Author Topic: Best video card and drivers for AH (Read 834 times)

68Hall · « **on:** June 12, 2006, 08:43:37 PM »

Okay, next month I'm picking up a new video card. Right now I have a GEForce4 TI 4600. I am using an older driver, in the 4.5 series. If I CAN update the driver I will. However, I thing the card is having trouble keeping up with the latest patch etc.
So, I'm looking at a new card. I DO NOT INTEND TO SPEND 500 bucks for a card, so throw those cards out.
What is a good card? Where is the best place to shop for it?
How will it be affected when DierctX 10 comes out?
Thanks in advance for your input.

Irwink! · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2006, 08:48:17 PM »

One consideration that was recently brought home to me was - what is the capacity of your computer's power supply? That could limit your choices unless you are willing and able to swap that out too.

68Hall · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2006, 08:58:34 PM »

Pentium 4 2.80ghz
2.78ghz, 1.00 GB RAM

Is that what you need?

38ruk · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2006, 10:25:17 PM »

I'm assuming you have an agp board , so the best agp card is a 7800GS , and they can be had for around $300 bucks . One thing you need to be sure of is the watts and amps of your power supply . There is usually a sticker on the side of the PSU inside the case . Most of the higher end aGP cards require a minimum of 350Watts and in the 7800gs 's case a 20amp 12v rail .

Skuzzy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2006, 07:13:26 AM »

With the 4600, you should be using the 61.77 drivers. The older drivers will give you some problems, and the newer drivers will give you problems as well.

Krusty · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2006, 12:38:55 PM »

anything past 61.77 will cause artifacting problems with gas leaks, oil streams, fireballs, and puffy ack. I have a 4400 and have tested many of the newer sets. Stick with 61.77 for now.

38ruk is right, the card you can get depends on your power supply at the moment.

scottydawg · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2006, 04:35:36 PM »

I got an ASUS GeForce 7900 GTX, running it at 700/900.

It runs ok.

68Hall · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2006, 07:38:07 PM »

Thanks skuzzy. I updated to the 61.77.
Now how do I find the above power source info on my machine? Can it be done without opening the box? If not where, inside the box, might it be found?
I may stay with this card and driver combo, unless I find that this combo is contributing to my disco problems. I don't think that it is. TIA folks.

Irwink! · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2006, 09:18:29 PM »

The power supply specs are often on a sticker or nameplate on the back of the pc. If not when you open it up you -should- see some kind of info on the supply enclosure itself. The power supply is in a vented metal enclosure right on the other side of the pc case immediately adjacent to where the power cord is plugged in. The specs can also be found on most manufacturer's websites.

DmdFiat · « **Reply #9 on:** June 15, 2006, 09:08:30 PM »

Damn you people....I promised myself I wasn't gonna spend any more money on my vid gear but reading all this my palms start sweatting!!
.....all of this new cheap and great stuff......

Roscoroo · « **Reply #10 on:** June 15, 2006, 10:20:08 PM »

you guys that are afraid to open your case .... did you know that you could be wrecking your hardware with the accursed "DUST BUNNIES" from hell ...

Its really a good idea to open it up every few months and take a small brush clean all the fans /heatsinks and blow it out .

Kermit de frog · « **Reply #11 on:** June 15, 2006, 10:36:55 PM »

can we then EAT these dust bunnies?

38ruk · « **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2006, 10:38:15 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Roscoroo
you guys that are afraid to open your case .... did you know that you could be wrecking your hardware with the accursed "DUST BUNNIES" from hell ...

Its really a good idea to open it up every few months and take a small brush clean all the fans /heatsinks and blow it out .

Excellent Point Roo

Id say that out of all the people that drop off their pc's to me , 1/3rd of them are having stability issues due to plugged heatsinks or fans . Its amazing some of the ones ive worked on even ran at all due to being packed with everything from dryer lint , to pet hair . Ive even seen some with a tar like substance coating everything, had to of been from excessive cigar/ cigarette smoke. Bottom line is if you havent opened your pc in the last 3 months , its time to blow it out . Spend the $5 on a can of compressed air , it will save you alot of time and money in the long run .

Roscoroo · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2006, 11:05:26 PM »

but Kermie they'll stick ur toungue ...

i 'd say about 1/2 of the pc's i get/ fix are dust clogged .

ps brush the dust off your ram sticks too . and Ruk clean your radiator man i can smell dust bunnies from here

lefty2 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 16, 2006, 12:57:25 AM »

Much easier to brush things off then give it a good vacuum.