upgrading old AGP card

[jeez]

I have a great, usable (Tantus built) computer that suits my needs very well except that I'd like to get a 24" monitor and a better graphics card.

However, I have only an AGP2X slot available.

Soooo...
What would be a good card to drop in there?
Is an 8X backward compatible?
Will the 2X AGP slot hold it back a lot?

I'm not much of a gamer but I think I probably need more power than my exisiting Ti 4600 delivers especially with a big monitor.

Thanks
Jeez

 

[fredgiblet]

What would be a good card to drop in there?

I'm pretty sure that 8x is backwards comatible which means that a 7600GT is a good bet if you aren't gaming and a X1950 Pro is a good bet if you are gaming.

Is an 8X backward compatible?

I believe so but I will defer to someone who is more confident in their knowledge.

Will the 2X AGP slot hold it back a lot?

Yes.

 

[fredgiblet]

As a qualifier though, if you aren't gaming the 2X will probably make only a small-moderate difference. I'd say that yo should give it a shot with your 4600 before you decide to get a new card, the worst that will happen is you will need to run at a lower res or swap back to your old monitor for a couple days.

 

[Xazax310]

check this ATI 7000 out
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131298
Runs at your X2 AGP speed and for sure will be able to handle that monitor just dont plan on playing any games on it. It also has DVI out-put incase that monitor has DVI sub.

Also the 9250 is worth looking at
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161055

I just showed a few that run at the AGP x2 speeds im sure you can get x8 but your speed with be killed and spending ALOT more money for just running a 24' monitor.

 

[jeez]

Thanks guys!

Jeez

 

[fredgiblet]

check this ATI 7000 out

Isn't the 7000 the same generation as the 4600? Wouldn't that be a sideways move?

 

[pauldh]

STOP

You need a card that states it is AGP 2X compatible as voltages are different. Most AGP cards now are only 4x/8x compatible. Possibly the Radeon 9700 pro was AGP 2X compatible and would be about the best option. (can't recall check before buying)

To be honest, you should keep the Ti4600 and upgrade the whole rig instead if you need more performance. If the mobo is only 2X chances are your CPU is below minimum spec on most new games anyway.



LOL, the Radeon 7000 is a huge step backwards from the Ti4600. The Ti4600 was easily ahead of the Radeon 8500's. And the 7000 is worse than the original radeon DDR. The 7000 is the worst card to own the Radeon name.