Graphics Card Upgrade

[Squid_uk]

I have decided that i would like to upgrade my graphics card, at the moment i have a ATI Radeon 9000 and i would be looking to stick to ATI Radeon does any have a recommendations on what i should upgrade to?

I mainly use my system for DVD's and games (usually high spec like Medal of Honour, Battlefield etc).

[ROF]

Sorry can't recommend any cards because I don't know whether you have an available AGP or PCI-E Slots in order to upgrade your video sub-system.

[Squid_uk]

I cant remember if it AGP or not is there any way i can find out?

[ROF]

Right click on your desktop. Select properties and then the settings tab. If your card is AGP it will be listed along with the maximum speed(2x, 4x, 8x). Yours would be an 8x if it's AGP.

although, even if it's a PCI card you may still have an AGP slot inside your computer.

[rallynavvie]

I'm fairly certain ATi didn't make a 9000 in PCI-E architecture so I would assume it's AGP. Unless it's just a plain old PCI video card or onboard graphics. The 9000 was available as a PCI card IIRC.

Recommendation best value for a video card would be an X600 or X700. How much did you want to spend on a new video card?

[Squid_uk]

Could find the Speed option but the card i''ve got at the moment (which is absolute $*%$£) is a Intel(r) 82865G i would put my old ATI in but i gave it to someone cause thought i would need it and they haven given it to someone else!

Money?!

Dont really want to spend to much on something that i won't use to its full capability

[Poppa_Meth]

If you currently have intel graphics then they are integrated. You'll have to check and see if you have an AGP slot available in the PC.

[Squid_uk]

Oh course! I remember the technician saying bout it, i've got PCI and AGP slot spare i think! they are situated above my network card

Hope the image might help

[Squid_uk]

Sorry cant seem to post the pic

[ROF]

Now I'm confused do you have an ATI radeon or intel integrated graphics? Your first post said ATI, now you speak about intel? Which do you have? If you have the intel depending on your motherboard you may need to disable your onboard graphics via the BIOS or a Motherboard jumper before proper operation of PCI/AGP graphics is possible.

[Squid_uk]

I orignally had an ATI which performed fine but my pc blew up and to get the insurance to pay i had to have the part replaced and i had a Intel fitted

[ROF]

How much do you wanna spend? An ATI 9250 is about $30 for the 64MB AGP Version or you could spend $90 for a ATI 9600 XT with 256MB AGP. Figure $10-$20 less for PCI Cards in those same.

[Squid_uk]

Not really that bothered bout cost just want to reall upgrade from the last 1 i had

[ROF]

For the price today in the AGP line I'd recommend:

ATI Radeon 9550 - 256MB for $70

This will provide you with DX9 capability at an affordable price. Included on the card are both DVI and VGA output connectors plus TV Out. You also get Smart Shader 2.0 tech for the latest support in graphical gaming. With 256MB RAM on the card, you will notice a superior performance. At this price point and staying with ATI Chipsets you can't beat the value. I've used this card in several customer machines with zero problems reported.

[dfgh11]

I recently built a computer that wasn't really for gaming so I got a sapphire x800 PCI-E (under £100), thinking it wouldn't be much good, but I was pleasantly suprised.It's was worth the money in my opinion. PLays most games at near top specifications, without much ofa problem.