Sorceresss
Witch
Cool show/hide special FX, superslug !
Buying a graphics card... which one?
- Thread starter UCFCSGuy
- Start date
I am using a nvidia 6600gt card pci-e and 128 mb with no problems. It also runs dual monitors. In researching for a new computer build, I looked at EVGA. They seem to have a very good marketing and support organization. In their forums, problems seem to get resolved well. They also have a small marketplace where they sell recertified reference cards cheaply. You need to know if you have a need for a pci, pci-e, or agp interface. look at www.evga.com/marketplace They have nvidia 5200 cards for well under $100. You will need to verify that the card will support directx 9.0c; I think this is a civ 4 requirement.
I would suggest that you get the same type of card that your system now uses. If you have nvidia, it is hard to go to ATI or vice-versa because you may need to uninstall drivers. Also be aware that higher power cards like 7800gtx will run hotter, and may cause problems if your Dell is not able to handle the increased requirement.
I would suggest that you get the same type of card that your system now uses. If you have nvidia, it is hard to go to ATI or vice-versa because you may need to uninstall drivers. Also be aware that higher power cards like 7800gtx will run hotter, and may cause problems if your Dell is not able to handle the increased requirement.
Adam7Eight
Emperor
For what it's worth, I currently have an eVGA 6800 Ultra, and have had zero problems with it. Before that I had an eVGA 4400 Ti, and no problems. I like to stick with a manufacturer that's been reliable for me.
Eastian
Chieftain
I'm also thinking about getting a new video card.
Current specs: P4 3.06 Ghz, 1 GB RAM, GeForce4 MX 420 (64 MB).
Thinking about getting an ATI X700 or so... any opinions?
Current specs: P4 3.06 Ghz, 1 GB RAM, GeForce4 MX 420 (64 MB).
Thinking about getting an ATI X700 or so... any opinions?
Eastian said:
That is almost identical to the system I started with, and the GF4 MX was a real weak link. It can't handle pixel shading and it lacks decent hardware T&L. You'll notice a big difference just by moving up to the 5000 series Nvidia cards with that system (even a lowly 5200 will show a big increase in performance), but if you can afford one of the mid range 6000-7000 series you'll be well chuffed with it I'm sure.
I don't really know enough about the newer ATI cards to comment on them.
UCFCSGuy
Chieftain
Jimbo30 said:
I want to stay under $100 (or very close to that) if possible. Also I haven't really played a lot of computer games mostly due to the fact that I was tired of playing catch up with the hardware. To give you an idea, Civ3 is the latest game that I've played on my computer. I usually stick to consoles to avoid keeping current on hardware.
If I did upgrade my card to some of the suggestions on this board so far under $100, how long is it likely to last me? Could a card for under $100 play any of the top of the line games out now? I don't even know what those are.
Thanks to all who offered constructive comments...
UCFCSGuy said:I want to stay under $100 (or very close to that) if possible. Also I haven't really played a lot of computer games mostly due to the fact that I was tired of playing catch up with the hardware. To give you an idea, Civ3 is the latest game that I've played on my computer. I usually stick to consoles to avoid keeping current on hardware.
If I did upgrade my card to some of the suggestions on this board so far under $100, how long is it likely to last me? Could a card for under $100 play any of the top of the line games out now? I don't even know what those are.
Thanks to all who offered constructive comments...
I'm not sure about the US prices but I'd imagine <$100 is definitely closer to the 'budget' end of the market.
For that, you might be able to pick up an Nvidia 5900, which is a pretty decent card so long as you aren't expecting the works.
It's probably worth checking out the second hand market also. Radeon 9800's are good solid cards that probably don't cost an awful lot now and will last you another couple of years. All the current games will 'work' with these cards, they just don't look quite as nice.
UCFCSGuy said:
From personal experience, as long as you're happy with it. My vernerable Ti4600 has been soldiering on for 3 years or more now - expensive when I bought it, but worth every penny in hindsight. Every other part of the rig has been rebuilt/replaced with the exception of that card.
Looking for a 6600GT this Christmas. Then again, I said that last year...
Mmmm Butter
Chieftain
UCFCSGuy said:
Thought I should chime in here, I've also got a Dell with the same specs (P4, 3.0 GHz, 1 gig) and I bought the Radeon 9250 PCI after buying cIV, since it wouldn't work w/ the integrated graphics. The card works great for me, only have problems on the larger maps, which seems to be the norm for everybody. Was a good buy, on Amazon it was less than $100, can't remember exact price though.
Then again, I'm far from a computer expert, so anyone more knowledgable offering better options would be good. Just saying that that particular card works well.
Edit: Runs quiet too. Thought I should mention that.
One of the very popular mid-range cards (but although out of your budget) is the 6600GT. Nowadays, it costs around $135 if you shop right, but just let it be known that it retailed for about $225 so it's really quite a steal now. You'd really go for this if you plan on playing other stuff like Half-Life 2.
Civilization IV is not really too demanding on graphics, and even so I don't think you'll mind playing Civilization on low graphics (I have a 6600GT and I play on everything low for maximum performance), but a 6200 will do you just fine in this case.
But that's only if you have an AGP or PCIe slot (which some Dells should have nowadays, but you should always check). If you have a PCI slot only, I think the best PCI card is the FX 5500 or somewhere in that series.
Civilization IV is not really too demanding on graphics, and even so I don't think you'll mind playing Civilization on low graphics (I have a 6600GT and I play on everything low for maximum performance), but a 6200 will do you just fine in this case.
But that's only if you have an AGP or PCIe slot (which some Dells should have nowadays, but you should always check). If you have a PCI slot only, I think the best PCI card is the FX 5500 or somewhere in that series.
UCFCSGuy
Chieftain
Sounds like if I have only PCI that I'll be relegated to the ATI 9250 at best and GeForce 5500FX at best. Does that sound about right?
Also, what's the easiest way to identify whether I have AGP, PCI-E, or plain old PCI slots?
As I understand it, the normal slots are PCI so if all of my slots look the same, I've only got PCI.
I have also heard that the tell-tale AGP sign is that the slot is black -- and shorter than the PCI's, right?
I don't know anything about PCI-E. How can I identify those?
Thanks for all of the help folks.
Also, what's the easiest way to identify whether I have AGP, PCI-E, or plain old PCI slots?
As I understand it, the normal slots are PCI so if all of my slots look the same, I've only got PCI.
I have also heard that the tell-tale AGP sign is that the slot is black -- and shorter than the PCI's, right?
I don't know anything about PCI-E. How can I identify those?
Thanks for all of the help folks.
Steve2000
Mighty Pirate
Another important factor in getting a new graphics card was just mentioned by playshogi. Make sure you have a power supply that can handle it. If you bought a stock dell PC, chances are they put a power supply that is less than 300W in the case. You want at least 300W+, better even more.
Also on the Video Card Memory issue read the specs carefully. A card might have 256MB of video mem, but may only be able to access 128MB at a time (like the Regular GeForce 6600 256MB). Also a lot of manufacturers will overclock their cards at charge a lot higher price than they should. It is a lot easier to buy the stock card and overclock yourself.
Personally I am going to wait until early 2006 to upgrade my video card, as I am hoping the prices will come down a bit on the higher end cards after the holidays.
Also on the Video Card Memory issue read the specs carefully. A card might have 256MB of video mem, but may only be able to access 128MB at a time (like the Regular GeForce 6600 256MB). Also a lot of manufacturers will overclock their cards at charge a lot higher price than they should. It is a lot easier to buy the stock card and overclock yourself.
Personally I am going to wait until early 2006 to upgrade my video card, as I am hoping the prices will come down a bit on the higher end cards after the holidays.
Mahatmajon
Prince
Steve2000 said:
I was pretty amazed when I went to buy a video card and found that the 256MB 7800GT's that were 350+ a few months ago are now under 300 (proably due to the 512MB's coming out). Prices always drop but those seem to be a nice high-end niche right now. The 6800's are at a good price point too I think.
UCFCSGuy
Chieftain
Steve2000 said:
Ok I'll bite. How do I know what type of power supply I have? Is that a system setting?
If it is any kind of indicator, I have a P4 3GHz 1 GB cache with HyperThreading.
Steve2000
Mighty Pirate
UCFCSGuy said:
It would say in the documentation for your computer. Alternatively (and probably faster) you can open your case and look for a sticker on the side or bottom of your power supply. (The power supply unit - often called a PSU - is the box at the back that your power cord plugs into). The sticker should list the manufacturer of the PSU along with a total Wattage rating for the unit. It should also list the amount of current (amps) on each of the major voltage rails of the unit. The important numbers are the 12+ rail, 3.3+ rail, and 5+ rail. For many high end Video Cards, you want at least 20amps on the 12+ rail and a good overall wattage rating.
Thanks to EoE, OldStatesman, and Conroe in this thread for helping to explain all this to me a little while back.
Your specs are no indication by the way, because if you bought a factory spec computer (like me) then the company (like Dell) may have skimped on the PSU to save you a buck or two. For instance my PC specs are in my sig below - and my computer only came with a 230Watt PSU. Fine for that MX440 card, but right now the next card I buy will probably need a better PSU. Who knows though - you could be fine.
pachu said:
In fact, that's what I'm getting for Xmas. I've had a GEForce 2 GTS for 4 years, and it has always been great -- yeah, even runs Civ4. ~$150; the only problem that I forsee is power. The invoice doesn't list the powersource/watts, and I can't find it without taking my computer apart.
