AGP Video Card question

[Adman]

This is probably an elementary question but I was hoping someone could
clarify something. I am looking to upgrade the video card in my Dell
PC. From Dell's website I was able to determine my AGP bus protocol is
2x/4x. I currently have an NVIDIA 64MB GeForce4 MX 420 adapter
installed.

When I am shopping for new adapaters the AGP cards appear to be
categorized into two groups, 2X/4X and 4X/8X. My question is can I
install a video card that supports the 4X and 8X protocols? I
understand I won't be able to take advantage of the higher performance
but am interested in the higher memory and multiple connectors, VGA and
DVI.

I am hoping to connect two monitors to the same computer. Any
assistance would be appreciated.

 

[Sparex]

What you will need to know is if your Motherboard's AGP slot is an
older 3.3V slot or the newer 1.5 or Universal AGP.

some manuals will tell you..
Here is an image link for what the different slots look like.

http://www.informit.com/content/images/chap13_073571360x/elementLinks/13fig03.jpg

To answer your question, commonly if its 2x/4x built in and the slot is
3.3v you'll need to find a 2x/4x that will fit. if its 2x/4x built-in
and is a 1.5v or a universal slot, then you can get a 4x/8x card and it
will just downclock to the current bus speed.

good luck in your hunt, if ya reply and tell me what slot type you have
I can help further by looking up some good cards for you to use..

Not all Cards are created the same, keep that in mind..

 

[Adman]

Thanks for the information. According to the documentation on Dell's
site the AGP port is 1.5v and they are recommending the Radeon 9700
Pro.

I am not a PC Gamer and but am more interested in the ability to use
the VGA and DVI port at the same time. I'm sure the ATI 9800 Pro 128
Megabyte is overkill but it looks like I can get it at NewEgg for $139.

Thanks again for the information.

 

[John Doe]

....

When I am shopping for new adapaters the AGP cards appear to be
categorized into two groups, 2X/4X and 4X/8X. My question is
can I install a video card that supports the 4X and 8X
protocols? I understand I won't be able to take advantage of
the higher performance but am interested in the higher memory
and multiple connectors, VGA and DVI.

I think so, but I would not go hog wild on a new AGP video card
because your next (PCI Express) mainboard probably won't accept
it.

Unless you're a gamer or graphic artist, most modern video cards
will suffice.

I am hoping to connect two monitors to the same computer.

Dual monitors are great, in my opinion, especially when you want
to get things done or are very interested in using your computer.
I have been using them since Windows 98. Make sure the video card
includes the correct number of DVI to AGP adapters if you need
them (two if the card has two DVI outputs).

Good luck. Please feel free to let us know how your experience goes.

 

[Fred]

I think so, but I would not go hog wild on a new AGP video card because
your next (PCI Express) mainboard probably won't accept it.

What you think is irrelevant, Doe.

Unless you're a gamer or graphic artist, most modern video cards will
suffice.

I feel so much smarter.

Dual monitors are great, in my opinion, especially when you want to get
things done or are very interested in using your computer.

Why would anyone want to get things done or are very interested in using my
computer?

I have been using them since Windows 98.

I've told you that for years.

Make sure the video card includes the correct number of DVI to AGP
adapters if you need them (two if the card has two DVI outputs)

nVidia are shit. Buy an ATI.

Good luck.

Good enough.

Please feel free to let us know how your experience goes.

Why should I feel free to let you know how my experience goes?

 

[Sparex]

for the average user I wouldn't spend over 100$ is you dont have too..
the dual mon option is great.. used it for a bit but im a gamer and
alot of games dont support 2 mons.

ATI or Nvidia are great.. I run both and never had an issue with them..
my Ti4400 (Nvidia) is still alot better than some newer ATI cards and
runs even doom 3 with ease.. can get it online for about 50$ now im
sure, but possibly not new but refurb (same as new in my experience and
still get a warrenty)
or newer Nvidia the 6200 and 6600 are great just depending on how much
your gonna spend.. forget about the GT models if your not gaming..
you'll never see the difference in them.

for ATI, the 9550 would work wonders too or speaking of wonders.. the
all-in-wonders are nice too if you wanna experiment with using your
computer as a Tivo service or more.. That Radeon 9800 Pro 128mb is what
im using now in my main system.. BEAUTIFUL card. and thats fantastic
price.. i'd say for got it if you want something that will be very
flexable.

oh and fred... Nvidia are not shit as you say.. they are great cards..
just as ATI are great cards too.. everyone is gonna have thier personal
preferences but in my experience, never had an issue and got amazing
performace from both ATI and Nvidia..

 

[joe]

What is an AGP card???

What you think is irrelevant, Doe.


I feel so much smarter.


Why would anyone want to get things done or are very interested in using my

I've told you that for years.


nVidia are shit. Buy an ATI.


Good enough.


Why should I feel free to let you know how my experience goes?

 

[David Maynard]

This is probably an elementary question but I was hoping someone could
clarify something. I am looking to upgrade the video card in my Dell
PC. From Dell's website I was able to determine my AGP bus protocol is
2x/4x. I currently have an NVIDIA 64MB GeForce4 MX 420 adapter
installed.

When I am shopping for new adapaters the AGP cards appear to be
categorized into two groups, 2X/4X and 4X/8X. My question is can I
install a video card that supports the 4X and 8X protocols? I
understand I won't be able to take advantage of the higher performance
but am interested in the higher memory and multiple connectors, VGA and
DVI.

As long as the card specifically says it supports 4x, I.E. 4x or 4x/8x,
then it'll work if your board is, indeed, 2x/4x. It'll operate 4x.

A 4x card will not work in a 2x only motherboard and an 8x only card will
not work in a 2x, or 4x only motherboard.

Listing two speeds means it'll operate in either.

 

[David Maynard]

What you will need to know is if your Motherboard's AGP slot is an
older 3.3V slot or the newer 1.5 or Universal AGP.

some manuals will tell you..
Here is an image link for what the different slots look like.

http://www.informit.com/content/images/chap13_073571360x/elementLinks/13fig03.jpg

To answer your question, commonly if its 2x/4x built in and the slot is
3.3v

4x is 1.5 volt.

 

[Fred]

joe, <[email protected]>, whose name means "deviant covert homosexual;
lights fires; has a huge, fat arse and bigger tits than most women",
groused:

What is an AGP card?

What does marriage have to do with sex?

 

[Adman]

Sparex and David, Thank you for your responses. I appreciate it. I
think I'm going to purchase the ATI 9800 Pro. My last concern is that
I've read in some of the groups that people have had issues installing
an ATI card when a Nvidia card is installed.

From what I have read it seems the two drivers don't work well with

each other. Have either of you had any experience with this,
installing an ATI with a Nvidia card and drivers already installed?

 

[Steven]

AGP stands for Accelerated Graphics Port. it comes in 4x and 8x. Which I
believe is faster that a regular PCI slot. Then the PCI Express x16 is
faster than the AGP slot.