's integrated graphics to the 6100 which is an overall better IGP than my VIA S3. On the AMD/ATi side, a X1300 or even a Radeon 9000 would do the trick, one of my desktop is running a R9000 and a 17" CRT, watching movies is a breeze.

 

[imported_OrSin]

I had vista running on AMD xp2500 with the geforce 400mx and it was fine.
My fg was playing games on her 6150 with vista. She has a 20.1" wide screen and play all her dvd and all my bit torrent movies fine. You don't need a new card.

 

[Job]

Fork out a measly $40 for the 6200LE and you'll get 1 x DVI output 1 x VGA output and TV out. No point going for a 7100 as it offers nothing extra for you. If you want the output options and the chance to use hardware acceleration in movies and maybe plan a game here and there then get the card - otherwise stick with it. Vista Aero runs on the 6100????? Wouldn't have thunk it

 

[Lemon law]

I have been doing some price checking on the 6200LE---and get really confused really fast---most say they come with 128MB of ram---but support 256MB of ram if your system has 512MB of ram or more.
Are there add on ram chips you buy or does the 6200LE card swipe system ram memory to make up the difference?----in short, I know almost nothing about video cards.

And would I be better off with a video card that uses faster ddr2 memory or special video memory?

And is it risky to buy a used video card or do they tend to last?

 

[Job]

If you're not playing games just get the cheapest one possible - I think the 256 support means it shares an extra 128 with your system ram on top of its already installed 128 (if your system has more than 512) - eg, the 6200LE probably wont be much (if any) better than your integrated graphics, but it gives you the output options that you might need

 

[iluvdeal]

How about the GeForce 7100? Assuming it comes back it into stock at Amazon, you can get it for $29.99AR: http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-e-GeForce-71...F8&s=electronics&qid=1173906971&sr=8-3

Since you mention video will be the main duty of the card, here's a chart on Nvidia's PureVideo features: http://www.nvidia.com/page/purevideo_support.html

I'm not sure how much of a difference Inverse Telecine and Spatial-Temporal De-Interlacing, which are available only on some of the higher cards, actually make. Maybe someone can shed some light on that?