Video Card

[LordStanley]

Originally Posted by GWguy

All of the IBM and HP desktops we have for the company have on-board video unless they specifically request higher graphics performance.

tis tru.... But most if not all motherboards have dedicated Video slots for upgrading. If he doesnt have an AGP or PCIexpress slot on the motherboard, than a standard PCI slot will work just fine.

[GWguy]

Originally Posted by LordStanley

tis tru.... But most if not all motherboards have dedicated Video slots for upgrading. If he doesnt have an AGP or PCIexpress slot on the motherboard, than a standard PCI slot will work just fine.

Agreed. Didn't say they didn't have a vid slot. That's how we upgrade their video, by adding a card and disabling the on-board.

[basher]

Originally Posted by czygvtwkr

Currently I am using integrated video that uses shared memory with the computer. It is actually working alright but I would like to increase the performance of some non-graphic intensive games like Guild Wars and WoW.

Anyone have a suggestion for a card around $100 that has good driver support?

My current frame rate is about 15-16 and on occasion it will jerk a little.

Running an AMD Athlon X2 3800 1GB RAM and XP Home Ed.

I bought a very inexpensive overclocked XFX NVIDIA 8600GT on NewEgg and it works great. You also have to make sure your power supply can handle it, I think it has to be at least 350W. It has great reviews. Mine even included the PC game "Company of Heroes" for free.
Newegg.com - XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT XXX 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
It is only $65 after $30 mail in rebate. Just don't expect to get your rebate check for a long time.

There's an even cheaper one made by EVGA NVIDIA 8600GT for $50 after rebate as well, but it's not overclocked.
Newegg.com - EVGA 256-P2-N751-TR GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards


When you get your rebate check, you should upgrade your RAM as well to 2 or 3 GB.

[czygvtwkr]

Oops

I have a 16x PCIe slot. I actually built the computer myself and used a micro ATX motherboard from Biostar that had integrated video. At the time I had no intention of playing games but my woman started to play WoW and got me hooked too.

I have a 500W Thermaltake PS btw.

[RadioPatrol]

Originally Posted by czygvtwkr

Currently I am using integrated video that uses shared memory with the computer. It is actually working alright but I would like to increase the performance of some non-graphic intensive games like Guild Wars and WoW.

Anyone have a suggestion for a card around $100 that has good driver support?

My current frame rate is about 15-16 and on occasion it will jerk a little.

Running an AMD Athlon X2 3800 1GB RAM and XP Home Ed.

I am running a 6600 GT AGP w/ P4 2.4 ... and 3 Gb of ram.

runs WOW, Guild Wars, HL2 and EVE Online Just fine ....

Maximum PC just did an Article last month or this ... on PC Upgrades

[Floyd2004]

Swing the extra cash and get a 8800GT. Best mid card hands down!

I have one now but im waiting for Nvidias new line to come out.

[basher]

Originally Posted by Floyd2004

Swing the extra cash and get a 8800GT. Best mid card hands down!

I have one now but im waiting for Nvidias new line to come out.

the new cards have been out for a couple of months now, but you better have a fat wallet cuz they're expensive.
especially the dual gpu 9800's GX2.....$600, cheaper than the 8800 Ultras though when they first came out
They do have cheaper ones for $300, the GTX's......sound like cars, and they're really fast too......

[Gwydion]

Originally Posted by basher

the new cards have been out for a couple of months now, but you better have a fat wallet cuz they're expensive.
especially the dual gpu 9800's GX2.....$600, cheaper than the 8800 Ultras though when they first came out
They do have cheaper ones for $300, the GTX's......sound like cars, and they're really fast too......

Aye, but it is worthless, imo, to have that much of a VC but absolutely nothing CPU-wise. Sure, the graphics will look great...but it will be like watching a slide-show.

[RadioPatrol]

Originally Posted by Gwydion

Aye, but it is worthless, imo, to have that much of a VC but absolutely nothing CPU-wise. Sure, the graphics will look great...but it will be like watching a slide-show.

[Floyd2004]

Originally Posted by Gwydion

Aye, but it is worthless, imo, to have that much of a VC but absolutely nothing CPU-wise. Sure, the graphics will look great...but it will be like watching a slide-show.

Thats why I told them to get a 8800GT. Its a nice price but it will last a little while. CPU would probally need a new mobo to get into the new C2D and C2Q era.