eric_palmer1 Posted October 20, 2002 Share Posted October 20, 2002 I've got a Dell Optiplex GX1 with and integrated AGP ATI Rage Pro (8 MB) video card that I want to make a digital darkroom PC out of. It does NOT have an AGP slot. So I need to insert a PCI graphics card to upgrade the video. The trouble is that PCI graphic cards are rapidly disappearing from the market. I have found a ATI 32 MB Radeon 7000 that is a PCI version. Anyone have any experience with this card or can anyone recommend another PCI card? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_eaton Posted October 20, 2002 Share Posted October 20, 2002 Checking pricewatch.com shows several GeForce 4 cards in PCI for less than $100. More than enough for 2-D needs, although I'm curious what's wrong with your current integrated card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_suter Posted October 20, 2002 Share Posted October 20, 2002 Eric,<BR> <BR> Like Scott, I am curious why you do not wish to use your your integrated card. I know nothing about that specific card, but the only two reasons that I can think of that you might not wish to use it are (1) it may not have current drivers for the opearting system you plan to use and (2) it may not have LUT capability that would allow you to calibrate your system with a ColorVision Spyder and PhotoCal software.<BR> <BR> FWIW, if you <b>do</b> need to get another card, look at the cards from Matrox. I have several acquaintances who make their livings writing graphics software for various markets, and they all speak favorably about the Matrox cards and drivers. At one time I knew enough about what was on the market to know which of the Matrox cards will fit your criteria, but I have been out of touch with the market regarding PCI cards for some time. I <b>think</b> that the Millenium 200 card is what you are looking for, but do not asume that my memory is correct.<BR> <BR> With best wishes,<BR> - Tom - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_norton Posted October 21, 2002 Share Posted October 21, 2002 Yes... Don't use it... It's not that the card is bad - just incompatible as I found out (according to ATI and through experience). I've got a laptop with an ATI AGP integrated. I wanted to put a video card in my docking station which only takes PCI. I bought the Radeon 7000 and it wouldn't work. 30 minutes on the phone with ATI revealed that none of their current line of PCI cards will work in a system that has an AGP driver also. In order to make it work they said you'd need to physically disable the integrated AGP (which for me would mean I could never use the laptop display. Further info I found out from ColorVision (I've got their Spyder calibration) revealed that nVIDIA cards havea problem with calibration software - they override it and use their own calibration. That doesn't leave many choices. I don't think Matrox makes PCI cards anymore. If you find a workable solution let me know as I need one for my docking station. Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_eaton Posted October 21, 2002 Share Posted October 21, 2002 Did some digging, and besides the ATI, was unable to find any new PCI graphics cards other than Nvidia based ones. Personally I prefer Nvidia being I've found cards using this chip to have better driver support than ATI ot Matrox. Durability depends on who makes the card. You have one driver with Nvidia to deal with, rather than Matrox hacking a new one every month. First time I've heard of the ColorVision issue with Nvidia. Most graphics cards can be set with their own manual profile and other enhancements being they are primarily made for game use. You can also disable all the bells and whistles, which I hope is the problem. Saying your hardware isn't compatible with Nvidia is like saying it's not compatible with Intel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genec Posted October 21, 2002 Share Posted October 21, 2002 I have the Radeon 7000 with the GEforce 2 AGP and they work fine together. This is in an XP system. I use the two cards for dual monitors - no problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kate_mcgough Posted October 21, 2002 Share Posted October 21, 2002 Your best bet would be a Geforce4 MX440, I only found one listed on pricewatch, $88 from amamax.com. I've got the Ti4200 which has been terrific even on my 3-year old P3-650. Regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric_palmer1 Posted October 22, 2002 Author Share Posted October 22, 2002 CDW is offering a PCI version of the <a href="http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?ProductID=364140">Matrox Millennium G450</a> for $119 that supports dual heads and TV output. </P>Can anyone comment on this video card before I get one? <p> Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kasigi Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 your ATI Rage Pro is probably going to be faster than just about any PCI card you can put into the system. I have an ATI Radeon and it is a veritable slug is speed compared to any of my AGP cards. My suggestion is to stick it out with the Rage Pro and spend money on RAM instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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