Video card advice required

Nightwalker on 16/11/2009 at 01:37

My Radeon 9800 Pro just went belly up. I've got my daughter's old Radeon 9600 taking its place right now but I'd like to get something a little better. The trouble is I have no idea what to get or how to tell what will run on this computer. It has to be AGP so the choices are limited to some extent. I found another thread from earlier in the year where a Radeon X1650 and X1950 were suggested as good cards to run Thief well (which is of course the main thing I use this computer for) and still get fog, etc. Would one of those do or is there a better one I should consider?

This computer is getting a bit elderly, obviously. It's an Athlon 64 2.20 (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186010) This is the motherboard which we purchased last year when the old one died.

We usually buy from either (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/category/category_slc.asp?page=1&Nav=|c:318|&Sort=4&Recs=10) Tiger Direct or (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?minorcatid=108&subminorcatid=49&po=0&ps=2) NCIX . If anyone has time to look at the selection available and give me an opinion, I'd appreciate it.

theBlackman on 16/11/2009 at 01:48

Can't look or recommend but I'm running both the 9600 and an X800XT AGP and am happy with both.

Not on the same system, of course.

Good luck NW.

voodoo47 on 16/11/2009 at 12:54

..yes,the x1000 series are great for running dark engine based games,so either go for the (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3101648&CatId=318) x1650 if you want to keep this as cheap as possible,or (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2918625&CatId=318) x1950 if you feel like spending more cash (note: the x1950 requires a better power supply-a newer one with pci-e power connector is recommended).I would recommend the x1650-its more than enough for your needs,and you won't have to worry about the power supply.

bikerdude on 16/11/2009 at 14:00

Quote Posted by voodoo47

f you want to keep this as cheap as possible, x1950

In addition, If you want to keep Legacy compatibility (e.g. DX9) then this is a the best card to get. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129077&Tpk=X1950) NewEgg @$69. There is also the X1950XTX(this is the fastest native DX9 card bar none) but that card is rare and cant mostly only be be found second hand.

Nightwalker on 16/11/2009 at 14:54

I couldn't find that card on Newegg.ca when I searched video cards but when I put the model into the search box, it came up with one so I ordered it. It's almost half the price that it's listed for on TigerDirect. Thanks for the help!

Lady Rowena on 16/11/2009 at 15:10

I have a x1650 pro and in addition I would say that it is one of the last cards with no need to apply tricks and fixes in order to play Thief. It also displays fog just fine. :)

Nightwalker on 16/11/2009 at 17:22

Thanks, Adriana! That's good to know. :)

bikerdude on 16/11/2009 at 17:25

Quote Posted by Nightwalker

It's almost half the price that it's listed for on TigerDirect. Thanks for the help!

:cheeky:

voodoo47 on 17/11/2009 at 09:55

I would still probably recommend the x1650-less heat,less noise,lower power consumption..

bikerdude on 17/11/2009 at 10:22

Quote Posted by voodoo47

I would still probably recommend the x1650-less heat,less noise,lower power consumption..

The X1950pro runs almost as cool and quiet as the X1650, but is a tad more powerful.