Computer Graphic Cards

[Guest]

[rns91294]

Hi.  Hoping someone can help me out.  I just got a game for my PC that requires an Nvidia Geforce 2 graphics card or better.  Since it says or better, I assume I can get the Nvidia Geforce 3 card instead.  However there are 3 different kinds: Geforce3, Geforce3 Ti200 and Geforce3 Ti500.  Does anyone know which is the best one to get?  Or have any opinions?  Thanks.

[savage727]

I always like to purchase the most powerful component out there for my PC as technology changes so rapidly.  I believe the Geforce3 Ti500 is the most advanced of the ones you listed so I would go with that one as it most likely has more video memory and a more powerful processor that will let you enjoy more games down the road as they are released.

I use the top of the line ATI graphics card myself and have been very pleased with its performance.

[rns91294]

Thanks Savage.  I am going to try and get a used one on eBay since I don't use my computer enough to spend 100's on one.  The game is Zoo Empire (sort of like a Sims, but it's a zoo).  anyway, it requires this card and 128 of memory, so I might need a bigger memory card as well.  I have an Hewlitt Packert computer with Windows XP.  Any idea what type of memory card I would need?  I would like to find on of those on eBay too.

[savage727]

I sent a PM to the Head Yak (Mark) to check your question out as he is a genius with computers so hopefully he will post an answer for you soon.  

[rns91294]

Thanks Savage!!  All I really have to do is probably read the manual, huh?  I am looking at an eBay auction right now for the Nvidia Geforce 3 Ti500.  Most of the auctions are used.  Do you think that is okay?  Also, does $45 (which includes shipping) sound like a good price?  I think these graphic cards are usually in the $100's, right?

[MakTheYak]

It doesn't sound like you have too high requirements...  I'm pretty sure if your computer is running windows XP it will have 128Mb of memory or more. As for that graphics card I think it's a fairly old model but that doesn't matter if it does what it needs to. But I think $45 sounds fair for something like that. Hope that helps!

[rns91294]

Thanks!!  I went ahead and bought one for $39.99 plus shipping.  My computer is from 2000 and I have never updated the graphics card.  My husband and I don't use it THAT much, and I really just want to be able to play a game he got me for Christmas.  Even if it is an older model, it is definitely an upgrade for our comupter.  Thanks for the advice!!  When I am ready to upgrade again, I will know who to contact

[Roz]

Will you be alright opening up your PC to put it in?

[rns91294]

My husband seems to think he can do it.  However his little brother (he is 20) is a computer wiz, so I might trust him before my husband

[Roz]

Not a bad idea. And the commonest mistake is to fry the whole thing with static - so ensure he takes off any jumpers/sweaters he is wearing first, and uses the metal on the outside of the computer case to earth himself.

Or else you won't be visiting the forum til you saved up for a new PC  :'(

[rns91294]

Thanks for the tips!!!  Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this

All I want is to be able to play my game!!!!

[savage727]

See rns - I knew that our two favorite Yak Shackers would come to the rescue!!