Do I need a graphics card?

[Dave C.]

For my next PC I might build my own around a Pentium 4 system but I'm
also thinking of buying a Dell as they have some good deals on in some
of the UK papers and are reputed to be quiet (important for me). Most
though seem to use integrated graphics. The only games I play are stuff
like a demo version of Age of Empires 2 and other freebies/demos. They
dont count as 3D games do they? I do a bit of scanning sometimes too.

So, do you think I would be ok with integrated graphics or should I get
one with an AGP card?

You'd be OK with integrated graphics. If possible, get one with an AGP
expansion slot (what the card fits into). I don't think you'll need it, but
it's nice to keep your options open. -Dave

 

[Sally]

For my next PC I might build my own around a Pentium 4 system but I'm
also thinking of buying a Dell as they have some good deals on in some
of the UK papers and are reputed to be quiet (important for me). Most
though seem to use integrated graphics. The only games I play are stuff
like a demo version of Age of Empires 2 and other freebies/demos. They
dont count as 3D games do they? I do a bit of scanning sometimes too.

So, do you think I would be ok with integrated graphics or should I get
one with an AGP card?

 

[ToolPackinMama]

You'd be OK with integrated graphics. If possible, get one with an AGP
expansion slot (what the card fits into). I don't think you'll need it, but
it's nice to keep your options open. -Dave

I agree with Dave.

 

[Cuzman]

" So, do you think I would be ok with integrated graphics or should I get
one with an AGP card? "


Integrated graphics processors (IGP) are becoming better, but they still
lack behind the performance of current mid-range AGP graphics cards. If you
settle for a motherboard with IGP, just make sure it has an AGP slot for
upgrade potential.

The following two articles may help you understand the limitations of IGP a
little better:

http://www.tomshardware.com/graphic/20030903/
http://www.tomshardware.com/graphic/20040211/

 

[Patrick]

You'd be OK with integrated graphics. If possible, get one with an AGP
expansion slot (what the card fits into). I don't think you'll need it, but
it's nice to keep your options open. -Dave

If you want to keep your options open, visa the motherboard/power supply
replacement in the event of failure, DO NOT buy the proprietary DELL
systems, as the uniquely wired Dell psu costs a huge amount more than
any after market psu, but, the standard ATX wiring will blow your Dell
mainboard! Shame on DELL for using the same power connector, but
reversing the grounds and power leads!!!

When Dell learns to adhere to the ATX STANDARDS, their sales will
increase, maybe. Most of us hardware geeks 'run what we brung' and
build up our own systems, making certain that they comply with the
STANDARDS!.

 

[jeffc]

For my next PC I might build my own around a Pentium 4 system but I'm
also thinking of buying a Dell as they have some good deals on in some
of the UK papers and are reputed to be quiet (important for me). Most
though seem to use integrated graphics. The only games I play are stuff
like a demo version of Age of Empires 2 and other freebies/demos. They
dont count as 3D games do they? I do a bit of scanning sometimes too.

So, do you think I would be ok with integrated graphics or should I get
one with an AGP card?

If that's the only type of game you'll play, integrated video is just fine.
I would, however, recommend that you at least make sure your new Dell has an
AGP slot (some of them do not), so if you change your mind in the future and
play a full version of a demo you really like, you can add a new video card.

 

[~A_Sammy]

I agree with the guys that said beware of propriatary hardware and/or
software. If you get their stuff and something breaks, you have to buy
their stuff at inflated prices to fix it, so the price break you got in the
beginning, you loose if you have to fix it. The more you have to fix, the
more you loose.
If you can't build one yourself or know someone who can, I think you should
go to a local screw driver shop that's been open over 5 years, and buy one
from them. You'll get all normal parts, a warranty, and have a place to go
talk to people when it breaks. I prefer the small shops because they care
more about keeping their customers, and will usually take the time to hold
your hand if it comes to that.

Sammy