Which AGP video cards for LCD?

[syuri]

Hello,

I am about to buy new 24" LCD monitor, but my ancient
card has standard VGA connector. So, I think it's time
to buy new card too. My system has AGP (AMD 3800+
dual core, 939), so that is my choice of platform.
Usually I do not play games, but want to run Aero
from Vista fast. Would be BIG plus to have hardware
acceleration for video codecs. Dual would be plus
too (I may to buy second LCD in not distant future),
though at that time I should to buy new computer.
Currently I am running XP, but want to upgrade to Vista.
Sure, the cheaper I buy, the better, but not in position
to scrap last cent, if it worth it.
Oh, and I hate when there is bad (crashing, hanging)
driver support. Besides the cards should not be overly
power hungry.

Anything come to mind?

Thanks!!!

 

[surfsatwerk]

You can always get an adapter. I know most video cards I have bought in the past come with VGA to DVI adapters.

Edit: I completely missed the point of your post due to mid-afternoon lethargy.

 

[IL2SturmovikPilot]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814241073

Should serve you well.

 

[syuri]

IL2SturmovikPilot,

then why not
POWERCOLOR 26PRO512M AGP Radeon HD 2600PRO 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 AGP 4X/8X
HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814131081
it is just $3 more, but 512MB instead 256MB ?

Anything in < $50 ? Seems, like overkill for my aging system without gaming requirements.

 

[IlllI]

syuri how much ram do you have? b/c vista is a slug w/o lots of ram.

 

[surfsatwerk]

Originally posted by: syuri


Anything in < $50 ? Seems, like overkill for my aging system without gaming requirements.

The powercolor seems like your best bet.

 

[IL2SturmovikPilot]

Originally posted by: syuri
IL2SturmovikPilot,

then why not
POWERCOLOR 26PRO512M AGP Radeon HD 2600PRO 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 AGP 4X/8X
HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814131081
it is just $3 more, but 512MB instead 256MB ?

Anything in < $50 ? Seems, like overkill for my aging system without gaming requirements.

The HD 2600Pro can't use more than 256MB RAM effectively,and anything less than the card i posted is practically a ripoff.

 

[syuri]

Originally posted by: clandren
syuri how much ram do you have? b/c vista is a slug w/o lots of ram.

Now I have 2GB memory in my system. Enough?

 

[IL2SturmovikPilot]

Originally posted by: syuri

Originally posted by: clandren
syuri how much ram do you have? b/c vista is a slug w/o lots of ram.

Now I have 2GB memory in my system. Enough?

If you ain't gonna run lots of RAM-hungry apps,you should be fine with 2GB,never hurts to have at least another GB though,if you can afford it.

 

[syuri]

What is the difference between 2600Pro and 2600XT ?
I read lots of comments about low quality of drivers, is it true?

 

[syuri]

Originally posted by: IL2SturmovikPilot
If you ain't gonna run lots of RAM-hungry apps,you should be fine with 2GB,never hurts to have at least another GB though,if you can afford it.

How much physical memory Vista-32 can use?

 

[IL2SturmovikPilot]

1. HD 2600Pro is a lower-clocked HD 2600XT with GDDR2 VRAM,but i can't comment on the poor drivers since i don't look much into the HD 2600's for AGP,though i've heard you can find drivers that work like a charm,i don't remember where though.

2. Vistas 32-bit can use a maximum of 4GB of any RAM in the System (Be it System RAM or VRAM,or w/e)

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: syuri
What is the difference between 2600Pro and 2600XT ?
I read lots of comments about low quality of drivers, is it true?

i think the main difference is just clock speed. also i think you are right about buggy drivers. i think i remember a month or so back someone posting here asking for help with the agp version of the 2600. i vaguely remember something about ati not officially supporting the agp version

 

[syuri]

OK, I read opinions on newegg about different HD 2600 flavors
and manufactures, it seems all of them are plagued with bad driver
support. Looks, like I want alternatives.

So, anything else?
I do not mind to look for used one, on eBay or for sale on forums.

 

[IlllI]

hmm i'm not sure but maybe the nvidia 6600 series has hardware
acceleration for video? (maybe someone else could answer that) or possibly 8400?

edit: hmm not sure if 8400 comes in agp though

 

[hooflung]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814131090

That is the best you can get. Provides the best upgrade for you and will do everything from play games to decode VC1 HD movies. It also is low power. You will pay more but this should last the lifetime of that PC.

 

[IL2SturmovikPilot]

Originally posted by: syuri
OK, I read opinions on newegg about different HD 2600 flavors
and manufactures, it seems all of them are plagued with bad driver
support. Looks, like I want alternatives.

So, anything else?
I do not mind to look for used one, on eBay or for sale on forums.

If that be the case,you could try a X1650Pro

 

[CaiNaM]

Originally posted by: IL2SturmovikPilot

Originally posted by: syuri

Originally posted by: clandren
syuri how much ram do you have? b/c vista is a slug w/o lots of ram.

Now I have 2GB memory in my system. Enough?

If you ain't gonna run lots of RAM-hungry apps,you should be fine with 2GB,never hurts to have at least another GB though,if you can afford it.

if you're running vista32, there's no reason to go higher than 2GB. while vista32 can technically address 4Gb memory, due to how it "sees" it and how it's allocated to the system, only about 2.7GB are useful.

however while some of the memory above 2Gb is useable, you're likely going to hurt performance as it will be running in single channel configuration.

if you desire more than 2Gb, you really need a 64-bit OS to benefit.

 

[Captante]

Keep in mind that many of the "opinions" on Newegg are written by total noobs whose problems are caused by botched installation and/or failure to properly remove old drivers.

I suggest seeking out some reviews from other sources before deciding against this card.

 

[syuri]

Last Friday after work I went to bestbuy to buy Westinghouse 24" monitor.
I take a look at graphic card section, and fount Visiontek HD 2600 Pro
for $80. Today I installed it. Tried ATI drivers, they will not install,
saying no compatible hardware found! I downloaded drivers from
Visiontek site and for several hours works fine!
Enjoying new monitor and video card.
Thanks, guys, a lot for your help and advises.