What is the Best Video Card for an Older System?

[Kojak]

MSI K7T Pro 2A board
650 T-Bird 200MHx FSB
256 MB SDRAM
Windows 98SE

I might upgrade the processor later or simply build another PC and make it the kids computer. However, at this point I would like to upgrade the video card, which is currently a 32 MB Radeon. Also, I play games occasionally, such as AA and IL2 which taxes my current card.

Would it be a waste of money to purchase anything above a Radeon 8500 series or NVidia equivalent?

 

[ZoNtO]

I don't think it would be wise to get something much more powerful than an 8500 or there abouts. If you played a lot of FPSs a fast 3D card is more essential, but if you're keeping that hardware then eventually it will become the limiting factor. Although, there have been tests done that show a system with hardware worse than yours paired with a 9800 Pro that is faster than a way fast processor system with a slower video than a 9800 in 3Dmark03. Of course your results may vary of course, but if you're thinking of spending the money required to get a faster card than that, it might be more worthwhile to upgrade your mobo/cpu/and video card and get a more midrange card.... Just my two cents, hope it helped! PM me if you need anything else.

Peace

 

[modedepe]

A 64mb 8500 would be the absolute max I'd put in there.

 

[Kojak]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[McArra]

Originally posted by: modedepe
A 64mb 8500 would be the absolute max I'd put in there.

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: modedepe
A 64mb 8500 would be the absolute max I'd put in there.

 

[rocketbubba]

Another vote for a Radeon 8500. Worked great with my T-Bird 1.4 rig.

 

[GreatDaleness]

Originally posted by: modedepe
A 64mb 8500 would be the absolute max I'd put in there.

or a Ti4200 to Ti4800