Jump to content


Photo

I need help finding a graphics card


  • Please log in to reply
38 replies to this topic

#1 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 23 November 2013 - 04:07 AM

I have a very old computer, and I want to get a new Graphics card so I can play Minecraft better.

 

System specs:

 

Windows xp Home Edition

Version 2002

Service pack 3

 

Hewlett-Packard

Pavilion

AMD Athlon XP 3200+

2.19 GHZ, 1.93 GB RAM

 

And I have a VGA Monitor.

 

The slots that I have:

xNOynUz.jpg

 

Now, I'm pretty sure this is the computer here:

 

http://h10025.www1.h...cname=c00067795

 

I also have a game called 'Darkest of Days', but I cannot play it because when I play it everything is white, light blue, and light pink with pre-N64 looking Graphics and the character models just float around.

 

I really want to find a good card to put on my Christmas list.

There's a lot of Brohoof that I have to avoid because there is too much lag.

I've even had to not join a RP because it was in the Crystal empire and my computer could not handle it.

You all have helped me with a lot of other problems, so I hope you can help with this one!


Edited by Prince Polaris, 23 November 2013 - 04:24 AM.


#2 Captain Char

Captain Char

    Brohoofs Celestia

  • Banned
  • 4300 posts
  • minecraft:
    Captain_Char

Posted 23 November 2013 - 04:20 AM

its an 8X AGP slot, so you could get up to 1gig video in it, just make sure its VGA type, since im assuming your onboard video is VGA, and that it doesn't need a super powerful power supply, also you may have to do some looking around, since AGP is basically a generation older but both Nvidia and AMD/ATI make cards for this

 

also if you want to know what your onboard memory is you could type into start on the run or search depending on operating system dxdiag and go to the video tab, im betting between 32-128mb

 

ive found a few 512mb cards on tiger direct's site and newegg's there are 1gig models out there, they're just harder to find

 

things to consider:

more ram is good,

faster clock speed or faster shader clock is good,

DVI ports are better as they give more color (but remember what your monitor is)

how much power the video card needs, (check on the side of the PSU unit for a label that's says eg 350watt output)


Edited by Captain Char, 23 November 2013 - 04:26 AM.


#3 Lil Gamer CJ

Lil Gamer CJ

    My life is ruined, forgive me if you drown. its probably me.

  • Banned
  • 156 posts
  • minecraft:
    Creeperjoe98

Posted 23 November 2013 - 04:27 AM

dude, this is why I use a mac.

GET A MAC!



#4 Tom_Tiara

Tom_Tiara

    Bully

  • Administrator
  • 4048 posts
  • minecraft:
    Diamond_Tiara

Posted 23 November 2013 - 04:37 AM

dude, this is why I use a mac.

GET A MAC!

 

Don't tell people what computers they should use, this thread specifically asked for advice on how to find a new graphics card, not which computer brand is better. Macs are nice for the users that don't ever want to touch the interior of their machines, but is much too expensive if you want to get an internal part upgraded.



#5 JoyJoy

JoyJoy

    I don't listen to rap music

  • Builder
  • 2172 posts
  • minecraft:
    JoyJoy

Posted 23 November 2013 - 05:12 AM

Personally, I suggest getting a new motherboard along with it.  You can then take that opportunity to upgrade your RAM to DDR3 and HDD to SATA.  But if you're trying to be thrifty, you may be just wanting to buy a new video card. That leaves a few questions to preference.

 

Since you want to be able to play Minecraft better, I'll bring up the system requirements from the Minecraft help page.

 

Minimum: Intel GMA 950 or AMD Equivalent with OpenGL 2.1 Support

 

Recommended: GeForce 6xxx or ATI Radeon 9xxx and up with OpenGL 2.1 Support (Excluding Integrated Chipsets)

 

I recommend Nvidia for older cards.  Any of these should do.  And as Captain Char said, get more RAM.  Minecraft requires 2, but recommends 4.  Unfortunately, your motherboard only supports 1 GB, so if you want more, you'll need a new board.  If you end up getting 4 or more GB of Memory, install a 64 bit OS.



#6 Reverie

Reverie

    Dusty Relic

  • Builder
  • 5157 posts
  • minecraft:
    Reverie_Wisp

Posted 23 November 2013 - 06:35 AM

Upgrading a board this old would effectively warrant buying a new computer, although you may wish to look into that soon regardless of a new graphics card.

