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Computer Problem: Need new video/sound cards
Posted: 9/25/2003, 9:50 pm
by Neil
I know that some of you in here have FAR more knowledge than myself when it comes to good video and sound cards.
Here's the thing......I have an HP and I haven't upgraded anything about it. My processor kicks asshole, my sound/video card is decent enough to run MOST games, but it can't handle GTA Vice City totally well.
The game functions, but I find that the graphics seem to get a "retro" look in the background after playing it for a short time......the background starts to blurr and it goes to hell.
Also, I can hear sounds such as the Vice Radio stations, and also the dialogue/story parts, but as far as environmental sounds (chatter on the streets, honking cars, engines, birds, etc) can't hear a DAMN thing.
My video card is a 32-MB ummm I can't recall what kind. My soundcard obvioiusly sounds like it could use a upgrade.
Here's where I need the advice: I need opinions on good video/sound cards. I'm not looking to spend an assload, so thats where I need advice. What brand, where to find it, etc. I'm assuming I should upgrade to a 64-MB video card, but i dunno about the sound card.
HELP MEEEEEE!!! Thanks all....
Posted: 9/25/2003, 9:58 pm
by Neil
I went to overstock.com, can somebody tell me if any of these are decent and worth the investment:
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi ... UB_CAT=151
Posted: 9/25/2003, 10:09 pm
by Neil
Posted: 9/25/2003, 10:21 pm
by Susan
Any Radeon 9000 and up is pretty decent. If you REALLY want to to all-out, shell out the cash for a 128 mb 9800, and you'll be set for the next long while.
A comparable nVidia card is their Ge-Force FX 5900. It comes in a 256 mb for the price of a 9800, but the performance is a little below it because their drivers suck until they release new ones.
Posted: 9/25/2003, 10:32 pm
by Ignignokt
u better have that shit professionally installed to cause HP's have integrated sound and video cards. they are a PAIN IN THE ASS.
also , i have a decent soundcard i got for 50$ at best buy.
the soundcard is : Philips Seismic Edge, 5.1 channel soundcard, PSC705.
Posted: 9/25/2003, 10:57 pm
by robcore
the g-force 440 is a pretty decent one. I've been able to run some shit on it.
Posted: 9/26/2003, 1:43 am
by Dr. Hobo
su7an wrote:Any Radeon 9000 and up is pretty decent. If you REALLY want to to all-out, shell out the cash for a 128 mb 9800, and you'll be set for the next long while.
A comparable nVidia card is their Ge-Force FX 5900. It comes in a 256 mb for the price of a 9800, but the performance is a little below it because their drivers suck until they release new ones.
susan knows her shit
i'd go with the 9800 hands down
its also apparently not too hard to overclock..
on a somewhat related note my bro read something about basically re-wiring (by using a soddering (sp?) iron) a Radeon 9500 to make a 9800 pro and have the comp's BIOS and motherboard internally read the card as a 9800 pro.. it was up on slashdot a few months ago
twas quite interesting actually
Posted: 9/26/2003, 7:56 am
by Neil
Maxwell Murder wrote:u better have that shit professionally installed to cause HP's have integrated sound and video cards. they are a PAIN IN THE ASS.
also , i have a decent soundcard i got for 50$ at best buy.
the soundcard is : Philips Seismic Edge, 5.1 channel soundcard, PSC705.
I'll definitely keep this one in mind.....its gotta be better than the one thats factory installed in this sucka
Posted: 9/26/2003, 7:58 am
by Neil
su7an wrote:Any Radeon 9000 and up is pretty decent. If you REALLY want to to all-out, shell out the cash for a 128 mb 9800, and you'll be set for the next long while.
A comparable nVidia card is their Ge-Force FX 5900. It comes in a 256 mb for the price of a 9800, but the performance is a little below it because their drivers suck until they release new ones.
sweet.....thanks so much, it'll probably be a bit of time before I"m able to purchase because I'm waiting for some cash to show up in the mail, but when it does I'm thinkin I'll probably get that 128 MB Radeon.
Yeah I definitely wouldn't fuck with any of this stuff myself either........I have a friend who knows what he's doing since he went to school to do this sorta thing, but if he can't help me out........the computer repair place downtown is pretty reasonable so I'll just have them take care of it for me.
Posted: 10/1/2003, 7:17 am
by gavtodd71
i have a Ti 4200
it runs things really well
As for sound
I am still using my sound blaster 4.1 live value...it kicks ass
I got the audigy 2, but i just did not like it as much
I have a decoder type thing attached to my 4.1 giving me a fake 6.2 surround sound output...its nice....i recommend that!