Video Card upgrade question

T

towert7

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Dec 18, 2003
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Hello, i have an old computer that i want to run dual monitors on.
Currently i have a ATI 9200 with only a VGA out connection with my 19" Sony LCD (VGA only).

I saw the price of the Dell 2001FP at around 680$US, and im thinking of getting one for this set-up (dual monitor... YUM).
That means i need a new graphic card.

Here is the problem. This computer's Mother Board can only support AGP 1x/2x ~_~ and the PSU is a 200watt. I would really like to keep this computer to save costs.

Does anyone see any problem with getting something like this http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-145-076&depa=1
A Chaintech nvidia fx5500. It says in the specs that it can support 1x/2x AGP and it does not list a "required Wattage".

Would this work? Is there another Graphic card for under 100$ Retail (new) that is better then this? (needs a VGA and DVI-D out)

~Thanks
 
Oh, also, is it correct to say that the new cards with AGP 4x/8x will NOT work with my 2x AGP ?

~Thanks
 
They'll work, but be bottlenecked. Also, with your current PSU, I wouldn't recommend anything above that....

Unless you're a serious gamer, it'll be fine.
 
towert7 said:
I saw the price of the Dell 2001FP at around 680$US, and im thinking of getting one for this set-up (dual monitor... YUM)
Click to expand...

No offense...but you have a P3 processor, a radeon 9200, and a 200 watt PSU and you're going to spend $680 on a new LCD...and "save costs"?

What is this? That's other-worldly dumb, if you don't mind me saying so....
 
I could be mistaken but 4x/8x AGP cards will not fit in a 2x slot as the keys are in different spots so it wont go in.
 
I bought a Mad Dog ATI7200 for $3 after rebates that had both VGA and DVI. So your best bet might be an ATI 9600.

I take it that the Dell usues a proprietary power supply? If not, just swap in a more powerful power supply.
 
No 8x/4x cards dont work in 2x slots BECAUSE the voltage is different for the slots, the 2x uses much less voltage than the 4x/8x

~Adam
 
You see, the thing is, i plan on getting a new computer during the summer when im out of college and have more room to put it together. So if i get a Dell 2001FP it would only be transfered to the other computer down the line. for the moment though, i will not get a new computer.

Yes, it is a "dell" power supply, and i know PC power has a 350watt PSU that would fit in it, but i just hav'nt considered that.

I would someday like to play Far Cry at high quality, and hopefully when i get my new computer it will happen with a 6800GT (or what not).

Glad to know, i saw the FX5500 on sale at the local computer store, so i might pick it up and opt to get the Dell 2001FP.

~Thanks

EDIT: What's funny is that my ATI 9200 which is rated for AGP 8x/4x works fine with my motherboard. When i go to the settings it says its at AGP 2x. On the box it says it can handle AGP 2x..... (oh, and 2x uses more volts then 4x/8x).

OK, so just as long as this card can work with the AGP 2x interface, i should be fine.
 
well it's one of the two, more or less, I was pretty sure the 2x uses less voltage

~Adam
 
Actually the older cards use more voltage . Dude its obvious your not a gamer and therefore a Matrox card will be fine. Look for an old G450 pci . IT will serve you well until you upgrade and you can use it when you go quad monitor in the future. It will come in handy as a back up card and when your playing with agp bios when moding,

My Matrox pci g450 has been invaluable for these purposes. good luck kemosobey
 
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