Video Card: does it really make that much difference?

[edwelly]

Hey guys/gals...
I have a Gateway P3, 800mhz, 256 mb and I am using the intergrated mobo's video card. Does it make that much difference to upgrade to one of those Voodoo cards or Geoforce cards? I do NO gaming. I do use Adobe PhotoShop and Bryce though on occasion. I have a 17" monitor and I use the 1152x864. Thanks for the replies. Oh, and what are the costs for these new cards.


---edwelly

[conjh13]

Well, for starters you probably won't want to go with a voodoo since the company went out of business, and will not continue updating drivers. As far as new cards, the GeForce 3 costs about $300, and the newest GeForce 2 comes in at about $150. Since you do no gaming, either of those would be overkill. You should be able to find a low-end 32MB card for $80 in any local store, or a 16MB card for about $40, but if you shop around online, very likely you can find much better prices.

However, if you're satisfied with what your onboard does, there is no reason whatsoever to upgrade. Video cards are made to improve 3D graphics, and generally don't do too much for 2D, other than perhaps give better resolution options in some cases.

Bottom line: If your computer does what you want it to as is, don't worry about it.

[This message has been edited by conjh13 (edited 08-16-2001).]

[VERT]

If your after improved 2D performance have a look athe Matrox line of cards http://www.matrox.com/mga/home.htm these are rated among the best in 2D performance (not 3d though)

[Makaveli]

Voodoo is out of business? I didnt know that.. How is it going to affect me now that I cant update drivers? Shouldn't be a big problem right?

[TechDude]

It shouldnt be a problem for you.. yet. But when the next generation of games come out then you'll be in big trouble. The games will require things that your video cad doesnt support, and since the card is no longer supported by the people who make voodoo cards then you will have to buy a new card.

[Makaveli]

Ah, Ill be fine... By then I will have a new card anyway... Thanx

-MaK

[Axel]

I try to shy away from motherboards with much of anything built in -

If it's built in, chances are you are going to have a hard time upgrading and when you do, you still generally end up powering the old stuff on the motherboard.

I've seen evil driver conflicts that the typical user isn't prepared to resolve.

I even shy away from combo cards having dealt with combo modem / sound cards and other stuff.... bad idea..... more driver conflicts and difficult configurations on the systems.

I'm definitely for keeping each peripheral function on it's own AGP or PCI card with it's own driver.

With that said, I just went looking at the 3DFX web site - yup - they are being swallowed - too bad - they made good stuff in their voodoo line of cards, both PCI and AGP. http://www.3dfx.com/

Now - as you've found and frequented this board, you lead us to believe you might make adjustments to your PC equipment. As that is the case - I can say you have a high probability of quickly becoming dis-satisfied with built in on board components.

Should you ever decide to put in a DVD player - you'll definitely hate the on-board video..... Even if you don't currently watch movies on your PC, many new programs are opting to come out on one 4.7GB DVD rather than several 700MB CD's....

Anyone buying systems with multiple on-board hardware components isn't looking towards the future, or simply doesn't care..... It might be cheaper in the short-run - but that's about it....

[edwelly]

AXEL: when I bought my Gateway system, I knew just enought to get the wrong system. All I knew was that I wanted a fast processor, a lot of RAM and a nice size monitor. As you can see, for the $1800.00 I spent I didn't get that. Of course that was 1 year ago too.
I can't afford to build a new system right now, but soon I will. I am thinking about upgrading my video card but I didn't want to get anthing that I really didn't need. I am planning on purchasing a DVD drive very soon and you brought up a great point about the DVD drive. Which video card would you recomend for a DVD player giving the fact that I do not play any games. I have way to much of an addictive nature to start gaming http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif.
---edwelly

[eagle1]

First. For 2d graphics and quality go with the latest MAtrox card as they are the king in 2d (**important** it sucks in 3d) and should be adequate to play dvd's according you have a quality dvd drive!

Second. If you want the best dvd with good quality 2d (not the best) and good 3d quality (not the fastest), go with an Ati card, preferably the Radeon line of cards!