 

I remember using an agp Radeon HD 4650 card in the past and was fairly happy with the results, but I honestly never tried playing minecraft on that machine, although it performed better than a 64xx card I had picked up at another time. If you did go with the 4650, you would need a DVI to VGA adapter, which should be about four dollars.


Edited by Reverie, 23 November 2013 - 06:39 AM.


#7 Captain Char

Captain Char

    Brohoofs Celestia

  • Banned
  • 4300 posts
  • minecraft:
    Captain_Char

Posted 23 November 2013 - 01:14 PM

also Rev, most cards that use DVI come with an adapter, usually

and at most, without the actual mother board number, id say that system might max out at 4gb of ram


Edited by Captain Char, 23 November 2013 - 01:19 PM.


#8 Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

    ▒▒▒▒▒██ ██▒▒██▒▒██▒▒██

  • Pony
  • 955 posts
  • minecraft:
    StateFarmJoe

Posted 23 November 2013 - 02:27 PM

So, first of all, what is your budget? If you have one, of course.

 

I ( <-- Specifically I, other people can ) can't help you until you give me a budget limit or your upgrade.


Edited by Graceful and Shenaniganful, 23 November 2013 - 02:27 PM.


#9 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 23 November 2013 - 04:13 PM

I really don't know about the budget.

I have no money myself, and I was going to put this on my Christmas list.

But I do know that my family isn't doing so well right now and we can't afford an Expensive one.

So I know that a 100$ one is most likely out of the question.

I'd say maybe around 50$?

Or even 60$?



#10 Reverie

Reverie

    Dusty Relic

  • Builder
  • 5157 posts
  • minecraft:
    Reverie_Wisp

Posted 23 November 2013 - 04:45 PM

I really don't know about the budget.

I have no money myself, and I was going to put this on my Christmas list.

But I do know that my family isn't doing so well right now and we can't afford an Expensive one.

So I know that a 100$ one is most likely out of the question.

I'd say maybe around 50$?

Or even 60$?

Certainly give the link killjoy provided a look, I believe those are all $60 or under.



#11 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 23 November 2013 - 05:03 PM

Personally, I suggest getting a new motherboard along with it.  You can then take that opportunity to upgrade your RAM to DDR3 and HDD to SATA.  But if you're trying to be thrifty, you may be just wanting to buy a new video card. That leaves a few questions to preference.

 

Since you want to be able to play Minecraft better, I'll bring up the system requirements from the Minecraft help page.

 

Minimum: Intel GMA 950 or AMD Equivalent with OpenGL 2.1 Support

 

Recommended: GeForce 6xxx or ATI Radeon 9xxx and up with OpenGL 2.1 Support (Excluding Integrated Chipsets)

 

I recommend Nvidia for older cards.  Any of these should do.  And as Captain Char said, get more RAM.  Minecraft requires 2, but recommends 4.  Unfortunately, your motherboard only supports 1 GB, so if you want more, you'll need a new board.  If you end up getting 4 or more GB of Memory, install a 64 bit OS.

Herein lies my problem.

My lack of money does not allow me to get:

-New computer

or

-new OS

If I had the money, I'd just buy a bunch of parts to make a new one, but it looks like all I'll be able to get is a Graphics card to go in this old thing here.

The strange thing is- I somehow have 2GB of RAM.

I don't know how, but I do.

Just look:

q4DYTR4.jpg



#12 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 23 November 2013 - 05:20 PM

So I found this here:

 

http://tinyurl.com/9cs8ald

 

And it looks like a good one.

Cheap, too.

What do you all think?



#13 Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

    ▒▒▒▒▒██ ██▒▒██▒▒██▒▒██

  • Pony
  • 955 posts
  • minecraft:
    StateFarmJoe

Posted 24 November 2013 - 01:34 AM

Herein lies my problem.

My lack of money does not allow me to get:

-New computer

or

-new OS

If I had the money, I'd just buy a bunch of parts to make a new one, but it looks like all I'll be able to get is a Graphics card to go in this old thing here.

The strange thing is- I somehow have 2GB of RAM.

I don't know how, but I do.

Just look:

q4DYTR4.jpg

 

 

 

So I found this here:

 

http://tinyurl.com/9cs8ald

 

And it looks like a good one.

Cheap, too.

What do you all think?

 

Agh, that wonderful desktop... 

 

Anyways, I'm not sure if you mentioned the motherboard. Idk if your motherboard might be compatible with the GPU or not. I could be wrong though, so feel free to correct me.


