Hello All,

I have a Medion computer with a P4 3.0/800 MHZ FSB/hyper-threading, 512 Ram, TV tuner card, 5.1 sound, and unfortunately an integrated video card (128mb). I love my computer, but the video capabilities are something to be desired.

Currently I plan to:

Increase ram to 1 GB
Install a better video card
Possibly install an HDTV card to boost the TV performance

Can anyone help me pick out a videocard that would be suitable/affordable? All I really do that taxes a video card is playback movies and CAD work. I’ve been looking at an ATI Radeon X700 256MB; they will be about 100 dollars the day after thanksgiving. I think this might be a tad bit overkill for my purposes though.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Eric

I'm an nVidia fan myself. The GeForce 6600GT is a great all around card, especially with HTPC video:

XFX GeForce 6600GT for $130

... the GT's really worth it, but for your purposes you could probably get away with a 6600LE. This one still does video acceleration, has twice the RAM, and is cheaper:

XFX GeForce 6600LE for $80

Heck, even the older 5500's are going for around $50 now. Death to integrated video!

the 6600GT will give you component out too - if you ever decide you need that!
If you are going to be outputting HD - the more your card can do, the better - especially if you are going to do any time-shifting! Helps aleviate the cpu maybe a little by allowing the card to do as much as it can for rendering!
Ricoks

Thanks guys again for your help!

I would like to know a little bit more about these cards so I dont look so.....um dumb.


If I installed one of these cards, is it likely that I would lose my TV card? If so, no big deal, but I am curious. Also, it is possible for me to install one of these correct? Would I just diable the integrated and install the new card? How would I tell if I need an AGP or PCI card. I'm almost positive that I need a AGP Card, but I would like to make sure.

What does ram really get you? How is the GT better if it has less memory than the LE and x700?

Sorry for all the "stupid questions."

Thanks,

Eric

Hey, these are actually really good questions!

1) Your TV card should work in tandem with the video card just fine

2) If you could install your TV card, you'll have no problem with a video card

3) I don't think you'll need to do anything to disable your on-board video. Worst case, you'll simply change a menu setting

4) You can tell if it's PCI, AGP or PCI Express by looking at the slot. I found this image online. I'm sure there's a way to figure it out through Windows, but I'm not sure where.

5) Benefits of the GT:
- FASTER memory (GDDR3)
- Faster clock speed + more rendering pipelines = better performance
- Enhanced video capabilities (I'm pretty sure the GT can do realtime HD de-interlacing)

I re-built my computer last January after a couple months of research. After buying an off-the-shelf model from Gateway in 2000, I was frustrated with my lack of upgradeability. I've tried to make my new box as future proof as possible. I've been very happy with the GT. They're also WAY cheaper now.

Thanks Again Dweezelkid, I appreciate it.

I think these might be the last questions for a while.

The GT doesnt have VGA, does it? If not how would I go about having it output vga? (I plan on using the CMV monitor)

Can you guys look at the picture attached and see what video card slot has for sure? I am pretty sure it is an AGP, but I dont want to buy a video card I cant use.

Thanks Again,

Eric

I promise this is the last question.....until tomorrow at least (JK)

if it has dvi you usualy get a convert to vga plug with it. But as a standered it should have a vga plug.

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec....M2-LSR&class=mb

yea it looks like agp

It depends on which brand you get. My eVGA has 1 VGA and 1 DVI. Look on tigerdirect or Newegg and you should be able to find some that has the option of VGA and/or DVI.

Thanks guys I appreciate it.

Eric