NEED HELP! I want to use AGP video card, but no AGP slots! What to do?!?

[junthin]

I was curious, I have a (old) computer that does not have an AGP slot, and I was wondering if there was anyway to use an AGP video card on that computer (without buying a new computer or motherboard)? Is there something that can convert the PCI slot to AGP? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tboo]

I dont think so

 

[kylef]

For the amount of time & hardware it would require to do what you are asking it would be much more economical to buy a new MB. Sorry.

Kyle

 

[BlueWeasel]

Nope. Unfortunately there is no PCI => AGP converter, so you will have to upgrade the MB or use a PCI card.

Sucks doesn't it? . . . .

 

[junthin]

Doh! I wasn't hoping for those types of answers. Someone should come out with a AGP to PCI converter.

 

[oldfart]

There are decent PCI video cards available. That is your best option.

 

[DarkMajiq]

An AGP to PCI converter would be pretty useless, since you wouldn't be able to use the AGP card to it's full potential.

You basically have 3 choices here:

1. Get a PCI card. Several manufacturers have PCI GeForce 2 MX cards, and there is always 3dfx. This is what I would do.

2. Get a new motherboard and an AGP video card. However, if your system is really that old, you may also need a new processor, and all sorts of other stuff. I wouldn't bother, unless you want to get almost a whole new system.

3. Do nothing, keep everything the same and just upgrade when you get a new system.

 

[junthin]

Thanks for all the input. The computer isn't really that old, but it is a Compaq. So they decided to put intergrated video and take out the AGP slot. Hence the dillema. I think I'll either be looking for a V5 5500 PCI or a GeforceMX. Anyone know where to get either of them cheap? Thanks again!

 

[Sunny129]

yeah, the reason there is no AGP to PCI converter is b/c it is completely illogical. the AGP was developed as a result of the slow data transfer rates of PCI slots. an AGP slot can handle much more data transfer and runs at twice the speed. trying to force AGP data through a PCI interface would only work as fast as the PCI slot can transfer data, and that would prove to be the huge bottleneck of an AGP to PCI adapter.

 

[junthin]

Yeah I understand the concept for the AGP to PCI slot, but I was just wondering if they existed. Since if there is a want/need, it will be made. It's just that this compaq presario desktop is rather bad...it has no AGP slot.

 

[Rendus]

If the system is too old to have AGP, it's probably not worth getting a V5 for it. A V4 or V3 would be more economical. Basically, anything up to a 300 or 450 (not sure where the video card becomes the bottleneck), a V3 2000 or 3000 would be fine for. 450 to 600 or so, V4 should be good. 600+ would probably do well with a V5.

 

[junthin]

It's a celeron 500. So how's that?

 

[BFG10K]

Even if it existed, using a PCI -> AGP adapter would totally defeat the purpose of buying an AGP card in the first place.

For a Celeron 500 a Voodoo 3 does just fine for it, given you're totally CPU limited. It's not really worth getting a V4/V5 because 3dfx have gone out of business, unless you can get the boards very cheaply.

 

[DarkMajiq]

I would go with either a V4 4500 or a V3 3500.

 

[junthin]

I know it defeats the whole purpose of Buying a AGP card if I wanted to convert it to a PCI card, but it is just AGP cards are so rampant nowadays. Thanks for all the input!

 

[Dark4ng3l]

celeron 500 is rather slow. My p3 is totaly outdated and it's likw 20% faster than your celeron. I suggest geting a pci mx card or a v3 3k. The v3 I have now runs great you can probably get a pci one cheap.

 

[junthin]

Yeah, celerons are slow. I'm thinking about getting a new 1Ghz Tbird box.

 

[cbwolf]

Thats some good thinking
Anyways, if you wanna find some cheap gfx cards head on over to www.ibuyer.net and do a search. They come up with some great prices.

 

[DarkMajiq]

<< Yeah, celerons are slow. I'm thinking about getting a new 1Ghz Tbird box. >>

Sounds like a good idea to me

 

[junthin]

Hehe...so good that you'll help fund it?



j/p

 

[Mday]

it is possible to create an agp to pci converter. it'd cost $200. but it's possible =)

 

[junthin]

Hehe..that's what I've been informed of as well Mday. However, that's $200.00 I'd rather use for a new computer (you can get a what? 1Ghz Tbird and mobo for that kind of money nowadays. )

 

[BFG10K]

My p3 is totaly outdated and it's likw 20% faster than your celeron.

Clock for clock a Katmai P3 is about the same speed as a Celeron. You're thinking of a Coppermine P3.

 

[RobsTV]

Skip the V3.
With todays video cards, game makers have given up on the V3.
A good example of this is the new and improved Links 2001, which finally added 3d!!
Problem is, the V3 series, (as well as the V1 and V2), will not run in 3d mode with this game. Seeing as 3dfx is no more, they have no reason to try to get it working with the V3.

A Celeron 500 doesn't have much usefull gaming life left, so a motherboard upgrade will probably not be too far off for you. Even some of todays games will bring a 1Ghz CPU and GeForce2 GTS card to it's knees, if all the options are cranked up. With that in mind, you may want to get the most powerful PCI card you can find, so that your next system will be ready to go. If you are are not concerned about the future, and you like 3dfx, they were the kings of PCI, and the 5500 will work good today. GeForce2 MX cards are about 1/2 the cost, the company isn't gonna fold anytime soon, and performance is right up there.

 

[DallasTejas]

You can't get a T-Bird AND MB for $200, but you can get a Duron 850 and MB for that. You'll still need to buy at least 128Mg of 133 memory (another $80). You'll also have to have an AMD approved power supply (another $50 or so for 300watt). You'll nickel and dime yourself to death. Add a good AGP video card and you're looking at about $500 easy.