Edited by Graceful and Shenaniganful, 24 November 2013 - 01:35 AM.


#14 Reverie

Reverie

    Dusty Relic

  • Builder
  • 5157 posts
  • minecraft:
    Reverie_Wisp

Posted 24 November 2013 - 05:13 AM

So I found this here:

 

http://tinyurl.com/9cs8ald

 

And it looks like a good one.

Cheap, too.

What do you all think?

 

Agh, that wonderful desktop... 

 

Anyways, I'm not sure if you mentioned the motherboard. Idk if your motherboard might be compatible with the GPU or not. I could be wrong though, so feel free to correct me.

That graphics card would work- I would certainly make a note of that page. The used cards are probably fine, given they're being shipped from amazon warehouse deals, so you could save some money there as well.



#15 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 24 November 2013 - 12:57 PM

Ok, It's going on the list!

I hope I'll get it when Christmes gets here!

And if not, I'll just leave Minecraft on Tiny forever *Twitch*

So what do you think that card there would get in terms of FPS in Minecraft?

Let's say I was in Brohoof Ponyville- What kind of FPS would I be getting?



#16 Luna Lens

Luna Lens

    Hiya

  • Administrator
  • 2617 posts
  • minecraft:
    Princess_Luna

Posted 24 November 2013 - 06:36 PM

I don't think you'll be seeing any performance increases. That GeForce is very old, and an Athlon XP doesn't have sufficient resources to run Minecraft at an acceptable frameraate. You can find CPUs for really cheap.

 

It really isn't worth your money to upgrade a system this old. I'm surprised you can even run Minecraft at all. Plus, that card only supprots OpenGL 2.0. You will soon need OpenGL 2.1 to play Minecraft.



#17 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 25 November 2013 - 02:03 AM

I don't think you'll be seeing any performance increases. That GeForce is very old, and an Athlon XP doesn't have sufficient resources to run Minecraft at an acceptable frameraate. You can find CPUs for really cheap.

 

It really isn't worth your money to upgrade a system this old. I'm surprised you can even run Minecraft at all. Plus, that card only supprots OpenGL 2.0. You will soon need OpenGL 2.1 to play Minecraft.

Well, Looks like I'll be putting off the CMC until I get a new computer in about....

OH RIGHT TWENTY YEARS.

Are you sure this computer is too old to help, and I'll be stuffed in a while if I don't get a new one?

*Sigh*

Well, if this is true, I'll be counting the days until I lost the ability to play Minecraft, and I guess I'll just wander the forums.....

BUT.

You are the only one here who has said this, so I'm not sure this is true- I'm not saying you're lying, but it takes more than one person to convince me of something.

 

So it it true?

Is my computer too old to help, and I'll lose Minecraft in a while?



#18 Luna Lens

Luna Lens

    Hiya

  • Administrator
  • 2617 posts
  • minecraft:
    Princess_Luna

Posted 25 November 2013 - 02:30 AM

We're talking about a 10-year-old computer here. Intel suggests that the useful life of a computer should be roughly 7 years, and the Athlon XP 3200+ is from 2003. While some here may think otherwise, one thing is certain, and that is that Minecraft will require OpenGL 2.1 in the future, and the card you chose runs OpenGL 2.0

.https://help.mojang....-opengl-support

http://www.cpu-world...A3200DKV4E.html

Edited by Laser_Lens_4, 25 November 2013 - 02:39 AM.


#19 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 25 November 2013 - 11:57 AM

Hmmm, sounds like I'll need a different card.

Well, I'll go look for s different one, I guess.

And I have not the money to buy a new computer.



#20 Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

    ▒▒▒▒▒██ ██▒▒██▒▒██▒▒██

  • Pony
  • 955 posts
  • minecraft:
    StateFarmJoe

Posted 28 November 2013 - 07:48 PM

What about this? Not sure if it's compatible with your motherboard, but I've heard the card can actually RUN battlefield 4

 

http://www.amazon.co...ds=EVGA GT 8600



#21 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 28 November 2013 - 09:08 PM

What about this? Not sure if it's compatible with your motherboard, but I've heard the card can actually RUN battlefield 4

 

http://www.amazon.co...ds=EVGA GT 8600

This thing looks great, but will it work?

And I don't know if it's affordable, even as a Christmas list thing.

BUT- If I get this, when the day comes that I get a new computer, I can re-purpose it for that one!



