Hey all,

My graphics card on my desktop recently died, so I need a new one anyway. I'm currently running Vista Ultimate. I don't do any gaming, but I want to get a card that will support of all Vista's visual effects. I don't need anything more than that. I'd really appreciate your input on helping choose a video card, as I know nothing about them.

Here are the specs of my current video card after doing a DxDiag from my system:


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System Information
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Time of this report: 8/22/2007, 20:05:07
Machine name: HOME311-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Ultimate (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_rtm.061101-2205)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Model: E-6100
BIOS: BIOS Date: 04/21/04 17:05:39 Ver: 08.00.10
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU 2.66GHz, ~2.7GHz
Memory: 1022MB RAM
Page File: 789MB used, 1507MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6000.16386 32bit Unicode

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DxDiag Notes
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Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: The file ctaud2k.sys is not digitally signed, which means that it has not been tested by Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL). You may be able to get a WHQL logo'd driver from the hardware manufacturer.
Sound Tab 2: The file ctaud2k.sys is not digitally signed, which means that it has not been tested by Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL). You may be able to get a WHQL logo'd driver from the hardware manufacturer.
Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
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Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

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Display Devices
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Card name: NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200 (Microsoft Corporation - XDDM)
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce4 Ti 4200
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0253&SUBSYS_87031462&REV_A3
Display Memory: 127.5 MB
Dedicated Memory: n/a
Shared Memory: n/a
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor
Driver Name: nv4_disp
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.5673 (English)
DDI Version: 9
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 11/2/2006 05:42:15, 4274816 bytes

u could probably get away with something like an 8400 (OEM part only I think) but you can NEVER expect to play a game on it

I've just recommended BFG 8500 GT for our new R&D computers at work. They're quiet, only $100, perfect for Vista Aero, support dual monitors, and they're totally useless for gaming. All excellent advantages from my boss' point of view

Yup, either an HD 2400Pro or geForce 8400 would be fine. They'll even be excellent for older games, and high-quality videos.

I second the 8500GT. Just figure spending no more than $100 really.

I did some research and it doesn't appear the NVidia 8 series supports AGP, which is what I need. I think I traced it back to the 6 series as having AGP compatibility.

If this is the case, is the 6 series something that could fully handle Vista? I'm aiming to get one with 256MB. Also, do you also often find you need to upgrade your power supply with most video card upgrades?

AGP nVidia 7 Series:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] name=256MB

The Radeon 2400 PRO or Geforce 8400 will do the job with full Dx10 support and a super-low price.

If you don't game, a more expensive card than that is a complete waste.

Cleeve, are those available in AGP?

How about this 7600GT:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814122009

It's a very modest card (44W or something like that), it shouldn't need a new PSU.

I bough a geforce 6200 256MB for my mother pc only for vista, it supports the aero vista interface so I think that it's enough for your purposues, and it's cheap! , if you don't game at all you don't need anything more expensive.

AGP? Missed that, sorry!

Actually, the 2400/2600 is rumored to come out in September...

But they'll probably be too expensive.

I'd look for a Radeon X1300 or Geforce 6200 for an AGP rig... whichever's cheaper.

Agreed. Just don't get a GeForce MX 4000. I had one like that and it was lousy at playing movies at 1680x1050, I had to watch them in a window at about 800x600

Any idea whether I'll need a 128-bit card? Or will a 256MB 64-bit card run the Aero interface?

I need to run a 1280x1024 resolution as well. Will all 6-series and up cards run this res?

it sure will run that res..

and since your not gaming the 64-bit bus doesn't affect you at all really..i would go for the cheapest 6 series card you could find

ahh found it http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130039

geforce 6800 gt (bfg)
powerful, not too expensive, quiet

I used a evga 6800 vanilla pci express on vista good. I tried certain flash games and they wouldnt play so i switched to an evga 8600 gts and am having the same problems. Other than that the 6800 ran with no problems