Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Video card gurus?

Mmmkay. So, I'd like to upgrade the horrible onboard video in my desktop. It currently has some 32mb (shared) intel chipset which works fine for almost everything. I've been interested in upgrading for a while, but the catch is that I must use a low-profile AGP card. This rules out the high-end gear. So far I've found two choices which meet my minimum (64mb). Anyone want to give opinions as to which is better? The ATI card I found appears better, though I'm only going on it's added cost and twice the memory. However, I'm not too familiar with ATI gear.

Thanks in advance.

ATI radeon 9200SE 128mb
GeForce4 Pro/MX-400

The ATI. Leaps and bounds better than the GF4 MX series cards.

Thanks Perry, I figured the ATI would be much better.

DO NOT get the 9200 SE!
DO NOT get the GF4!

GET the XFX FX5200 at circuit city for $59.99! (after rebates)<CLICK>

Do the research, I did, the FX5200 does better than the GF4 and the 9200SE. I bought one a week ago and love it. FX5200 is the only FULLY DirectX 9.0 compatable card of the three. The XFX FX5200 beats the 9200 and GF4 in frame rates per minute in many cases. XFX, although a new name, is a good name- a division on PINE, a company which has made top of the line equipment since the 1980's. Do a seach for reviews on this card in yahoo.

I appreciate the suggestion, but this card doesn't look to be low-profile.

Don't get the 5200 or the 9200, the 9100 is better. Even though it's got a lower number than the 9200 it'll out perform it. Get a 9100!! Or something better than all three.....

I would go with the ATI also. But this may sound like a stupid question but you do have an open AGP slot right? Brownish slot in the middle right over the white PCI slots. The only reason I'm bringing it up is that you said you have an intergrated video card and it may not have an open AGP. Not all intergrated boards have an open AGP slot. You probably already checked but I dont want to see you waste your money on something you cant use.

There is a slot. Very limited expansion in this system, and even further limited with the low-profile slot.

You have made some upgrades to that Compaq maybe you might want to think about a new case. The small case doesn't lend it's self well to upgrading. You may even run into some heat issues. $30 will get you a new case and everything should(key word) transfer over without a problem. Then you can get a full sized card that will give you better performance and a wider selection to choose from.
That being said ATI is the way to go.

Don't go with either of those cards, but do stick with nVidia, an FX5200 like someone said will only set you back 60-70ish

this card:

http://www.gainwardusa.com/products/vga_p660tv.htm

Gainward 5200 w/ low profile adapter!

Only 67.95 at my local computer store http://www.computersonics.com
They would ship to you if you are interested, though they often run out of merchandise and don't update the site.. so it might be best to call ahead

I'm sure you can find that model at a larger 'computer shop' in your area.. Maybe not at CompUSA/Circuit City/Best Buy though

Hope that helps