Video Card suggestion??

[Kooges]

Hey guys-- first time post !

I just built my first computer- low budget of course- quick specs:

Mobo: Shuttle AK32E
CPU: Athlon 2000
Ram: 512 PCI 2100, bus 266
HDD: 30 g
Integrated ac97 sound card
40x burner
16x dvd-rom,

now to the question:

I also bought a 15" Mag Flat Panel Display, LT 576, with a .297 pitch, 400:1 contrast ratio, 1024X768. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....oryId=cat01009)

I had a 64 MB Maddog video card. It looks alright, but thinking of upgrading. What I use the machine for is internet, IM, alot of digital camera pictures, 2.0 megapixels, occasional dvd viewing, mp3 burning and the like. U think I should get a 128? is that standard nowadays? Anything you guys could let me know-- I'm new on video cards....thanks alot folks....great forum.

[Bill in SD, CA]

Welcome to TechIMO!

For what you're doing with your computer you don't necessarily need a 128. IMO.

If you feel the need I'd go with a Radeon ATI All In Wonder card myself. Just my preference.

Bill

[Jeordiewhite]

Well, no i wouldn't recommend a 128mb then since you didn't mention games, for what you do you have the right video card for you what you need to do, that would be over kill to have unless your into say a few heavy graphic design programs.
If you wanted one, the ati radeon 8500 is cheap now days, and great for 2d like for use of those large mega pixel pictures and even dvd viewing.

[Bill in SD, CA]

The ati radeon 8500 is the card I have and it's very good.

Bill

[Kooges]

thanks alot fellas... appreciate it.

I had the feeling I wouldn't notice a change in the day to day operating of the machine and stuff. The only thing i noticed-- I had a 128 in briefly that i borrowed from my dad-- was that it seemed to make a few smaller icons sharper. Am I going crazy or something-- probably-- I mean are all 2d specs about the same on all video cards over like 32mb?

[Kooges]

thanks alot fellas... appreciate it.

I had the feeling I wouldn't notice a change in the day to day operating of the machine and stuff. The only thing i noticed-- I had a 128 in briefly that i borrowed from my dad-- was that it seemed to make a few smaller icons sharper. Am I going crazy or something-- probably-- I mean are all 2d specs about the same on all video cards over like 32mb?

thanks again--

[Jeordiewhite]

Well, you will notice a difference with 2d as most people have mentioned, my geforce 4 ti 4600 does make everything look sharp if i have texture filtering or anti stropic filtering or anti alaising on.
From some of the 32mb cards to an ati radeon everything does look sharper. Many people have commented on their ati radeons and geforce 2 cards do have a big difference in 2d appearance.
It isn't something you would really need, but you aren't crazy about this.

[Kooges]

thanks again-- i think Ill upgrade-- actually, i can still return the 64MB one i bought, and for the extra 50 bucks i think Ill just get the 128--

Ati Radeon 8500 sounds good-- I'll start reading up on it--

Thanks again!!

Peace

[Kooges]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...roperty&DEPA=1
This link is to the 128's at newegg.
I guess I don't need a 128, but i really want the 2d to look as good as possible. You guys think these 128's look alright to do that?

[Bill in SD, CA]

Bad linky.

Bill