Second Life Forums Archive - Shopping for a new computer

Jana Fleming

SL Resident

Join date: 25 Oct 2004

Posts: 319

08-19-2005 07:32

Just needed some help with graphic cards. What's the absolute minimum you'd accept (inlight of being an SL'er) and what is the optimum card you'd suggest. Keep in mind I didn't say the most expensive lol. But honestly, I'd love to hear your opinions.

Druid Jewel

Registered User

Join date: 26 Jun 2005

Posts: 4

08-19-2005 08:02

I am using a GeForce FX 5500 256MB DDR AGP at the moment and it seems to cope quite well. I shopped around and got it for£90, which I thought was quite a good deal.

Kathmandu Gilman

Fearful Symmetry Baby!

Join date: 21 May 2004

Posts: 1,418

08-19-2005 13:44

The Nvidia 5500 is the least card I would recomend going out and purchasing. Order online as most retailers still think this is a $130 card. The ideal card for SL(in my opinion) is the Nvidia 6600gt, it works well with just about any game you throw at it plus SL is beautiful when run on it in high quality. Shop around, you can find the 6600gt online in the $150 range, sometimes less. Get the GT as it is a much better card and it can usually be overclocked to 6800 speeds

In a new computer, CPU and memory are going to matter a whole more than the card you use. A 6600GT on a 1.4 Duron with 256 system memory is going to run badly no matter what. A 5500 on a 4000+ X64 is going to operate and play a gazillion times better than the Duron or Celron with a better card.

For a new system I would suggest getting a PCI-e system as it is the future plus PCI-e versions of video cards are a little cheaper than the AGP flavor (fewer chips).

_____________________

It may be true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease but it is also true that the squeaky wheel gets replaced at the first critical maintenance opportunity.

Thili Playfair

Registered User

Join date: 18 Aug 2004

Posts: 2,417

08-19-2005 15:10

Definatly least 6600 gf, and pci-express ,
Any of the 64bit cpus are very nice, intel is a waste of money compared to what you get, so a amd.

64 bit 3500+ and 4000+ are where i live anyway decent price range on, and dont go under 512mb ram for SL -.- its dreadfull slow.

Dunno if you are planning on building a new comp or just need a graphic card, but look for nvidia 6600 gf ones, they are decent priced.

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Shopping for a new computer - YESSSSSSS

Shopping for a new computer - YESSSSSSS
Jana Fleming SL Resident Join date: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 319	08-19-2005 07:32 Just needed some help with graphic cards. What's the absolute minimum you'd accept (inlight of being an SL'er) and what is the optimum card you'd suggest. Keep in mind I didn't say the most expensive lol. But honestly, I'd love to hear your opinions.
Druid Jewel Registered User Join date: 26 Jun 2005 Posts: 4	08-19-2005 08:02 I am using a GeForce FX 5500 256MB DDR AGP at the moment and it seems to cope quite well. I shopped around and got it for£90, which I thought was quite a good deal.
Kathmandu Gilman Fearful Symmetry Baby! