Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Adrian Jones on July 13, 2008, 11:08:57 AM

Title: Video card suggestion for oldish PC
Post by: Adrian Jones on July 13, 2008, 11:08:57 AM
Hi folks,
It had been running a GeForce 4 Ti4200 D64M video card but the card
has fried (I think the cooling fan went first)

The PC is a Compaq Presario 7PL 7000 Z series
1.1 MHz
I had upped the RAM to the max (764 if I remember correctly)

Compaq motherboard:
"Replace with COMPAQ spare SPS-BD SYS Pipeline
Spare No: 192271-001
No: 188601-101"
Also says on another sticker:
"KPL 0B00292
Pipeline -1"

The Power Supply: DPS-300GB A Rev:02
Output maximum wattage 300W
Input 100-127V  9amps
"The combine power on +3.3V & +5V Total 180W Max
-12V and -5V combine current can't exceed 0.8A"

Probably more info than you wanted to know but I'm hoping someone has a suggestion for a replacement video card.
There is a TigerDirect downtown but they are understandably not much help when the store is crowded.

Cheers,  Compo
Title: Re: Video card suggestion for oldish PC
Post by: The Fugitive on July 13, 2008, 11:46:29 AM
You didn't say whether your old card was PCI, or AGP. We know for certain it is NOT PCI-express  :)

My ATI 9800 Pro card could still run the game, but I have gone to an ATI 850x Both are AGP cards, but I think the 859 would have trouble with your power supply. The 9800 card is a strong card even for an old one.

On the other hand, that computer is an old timer, and any upgrading would be throwing good money after bad and a waste in my opinion. I just paid $300 for a computer for the wife. Its nothing special, but with my 9800 in it it will play the game with no problem. Save up some cash, and get yourself a new computer.
Title: Re: Video card suggestion for oldish PC
Post by: Fulmar on July 13, 2008, 12:32:43 PM
IIRC, the ti4200 only came in a AGP format.  You'd have to go to the MX series to find a PCI Nvidia card in that age range.

I wouldn't spend a whole lot of money to be honest.  You computer is pretty OLD. 

I'd go with these cheap cards to get you by until you can afford a new computer.
Radeon X1550 for $35
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3002826&CatId=318

or

Radeon 9550 for $30
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1723243&CatId=318

If you're at the store and don't see those cards, avoid these cards for sure:
Nvidia FX5xxx series or the Nvidia 6100-6200 cards. 

During that time frame that fits your computer, I'd recommend 9500+ Radeons or X1300-X1600's.  I wouldn't spend more that $50 for sure.
Title: Re: Video card suggestion for oldish PC
Post by: Adrian Jones on July 13, 2008, 01:08:12 PM
Fugitive: I hear you on getting a new PC -maybe I could swing it for a Christmas present for myself.
Can't tell what sort of slot it is:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a241/AdrianJones34/Videocard.jpg

I plugged the GeForce into that brown slot - worked fine for Aces High and Call of Duty 2.

Fulmar, many thanks indeed for the info.
I'll drop by TigerDirect after work tomorrow.
Oh yeah, my old PC says thanks for the compliment (ha! - take a look at your message)

Cheers,  Compo
Title: Re: Video card suggestion for oldish PC
Post by: Adrian Jones on July 13, 2008, 01:14:19 PM
Doh,
I just took another look at the mother board and the slot is labeled "AGP" - just like Fulmar said.
Title: Re: Video card suggestion for oldish PC
Post by: Fulmar on July 13, 2008, 01:16:19 PM
Yeah, brown is more than likely AGP.

And post fixed :)
Title: Re: Video card suggestion for oldish PC
Post by: Masherbrum on July 14, 2008, 06:25:48 PM
Yeah, brown is more than likely AGP.

And post fixed :)

Correct, brown is AGP.