Do I need a video card?

H

Hulk

Supreme [H]ardness
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Nov 4, 2005
Messages
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I just bought a 22" Widescreen monitor that has a Resolution of 1680 x 1050.

I don't plan on playing any games (well maybe besides command and conquer 3).

Do I need a video card in order to just watch DVDs or youtube videos? Will the monitor stutter if I use the onboard video?

Would a 7200GS be a good investment?
 
Hulk said:
Do I need a video card in order to just watch DVDs or youtube videos? Will the monitor stutter if I use the onboard video?

Would a 7200GS be a good investment?
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No, No, and No.

Most onboard video is more than enough for what you describe.
 
well it doesn't look like much of a video card is required but you will do much better to get a discreet card. on the low end the 3450 would work, right now you can get a 9600GT for 60 dollars AR that would serve you better and can probably play the game at the native resolution. also very nice for video. Look in the hot deals forum. I think even if you don't play the game having the option is nice and you like the video setup better. the only decent on board graphics I have seen are the ATI 3200 boards
 
HiMSGOG said:
2nd

A video card would most likely be an overkill move and a waste of money.
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doesn't command and conquer 3 require a little more then what an IG would provide?

also I have to say purevideo from Nvidia is worth the card on its own, the ATI cards as well (I forget what they call theirs) much better DVD up scaling
 
Valset said:
doesn't command and conquer 3 require a little more then what an IG would provide?

also I have to say purevideo from Nvidia is worth the card on its own, the ATI cards as well (I forget what they call theirs) much better DVD up scaling
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AVIVO, I believe it's called.
 
Danny Bui said:
No, No, and No.

Most onboard video is more than enough for what you describe.
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^^^:D No, No and No, :D That just made me smile. Yeah all that stuff is fine with onboard video. Most of us deal with that at work anyway
 
I say Yes. Mainly because you say you may play Command & Conquer. Valset is correct that you do need more gpu power to play Command & Conquer than IGP or a low end video card like a HD 3450 or 3650. A 9600GT if you can get these for cheap would be ideal to max Command & Conquer at 30fps. Note, Command & Conquer game has a framerate limitation of 30fps and you can't go higher than that. A 9600GT should max it to 30fps.
 
4670 or 9600GT - both are around $60 and are wicked fast for their price.
 
considering scrolling stutters on firefox with integrated graphics...i would buy a 4670.
 
haffey said:
considering scrolling stutters on firefox with integrated graphics...i would buy a 4670.
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Man, how crappy of integrated graphics was that? I've used Firefox just fine on numerous laptops with integrated graphics just fine.
 
I really can't recommend IG if your planing to do anything but applications. even playing DVD do better using modern discreet cards. a 3450 is the least I would put in a machine.
 
I'd recommend getting at least a 256mb card if you plan on playing C&C 3. My little brother plays it using IG (6150SE) and it runs choppy even on low settings.
 
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