I have a Dell Dimension 2400 with integrated Intel 3D AGP graphics. I'm really getting into Second Life online, but the graphics are slow to load and very choppy. I need to upgrade my video card, but am not sure what to get! I know that I will need a card that fits a standard PCI slot as I do not have PCI-e or an AGP slot. What is the best card I can get that will work? Aside from Second Life, I am not really a hardcore gamer. Please help!

Joslyn

I just cant say more that your current system is waaaaayyyyyyyyyy too old. Anyway, most (if not all) PCI 3D Card will be very rare to be available for purchase. The best that i can recommend for you will be Radeon 9250.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...

The same price of this card can buy you a much much more powerfull PCIe card. You should get a new system. Buying just a PCI card is not worth it. Wasting money in a long run. Anyway its your call. :-)

Cert Computing Level 3
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Thanks for the advice! I am going to go ahead and get what you suggested, that was one that I had already been eyeing but just wasn't sure. Since researching this video card stuff, I really see that my computer (while it serves its purpose for my needs fairly well) is extremely limited in upgrade-ability. Unfortunately, it's just not in my budget at the moment to upgrade to a whole new system. I figure the 9250, at any rate, will be an improvement on what I've got and will work for the time being. Again, thanks so much for your advice!

Joslyn

The X1300 is arguably the best performing graphics card among PCI variants. Unfortunately it is not cost effective & even at best you'd be forking over close to a $100 or more if you were to get one from an auction site like fleabay.

The reason why most folks here are not quick to suggest it is because of diminishing returns tied to such an upgrade. However, if you have an older system (with only PCI expansion slots) that you are not looking to upgrade any time soon & you need the fastest PCI card for mediocre gaming needs then the X1300 is not a bad idea - $100 is a big difference from $350 you'd spend to moderately gut your crappy Dimension 4200.

Now, would I buy the X1300 (PCI)if I were to ever be in your shoes - it's highly unlikely. I would rather pick up a card like this 128-bit 9250. Sorta similar to the advice given by the prior responder.

Even though it only supports DX8.1 & does not support SM 3.0, but those differences (including a couple of others) as well as the X1300 being a DX9 card is not compelling enough to warrant a $70 price difference between the performance derivative of the 9250 linked & a your typical PCI X1300.

Good luck!

This FX5500 for $64 is better than the Radeon 9250:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...

Or there's this X1550Pro for $87 after rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...

Hmm.......the (open box) 9250 that I recall posting was about $35.

Newegg just flipped the price on the 9250.....WTH

Edit: Someone must have snagged the open box deal just within hours of posting it.........LOL

X1550 will be a bottleneck for joslyn. I suspect that the CPU is not HT version. FX5500 will be a good deal too but 9250 will also be alright.

Cert Computing Level 3
Dip Electronic Eng
Dip Computing and IT
BSc Hons Software Eng

Just thought I'd follow-up... I ended up getting the Radeon 9250 PCI and it works great! Very easy to install, graphics on SecondLife look awesome. Thanks to everyone for all your advice!

Joslyn