Whats the best?

[kylednelson]

Hello, i am a newbie here but i have a question. I know there's a sticky for the best graphics cards for price and interface type; however i only have PCI slots in my computer. I did some research myself, but its hard because i am currently stuck on dail up. I am looking ot upgrade my GeForce FX5500 to something better. What I found was this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814139010

My question is, is this the best i can get for PCI only, or am I just not finding something thats better? Any help is greatly welcome and thank you in advance!

 

[KyleSTL]

The best PCI card is the Radeon X1550, which is absurdly overpriced (>$100).

However, such a card will be bottlenecked by the bus. That brings me to my recommendation, if you're gaming, buy a new computer. No PCI-based card will play any recent game at enjoyable resolutions, details and framerates.

I have a question for you, however: What is your intended use of the computer? This will determine what recommendation can be made for your situation.

 

[illyan]

I think the best you can get for a PCI system is a HD2400 Pro. It's a decent upgrade from a FX5500.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131082

 

[daft]

id go for the 2400pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103056

 

[ahslan]

if your gonna be gaming, your definitely gonna want something that has a pci express slot...i suggest you start saving for new rig build ...look at the bright side though; gaming comps have never as cheap to make as they are today

 

[kylednelson]

I do plan on getting a new computer within the next year or so; I am looking to upgrade my graphics card as more of a stopgap until that time. Since I am on dail up (which rarely achieves more than a 26kbps) I do not do a lot of gaming with the newer games out there; however we are planning to buy our first home (another reason i dont buy a new rig right now, getting a mortage when your young and have little credit history is not easy right now!) and will be having fasteer internet and I am looking to start doing more of the new games. Also, i plan on getting Spore whenit comes out in september (the hopefully the creature creator next month) and my FX5500 is not supported.

 

[evongugg]

The performance change from 5500 to 6200 is minimal.
I would save the money for something else.

 

[rubix_1011]

I have an old Voodoo 4500 laying around somewhere...

 

[illyan]

The 2400Pro would be fine for just about anything out there right now, if you keep the resolution low.

 

[kylednelson]

So I guess that narrows it down to do i get the Powercolor or the Diamond brand? They dont seem that much different to me besides the price (which may be from the added accessories the Diamond ships as well?)

 

[KyleSTL]

Wow, a 2400 on PCI, I guess I don't keep up with the GPU news on that interface. That Powercolor looks like a heck of a deal, I'd go for it. What's the rest of your setup (curiosity)?

 

[kylednelson]

at work right now, but i am (99%) sure that I am running XP on a Intel P4 2.79ghz, 1.5 gigs of ram. i'll tiple check after work, not use to working mornings so my minds a bit ont he slow side!