#22 Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

    ▒▒▒▒▒██ ██▒▒██▒▒██▒▒██

  • Pony
  • 955 posts
  • minecraft:
    StateFarmJoe

Posted 28 November 2013 - 10:07 PM

The used model's $34, It's affordable enough.

 

Although, I'm not sure if used cards are good



#23 Captain Char

Captain Char

    Brohoofs Celestia

  • Banned
  • 4300 posts
  • minecraft:
    Captain_Char

Posted 29 November 2013 - 01:16 AM

that's PCI-E this machine is AGP, predates PCI-E

#24 Luna Lens

Luna Lens

    Hiya

  • Administrator
  • 2617 posts
  • minecraft:
    Princess_Luna

Posted 29 November 2013 - 05:50 PM

I hate to break it to you, and I hadn't noticed until now, but you won't be buying anything modern. You have three PCI slots and one AGP slot. That GT 6200 is the only AGP card I've seen so far, and it won't run Minecraft in the future. Like I said, that computer has well-passed its useful life.
PCXSLOTS.GIF

#25 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 30 November 2013 - 04:14 AM

I hate to break it to you, and I hadn't noticed until now, but you won't be buying anything modern. You have three PCI slots and one AGP slot. That GT 6200 is the only AGP card I've seen so far, and it won't run Minecraft in the future. Like I said, that computer has well-passed its useful life.
PCXSLOTS.GIF

Yes, I already know this- the computer's From 2004


Is it just not worth getting a Graphics card?

Do I just need to deal with Tiny tender until I get a better Computer?

The problem is, it will be YEARS before I get another computer.....

Me and my Family just DO NOT have the money for a new computer- I thought I could just Squeeze by with getting a card for this old thing, but apparently not.

Maybe one of you can give me your old computers when you make a new one or something.....

Whatever they are, it has to be better than this thing....



#26 Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

    ▒▒▒▒▒██ ██▒▒██▒▒██▒▒██

  • Pony
  • 955 posts
  • minecraft:
    StateFarmJoe

Posted 30 November 2013 - 08:52 PM

How about you sell your PC? I'm sure collectors / enthusiasts might buy your rare parts from eBay. 



#27 Reverie

Reverie

    Dusty Relic

  • Builder
  • 5157 posts
  • minecraft:
    Reverie_Wisp

Posted 30 November 2013 - 09:01 PM

Yes, I already know this- the computer's From 2004


Is it just not worth getting a Graphics card?

Do I just need to deal with Tiny tender until I get a better Computer?

The problem is, it will be YEARS before I get another computer.....

Me and my Family just DO NOT have the money for a new computer- I thought I could just Squeeze by with getting a card for this old thing, but apparently not.

Maybe one of you can give me your old computers when you make a new one or something.....

Whatever they are, it has to be better than this thing....

On a plus side, I managed to acquire an xfx HD 4650 recently, but he downside is that your computer would both require a new power supply, and this is one of the few 4650 makers that didn't choose to support OpenGL 2.1.

 

I'm looking around for a GIGABYTE version of the same card- it would provide the OpenGL support.


Edited by Reverie, 30 November 2013 - 09:06 PM.


#28 Luna Lens

Luna Lens

    Hiya

  • Administrator
  • 2617 posts
  • minecraft:
    Princess_Luna

Posted 30 November 2013 - 09:02 PM

How about you sell your PC? I'm sure collectors / enthusiasts might buy your rare parts from eBay.


The Athlon XP 3200+ is going for $20-$30 (USD) on eBay.

#29 Reverie

Reverie

    Dusty Relic

  • Builder
  • 5157 posts
  • minecraft:
    Reverie_Wisp

Posted 30 November 2013 - 09:10 PM

Interesting side note, none of the cards killjoy linked actually support OpenGL 2.1, which makes me wonder- would a lot of these openGL 2.0 cards support 2.1 with the more modern drivers?


Edited by Reverie, 30 November 2013 - 09:15 PM.


#30 gamermanj4

gamermanj4

    I've seen some shit man.......

  • Builder
  • 129 posts
  • minecraft:
    gamermanj4

Posted 01 December 2013 - 12:09 AM

dude, this is why I use a mac.

GET A MAC!

I know I'm late on this but this is exactly why I DONT use a mac because you cant buy new parts like OP is trying to do here.
At any rate, not as easily at least.



#31 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 01 December 2013 - 04:57 AM

You all seem to be coming up with some good ideas, but only having a computer for three months didn't allow me much time to learn all this- I hope you find something!

