So My Video Card Died

[Cynical Cat]

And I need to replace it. I'm running a 2.8 dual core and want a good, but not ridiculous replacement. Suggestions?

[B4UTRUST]

I'd say we'd need a few more details like what is your motherboard capable of handling? PCI-e 1.0? 2.0? 3.0? Price range? Are you looking at doing serious gaming and need dual video cards in SLI?

[White Haven]

'Good, but not ridiculous' sorta rules out SLI, given that no games come anywhere close to needing it even at the high end.

Other than that, though, B4 is right; we could use a bit more info. PCI-E version, not so much, it's all backwards compatible, but rough price range you're looking at would give the necessary targeting information.

[Hotfoot]

What were you using before? That would help with what it can be replaced by.

[Cynical Cat]

8600 GTS was what I was using before, but it was merely adequate and I encountered the occassional graphical slowdown using it so I want something with more punch, which I know might mean a beefier power supply.

I've got one of those AGI/AGL? whatever they're called dedicated slots.

[Hotfoot]

Hmm, 8600 GTS, this is either going to be relatively simple or a pain in the ass. I'll confer with Marcao.

If you're running a 2.8 dual core, you are approaching the hard limit where getting replacement parts may end up costing you a significant chunk of what a new system would cost. Marcao will have more data for you, but it may be time to start saving up for a new system that, with luck, will be reasonably future proof. I know I'm starting to do it myself and my system is maybe a year or so newer than yours.

Hey, remember when gaming rigs would only last like, 3-4 years?

[Marcao]

Hello Omnipresent Authority Figure (Aka, Cynical Cat),


It has come to my attention that your video card has keeled over. As a result, your acolytes have busied themselves scouring musty tomes and secret texts as we seek ways to assist you. Ultimately, the consensus is that we require a tad more information as there is uncertainty over the bus type of your current card (there are two types, AGP and PCI-E). The easiest way to determine the type of bus interface to your motherboard is to take a picture of your video card so that the bottom connectors are showing. AGP is an older technology that has fewer connections than the newer PCI-E bus. As soon as we know for certain the type of bus type we are working with, we can scour for the best deals available to bring your system back to its former glory.


Your humble servant,

Marcao.

[B4UTRUST]

Ultimately, the consensus is that we require a tad more information as there is uncertainty over the bus type of your current card (there are two types, AGP and PCI-E).

I've got one of those AGI/AGL? whatever they're called dedicated slots.

Marcao, I think this implies he has AGP. I could be mistaken though.

[White Haven]

On the other hand, there were almost no dual-core CPUs in the desktop market before PCI-E arrived, so I'd want absolute clarification on that one before recommending a part. In particular a 2.8Ghz chip strongly implies an Intel origin, in which case there are precisely zero Pentium D chips released pre-PCI-E.

The easiest way to settle this with certainty would be with either the motherboard or system model, or just a straight-up picture of the motherboard without the video card installed. If possible, some information on the power supply (or just a picture of its label) would help as well; I'd hate to recommend a video card your PSU can't handle.

[Cynical Cat]

Hmm, 8600 GTS, this is either going to be relatively simple or a pain in the ass. I'll confer with Marcao.

If you're running a 2.8 dual core, you are approaching the hard limit where getting replacement parts may end up costing you a significant chunk of what a new system would cost. Marcao will have more data for you, but it may be time to start saving up for a new system that, with luck, will be reasonably future proof. I know I'm starting to do it myself and my system is maybe a year or so newer than yours.

Hey, remember when gaming rigs would only last like, 3-4 years?

Fortunately, I don't need to save up for a new computer since I've got enough in the bank. My brother went and bought what appears to be a bare bones sucker without consulting me in any way so I'm back on the web with a somewhat complicated computer status.