Author Topic: PCI Video card for AH2 (Read 383 times)

Dextry · « **on:** June 23, 2004, 09:49:18 AM »

I just learned that my PC does not have a AGP slot:( and its only 7 months old, I know thats is a very long time for computers but I thought newer model computers all had AGP slots.So if anyone knows of a decently priced PCI card that will play AH2 good let me know please.

BWT, my PC is a 2.5 GHz pentium 4, presario with a 40GB hard drive and 512MB's of ram at the moment.

MOSQ · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2004, 10:01:36 AM »

You're stuck with low end cards. You're best choice is a new mobo and reuse your cpu and ram, get a good AGP video card.

Otherwise the best PCI card is probably:

POWERCOLOR ATI RADEON 9200 Video Card, 256MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV Out, PCI, Model "R92P-D3L" -RETAIL

Model# R92P-D3L
Item # N82E16814131237

Specifications:
Chipset/Core Speed: ATI RADEON 9200/250MHz
Memory/Effective Speed: 256MB DDR/400MHz
BUS: PCI
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub)+TV-Out(S-Video)+DVI connector
Support 3D API: DirectX®8.1, OpenGL®1.3
Cable/Accessories: Not Specified
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@60Hz
Retail Box (See pics for details)

Note this is NOT a 9200 SE, but a plain 9200. The 9200 SE is slower than this card.

$98 at www.newegg.com

RTR · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2004, 10:02:30 AM »

Dextry I'm using a Geforce FX 5200. It's playable (and PCI).

However, I think you can get the 5600 or 5700 in PCI as well.

Surf through the hardware forum. Lots of good info there.

RTR

Dextry · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2004, 10:07:14 AM »

hey MOSQ if I got the Radeon 9200 for my PC what kind of frame rates can I look forward to?I don't want to pay $99 bucks and not be able to enter a furball:(

MOSQ · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2004, 10:27:49 AM »

That's a tougher question than it seems. A lot depends on what you consider acceptable. Some folks here want their performance sliders set to great detail and nothing less on the deck in a furball. Others move their sliders to the performance side because they don't care about eye candy.

In the long run you'd do much better with an AGP mobo, you're options are much wider.

To answer your question, you'll have a lot better performance than my system, and I'm happy as a clam with the way it flies for now.

Celeron 1.4, FX-5200 Ultra, Win 98 SE, 384 RAM.

I get 30 FPS on the deck, 60+ in the air.

But I don't have all the eye candy maxed out either. And on the deck in a furball I hit Shift F3 to go to short vis range. I usually leave it on Shift F2 for medium vis range.

Dextry · « **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2004, 10:48:33 AM »

Okay thanks, I've seen a few people who have near monster computers talk about frame rates getting low in furballs. I just wanted to make sure that if I buy a PCI card that I'll be able to fly without having terrible frame rates and have to leave the battle.I don't really care about eye candy as long as I can see and shoot the badguy I'm happy:aok I just got the Norten System Works program and my computer is running better then ever, its a Great program if you feel your comp has slowed down and want it running like you just got it out of the box I recommend Norten System Works.

airbumba · « **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2004, 02:38:22 AM »

Carefull there. I too am stuck trying to upgrade with PCI cards. One thing I learned is that you need DX9 for AH2, and so far the only one i found with DX9, is the FX5200's. I just ordered a Fxf fx5200 128meg, got it today, (love the box anyway) but need a new power supply, getting one tomorrow.

...maybe be in AH2 this weekend....fingers crossed.

Dextry · « **Reply #7 on:** June 24, 2004, 09:19:53 AM »

Looks like my AH2 days are getting pushed further away I have direct X 9.0 installed now and I thought that any card better then my intel extreme 3D would be able to use it.As for power supply I have no clue what I need but something tells me I'll have to get that to.

MOSQ · « **Reply #8 on:** June 24, 2004, 10:23:25 AM »

I doubt you will need a new power supply for either the FX 5200 or Radeon 9200.

If you spend $50 to $65 for a new motherboard now, you will be MUCH HAPPIER in the long run.

airbumba · « **Reply #9 on:** June 24, 2004, 10:55:21 AM »

Need 300W supply with fx 5200.

MOSQ · « **Reply #10 on:** June 24, 2004, 11:07:45 AM »

No you don't. I have a Dell 250 Watt running a FX-5200 Ultra Overclocked, it runs just fine.

airbumba · « **Reply #11 on:** June 24, 2004, 11:14:05 AM »

Are you sure Mosq? I just got mine and it says 300w on the box. Can I try it anyway? Hope so. Cause its a stupid holiday up here and the comp stores are all closed. Dyin to try new card.

Also what if I have a 3 year old 350W supply, is it the same? Is a supply a supply, or are they subject to being rendered obsolete as well?

Thanks.

MOSQ · « **Reply #12 on:** June 24, 2004, 12:35:31 PM »

Give it a try. You may not be able to listen to a CD on your CD-ROM while burning a DVD and playing Quake all at the same time though.

The 350 Watt is probably just fine. They only become obsolete if the pin connectors change, and they do wear out. As long as the fan still works and the power pin connectors fit, it should be OK. I have used old cases and power supplies many times. Sometimes the fans go bad. Some fans in power supplies can be replaced, other times not.