 

And Maybe I will sell this thing, if it's worth the trouble.

 

I'm not in too much of a rush- this has been knocked back to being on my Birthday list, in March.

But there's a very large chance I'll still be stuck with this thing then, so I still hope we can find a good card for it!



#32 Harakhti

Harakhti

    Background Pony

  • Builder
  • 430 posts
  • minecraft:
    Harakhti

Posted 01 December 2013 - 03:48 PM

Yeah, old systems are a pain to maintain...hope ya' can figure something out on that.


Edited by Harakhti, 01 December 2013 - 03:50 PM.


#33 Luna Lens

Luna Lens

    Hiya

  • Administrator
  • 2617 posts
  • minecraft:
    Princess_Luna

Posted 02 December 2013 - 06:10 AM

Out of curiosity, what's your current budget?

Edited by Laser_Lens_4, 02 December 2013 - 06:11 AM.


#34 Prince Polaris

Prince Polaris

    LOOK OOOUT IT'S THE BASBO BIDDY BUM

  • Pony
  • 871 posts
  • minecraft:
    Prince_Polaris

Posted 03 December 2013 - 11:59 AM

Well, I have no money of my own, and I can't get a job until next year.

That's why I was going to put this on my Christmas list, but it's too late for that, so I'm putting it on my Birthday list once we find one.

And once I do get a job, I'll just save all the money I get for maybe even a whole month, and I'll buy the best parts I can find, and I'll FINALLY play Minecraft on Extreme render with like 100 FPS or so, and I'll shed some Liquid Pride.

When I post a thread most likely titled: 'FINALLY building a good computer- what parts should I get?', you'll know It's time.



#35 Luna Lens

Luna Lens

    Hiya

  • Administrator
  • 2617 posts
  • minecraft:
    Princess_Luna

Posted 06 December 2013 - 11:46 PM

Well, I have no money of my own, and I can't get a job until next year.
That's why I was going to put this on my Christmas list, but it's too late for that, so I'm putting it on my Birthday list once we find one.
And once I do get a job, I'll just save all the money I get for maybe even a whole month, and I'll buy the best parts I can find, and I'll FINALLY play Minecraft on Extreme render with like 100 FPS or so, and I'll shed some Liquid Pride.
When I post a thread most likely titled: 'FINALLY building a good computer- what parts should I get?', you'll know It's time.


I've been building computers since I was 10, so don't hesitate to contact me when you do build your PC. Hopefully, I'll be on Brohoof for a while longer.

#36 Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

Super Ultra Uber C00l Dood

    ▒▒▒▒▒██ ██▒▒██▒▒██▒▒██

  • Pony
  • 955 posts
  • minecraft:
    StateFarmJoe

Posted 07 December 2013 - 12:48 AM

 You have three PCI slots and one AGP slot. 

 

Wait a minute... That GT 8600 I linked him is PCI Compatible, so wouldn't he be able to buy it?



#37 JoyJoy

JoyJoy

    I don't listen to rap music

  • Builder
  • 2172 posts
  • minecraft:
    JoyJoy

Posted 07 December 2013 - 02:00 AM

Unfortunately, those most likely aren't x16 or x8 ports, which is what a graphics card uses.



#38 Luna Lens

Luna Lens

    Hiya

  • Administrator
  • 2617 posts
  • minecraft:
    Princess_Luna

Posted 07 December 2013 - 03:22 AM

Wait a minute... That GT 8600 I linked him is PCI Compatible, so wouldn't he be able to buy it?

 

The 8600GT is PCIe, not PCI



#39 ZeBraffels

ZeBraffels

    Silleh

  • Retired Admin
  • 412 posts
  • minecraft:
    waffels

Posted 07 December 2013 - 05:54 AM

From what I gathered the fastest AGP are listed below.  Many of them are listed for $100+.

Spoiler

 

-slowpoke edit-

An option is to buy a vanila PCi 8400 GS for about ~$45. 

DirectX 10

OpenGL 2.1

 

Your looking at performance of PCI 0.13GB/S vs AGP 2.1GB/S, in regards to speed.  Better than onboard VGA I suppose.  I once owned one of these for an HTPC.  It wasn't the greatest and struggeled to play Plants vs Zombies.

http://www.newegg.co...Order=BESTMATCH

 

Cheaper, be aware that 8400GS comes in pci-express.

http://www.amazon.co...rds=pci 8400 gs


Edited by waffels, 07 December 2013 - 06:21 AM.



0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users