help with video card

[DotCom]

I have a Dell P4 2.53 MHz 1 gig ram 120 HD 7200.
I don't know what AGP I have...how do I find out?
Also, I've read some specs about the volt. How do I find out what volt my
AGP slot is?

Now for the real question, what graphics card should I buy? I currently
have a Matrox G550 and a 19" Dell Digital monitor. I don't really play fast
games. I just want the best 2D possible. The G550 is only 32 mg. Can I do
better by buying a more current card is terms of screen redraw? I like the
sharp text of the Matrox but I wonder if I couldn't get a little more speed
with a more current card.
Any suggestions?
I really am a complete novice so I would appreciate as much simplicity in a
reply as possible.
thanks for any that take the time to reply.

Peggy

 

[Mac Cool]

DotCom:

I have a Dell P4 2.53 MHz 1 gig ram 120 HD 7200.
I don't know what AGP I have...how do I find out?

If you have a 4550, it is a 4X, 1.5V, AGP; the 4600s might be 8X, I'm
not sure. Your AGP slot will be compatible with all modern AGP video
cards.

Also, I've read some specs about the volt. How do I find out what
volt my AGP slot is?

http://www.directron.com/15agpguide.html#my
You have a 1.5V slot.

Now for the real question, what graphics card should I buy? I
currently have a Matrox G550 and a 19" Dell Digital monitor. I don't
really play fast games. I just want the best 2D possible.

Then stay with your Matrox. Matrox is considered by many to have the
best 2D quality. Ultimately the video card is limited by the quality of
the monitor.

The G550 is only 32 mg. Can I do better by buying a more current
card is terms of screen redraw? I like the sharp text of the Matrox
but I wonder if I couldn't get a little more speed with a more
current card. Any suggestions?

The Matrox is more than powerful enough for 2D graphics. If you really
feel the need to upgrade, Newegg.com has a Matrox Parhelia for $342.

A less expensive and arguably 'just as good' option would be an ATI
Radeon. If you are not playing games then any it probably doesn't matter
which model you buy, 9200, 9600 or 9800.

I'm guessing you are working with large 2D graphics? You would be better
served by more memory (but your system may be limited to 1GB), a faster
processor and a fast hard drive.

 

[kony]

I have a Dell P4 2.53 MHz 1 gig ram 120 HD 7200.
I don't know what AGP I have...how do I find out?
Also, I've read some specs about the volt. How do I find out what volt my
AGP slot is?

Now for the real question, what graphics card should I buy? I currently
have a Matrox G550 and a 19" Dell Digital monitor. I don't really play fast
games. I just want the best 2D possible. The G550 is only 32 mg. Can I do
better by buying a more current card is terms of screen redraw? I like the
sharp text of the Matrox but I wonder if I couldn't get a little more speed
with a more current card.
Any suggestions?
I really am a complete novice so I would appreciate as much simplicity in a
reply as possible.
thanks for any that take the time to reply.

Peggy

Screen redraw? Is this with very large image editing?
If so then it would help to have a card with at least 64,
preferably 128MB memory onboard.

What exactly is it that you need the performance for? You
stated no need for fast games but the best 2D possible...
the Matrox card you have is righ up there as a top choice
given those criteria.

The Matrox is plenty fast enough for 2D use, if you see
sluggishness in 2D it's probably something else causing a
bottleneck, except for a situation like I mentioned above-
image editing or other similar use where the 2D space far
exceeds the monitor's resolution and you need to be able to
pan the image. If it is 3D you need a boost for then
consider an ATI Radeon, preferably 9600 or higher. Most
people consider their output pretty good but it's doubtful
that it'd be as crisp as the Matrox card you already have.

 

[DotCom]

Thank you both very much for the info.
Yes, I deal with rather large 2D graphics.
I'm really not that unhappy with the Matrox, I was just wondering if I was
missing something with it only having 32mg. I guess I'll just stick with it
then! Thanks for helping my save my $'s.
Peggy

I have a Dell P4 2.53 MHz 1 gig ram 120 HD 7200.
I don't know what AGP I have...how do I find out?
Also, I've read some specs about the volt. How do I find out what volt my
AGP slot is?

Now for the real question, what graphics card should I buy? I currently
have a Matrox G550 and a 19" Dell Digital monitor. I don't really play
fast
games. I just want the best 2D possible. The G550 is only 32 mg. Can I
do
better by buying a more current card is terms of screen redraw? I like the
sharp text of the Matrox but I wonder if I couldn't get a little more speed
with a more current card.
Any suggestions?
I really am a complete novice so I would appreciate as much simplicity in a
reply as possible.
thanks for any that take the time to reply.

Peggy

Screen redraw? Is this with very large image editing?
If so then it would help to have a card with at least 64,
preferably 128MB memory onboard.

What exactly is it that you need the performance for? You
stated no need for fast games but the best 2D possible...
the Matrox card you have is righ up there as a top choice
given those criteria.

The Matrox is plenty fast enough for 2D use, if you see
sluggishness in 2D it's probably something else causing a
bottleneck, except for a situation like I mentioned above-
image editing or other similar use where the 2D space far
exceeds the monitor's resolution and you need to be able to
pan the image. If it is 3D you need a boost for then
consider an ATI Radeon, preferably 9600 or higher. Most
people consider their output pretty good but it's doubtful
that it'd be as crisp as the Matrox card you already have.