Help with video card?

[satyricon]

Hello.

I have the black terrain problem in Civ4. I've searched extensively, tried solutions, and come to the conclusion that it's my IGP that prevents me from playing properly.

I'd like to update my video card but have a limited budget. I'm just looking for some advice on what the best choice would be... I'm worried about compatability with my system, and of course want one that will allow me to play the game. For that reason I'm afraid to just go into a store and ask!

I've attached my info. Thanks for any help!

 

[Zanmato]

Try patching first, if problem persists it might be that your video can't support TnL which is required for the terrain to display fully.

 

[Lil_Gordian]

what is TnL?

 

[Zanmato]

what is TnL?

It stands for 'Transform and Lighting' as is a form of 3d hardware acceleration. Basically it's a 3D method of moving and lighting objects in a 3D virtual world.
If a video card can't support this then the map appears black like it's unlit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transform_and_lighting.

 

[skikaz]

you can go to this free site for testing your pc capability to run civ4
http://www.srtest.com/referrer/srtest

 

[satyricon]

Sorry, I already knew that my computer/vid card aren't capable of running the game.

I was just looking for suggestions on upgrading my video card, but I suppose it's not worth the hassle as I don't play many graphics-intensive games.

 

[superslug]

Your choice of video card will depend largely on what kind of slot you have free for one. If you're just looking to run Civ4, but don't plan on going hardcore with bigger mapsizes, then there's video cards that could run it for as low as $50.

 

[Tae]

Sorry, I already knew that my computer/vid card aren't capable of running the game.

I was just looking for suggestions on upgrading my video card, but I suppose it's not worth the hassle as I don't play many graphics-intensive games.

If that is the case, You could probably find a card around $100 that will suite your needs. I will assume your computer is older and does not have a PCI Express slot so you cannot upgrade to the latest Geoforce 7000 series (Nvidia dropped AGP support) .

This ain't bad...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143056

Don't really know the maker, but a 256mb 6600 under $100 is a great upgrade.

 

[dragokatzov]

(Nvidia dropped AGP support)

They actually did not. they are making lots of 7xxx series with AGP now