We can't explain the universe, just describe it; and we don't know whether our theories are true, we just know they're not wrong. >Harald Lesch
Okay, thanks for your replies so far. There's a lot to consider obviously...
The replies first:Because its cheaper than buying a whole new computer for $400.
True but if they're going to replace the entire PC in the next 2 years it would be a better call to do it now.
This computer will only be replaced when it dies. It handles everything my parents are doing with ease and my brother is no priority. If anything, he'll get a own computer.
Ah, I see its a gift.
I really recommend one of the two above. The open box wouldn't be such a cool gift because it isn't in a nice retail box.
Yeah, but I'm not talking deals yet, still deciding where to get it from (local shop or ebay) and what model(s) come into question.
EDIT: I need Sub-D and passive cooling would also be nice.
Why do you need D-sub? (Edit: Most cards come with a DVI to D-sub adapter.)
Ah well then it's fine, I guess. Although an integrated Sub-D would be slightly preferable.
If you're trying to be an NV fanboy, its showing. If you're just asking why not NV, its because I was looking at Newegg and they don't have too many NV AGP offerings.
Ah ok. I'm not exactly a NV
fanboy, but so far my NV cards served me well (just like my ATis just so that you know), so I wondered if there's any reason to leave them out. Especially since my old computer was an Athlon XP 1600+ with a GF6200 and they seemed to fit together very well.
The more important points:Also to take note is power consumption, and I'm a bit worried a higher end graphics card will require something more than that computer has. My x1950 Pro recommends at least 20 amps on the 12 v rail, something which was uncommon way back when.
Thanks for mentioning it, I'll definitely have to consider that upon choosing the card as I won't upgrade the PSU unless it's absolutely necessary.
Passive cooling is a no-no unless they're using a case with good airflow which I highly doubt.
No airflow. Just a standard crappy grey tower. However I'd really try to avoid the noise of those high speed fans because as far as I know there's no throttling for AGP cards. I can very well imagine my mum going all crazy about the computer being three times as loud as before just because her son insisted on that "stupid gta" she despises anyway...
Also my old 6200 was passively cooled and I had no heat issues. Actually it was way cooler than the 9600GT I have now.
So I wonder why you guys are so freaked on heat generation. I thought older cards went much cooler due to lower MHz?
It may be overkill but that's just what I'd do. An HD3650, any AGP model, should be fine. When it comes to AGP Nvidia cards, I wouldn't go with anything lower than an 8500GT AGP.
Like I said, nothing below an HD3650 or 8500GT IMO, but do as you will.
The power supply and heat generation issues are the main reasons why I don't want an overkill card. I don't know the system very well since I don't live there, so I have to make sure
beforehand that everything is running smoothly. This is the very reason why it's me buying the card, not my mother.
So, put your hand on your heart, Ex is it really necessary (necessary as in games would be performed
noticeably better - not just like 3 fps more which you only notice in benchmarks) to get a HD3650 rather than a 1000, 2000 or good 9000 series?
And which of these is the best choice considering I can't upgrade air flow or PSU? (Because then it would really be better to buy a whole new pc.)
Isn't there also eco series which have low power consumption, noise and heat generation? Seems like it would be a good choice here.
Another general question: Are all AGP 8x cards downwards compatible to a 1x - 4x port?
I guess the price discussion has become secondary.