New graphics card time...

[Smike]

My current graphics card just blew up. It now only works in safe mode.

So...I need a new one.

My system spec is:
2Ghz processor (P4)
1Gb RAM
...and I used to have a 128Mb graphics card until just now.

I'm unlikely to be upgrading the rest of the system, so getting a top of the range card seems a little pointless.

I mostly play games, so I need something that will be generally compatible. Any suggestions?

Budget of max~£50.

Thanks.

 

[malbui]

I've just had to replace a graphics card as the Matrox Mystique I've been using for 10 years in an old Linux box gave up the ghost. I had fun finding a PCI card (it's an old motherboard) and eventually settled for a Geforce FX5500 for €49 - reasonably quick and with 128mb so more than adequate for my purposes. Plus it has stable Linux drivers.

 

[Jon_in_london]

Should be able to get a 256meg Saphire Radeon 9550 for £50 or a 128 meg 9250 for £40.

 

[Vitnir]

Sounds impossible to get a gaming gfx-card in that budget unless you play something that doesnt use 3D-acceleration much.

 

[Mongrel]

Here's a good one at Scan. 256Mb Sapphire ATI 9600.

Unless you're into some serious games that should lsat you for a couple of years

 

[PixyMisa]

The 9600 is a good card - a lot better than the 9250. I had one until Sims 2 came out. (For some reason, the card would lock up without fail 5-10 minutes into the game. Replaced with a GeForce 6600, which so far hasn't had any problems.)

 

[Smike]

I bought the geforce 6200.

Now the question is, what do I do with the old dead card? A doorstop maybe?

 

[Mongrel]

If it only works in safe mode just keep it as an "emergency" card. Generally PC components fail without warning, normally just as the shops are shutting and you've got to finish that report for work

Having a spare card, even one that only works in safe mode, means if your new graphics card goes horribly wrong you can at least do some basic stuff till a replacement arrives