Upgrading Graphics Card

[Keeshi]

my PC is not up to par with current gaming rigs. I currectly use a Diamond RademonX1050, but I would like to upgrade to a new card so I can connect my PC to my new 47inch Flat screen TV.

Would anyone know of some cards I could buy that would do as well as my current card, but also alow me to do what I want with the TV?



I crave the ability to play Civ 4 or Civ 4 colo on my TV

PS; Lets try not to spend a crap load on this card either, if it can be helped.

 

[Quintillus]

The first thing we'll need to know is, what type of connections does your TV support? HDMI, VGA, DVI, or something else? The TV's manual ought to mention what connections it supports somewhere.

It would also help to know exactly what your budget is. If you're hoping to stay under $50, it'll probably be possible to find a card that will play Civ4 on your TV, but if your budget is $75, you might get a significantly better experience, and $100 will buy you more still.

Your video card appears to connect by the older AGP 4x/8x interface, which does limit the options somewhat, but ATI still offers some good midrange cards for that interface. This also ensures that you won't be spending $200 on a new graphics card, as the really expensive ones aren't options.

 

[Keeshi]

Thanks for the responce Quintillus. I found out that my TV uses HDMI(3 different female ports that I can change between) And that I can use my DVI slot on my graphics card, and just buy a coverter for my DVI that goes to my monitor and attach it on and plug it into my HDMI.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

Your current GPU will most likely be able to display a desktop at 1080p, but it will not run Civ 4 at that resolution, at least nowhere close to as pretty as that kind of a TV deserves. Since its likely AGP, these are the best that you can get.
I am very certain that they will have no problems with playing civ 4 at 1080p.

 

[Fëanor]

A good 4670 is the fastest AGP card you can get, but most 3850's will beat the 4650's, so if you are looking for a lot of bang for your buck, the old 3850 might still be your best pick.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

The 3850's have a higher power draw though, so if that is a concern.

 

[Fëanor]

True, The 3850 is also larger and has less/worse features making it a considerably worse pick for a HTPC. But it's still decent for low budget gaming.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

Well, the question is whether or not his current PSU can handle it. The margin between the 3850 and 4600's is fairly small, but a difference of even 20 watts can be huge and mean the difference between keeping your current PSU and having to look for a new one. (I will say this though, if a 20w increase in draw on your PSU's 12v line causes it to go over maximal wattage and flake out, you should be looking for a new PSU)