Video Card Recommendation, Please.

[Carbo]

Running a Dell Dimension 4600, with Dell's 1901FP monitor. I've been running with the included video card that came with the setup. But, now I'm wondering if an upgrade would make a difference. I mean, the monitor has a digital capability, and I'm not using it.
I'm not a gamer. Strictly text work, emails, surfing the internet, etc. Would a better vido card with digital input be worth the expense? Would I actually see any difference? And, if so, anyone care to recommend one or two? Thank you.

 

[imported_Kensai]

It wouldn't make any difference to you if you don't run any workstation level applications, (AutoCAD, etc. etc.) or gaming. It should suffice for you.

 

[Carbo]

Originally posted by: Kensai
It wouldn't make any difference to you if you don't run any workstation level applications, (AutoCAD, etc. etc.) or gaming. It should suffice for you.

No games, no graphics. So, I'm not losing any clarity, brightness, etc., by running with the stock video card that is included with this PC? I figured as much. On the other hand, prices for quality cards sure have come down...

 

[crazyeddie]

Well, you may or may not see a huge difference, but there could be some benefits to adding a dedicated video card with a DVI connector.

You can reallocate the shared memory for your onboard video that came with the Dell back to system RAM, this could provide a bit of faster system performance. An inexpensive 6200 AGP card or X300 video card (assuming you have an available AGP slot) could also provide a faster refresh rate than your integrated video, but then again it may not.

As far as a DVI connection goes, most folks don't notice an appreciable difference between analog and digital inputs for general computing use. That's one of the reasons why Analog only flat panels are still more popular these days