Keeping old computer alive

T

Tudz

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Jun 15, 2008
Messages
7,434
G'day all,

I've got an old computer that's had its video card die on me. I'm trying to figure out the cheapest possible way of keeping it running. It doesn't need to run games, other than freecell or solitaire.

Its a P4 3.2GHz, the motherboard is a P5VDC-MX which has an AGP slot and a 1x PCI-e slot. So I need a video card that is either a dirt cheap AGP card that's still supported in drivers (the old Ti200 didn't run in Vista or Windows 7 because nVidia dont support it anymore). OR, can I get a dirt cheap video card that'll run on a 1x PCI-e slot?

What do you think I should get? Either way it needs to be a card that's still supported in drivers so I can actually run Vista or Windows 7.
 
You can use the Ti200, you just wont get Aero. Use XP drivers and it'll work, but use'll be stuck with Vista basic. If you want a newer card, get something like the GeForce 6200 or 7300 and call it a day.
 
Wait. What what about the integrated video on the motherboard?

The S3 Graphics UniChrome Pro IGP might have Vista/7 drivers. Check Windows update.
 
I don't think he wants a video card that steals other resources.
 
If he isn't gaming it isn't going to matter. If it does then the 30 bucks he would have spent on a budget card would be much better suited for a system upgrade that matters.
 
For nVidia cards, the latest Vista and Win 7 drivers still support the 6 series, so avoid the 5 series cards (which were the worst cards nVidia ever made). The cheapest nVidia AGP 6 series card on newegg is the Zotac 6200 256MB for $34 + probably $8 shipping; the eVGA 6200 512MB is $43 with free shipping until its weekend special ends.

On the ATi side, ATi has just this past week released Catalyst 9.3.1 drivers, which are, and I quote Tweakguides.com here, "specifically for older 'legacy' cards, namely the Radeon 9500 series through to the Radeon X2100 series. ATI will periodically update the drivers for legacy cards only to provide critical fixes." There aren't any ATi AGP cards that are any cheaper than the nVidia 6200 cards on newegg, though.

I found in the newegg reviews for the motherboard a note from 2007 that stated that the PCI slots do not work with Vista, so it's probably best to go with an AGP card.
 
450 said:
You can use the Ti200, you just wont get Aero. Use XP drivers and it'll work, but use'll be stuck with Vista basic. If you want a newer card, get something like the GeForce 6200 or 7300 and call it a day.
Click to expand...

Actually my Mum uses the computer a lot and without working drivers it wont even run freecell on windows 7, lol. Tried whipping the card out and using integrated graphics but that was even worse. Also tried installing XP legacy drivers and it didn't want to install them.

I found in the newegg reviews for the motherboard a note from 2007 that stated that the PCI slots do not work with Vista, so it's probably best to go with an AGP card.
Click to expand...

Hmm, interesting. I dont remember having any sound issues like that review talks about... but that said I can't remember ever trying to use sound on it, will have to ask my Mum if she's had an issue with sound. Perhaps if I stick the card from my PC (8800GTS) to check whether the PCI slot works? Is there any risk to my 8800GTS putting it card into a modified 1x PCE-e slot (modified meaning the plastic cut away so the card fits in)? Would hate to damage my gaming card trying to get the old piece of crap computer running, lol.

It'd be nice if a 1x PCI-e card worked, I can pick up an 4350 or 8400GS for $40 Australian where as a 6200 AGP card is $60.

Maybe I should just reinstall Ubuntu on it, but she kept complaining it wouldn't run windows software that she wanted to use. :p
 
I'd suggest checking the FS/FT forums. You never know, there might be someone in Australia who has an AGP card that will work on that board and with Vista.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top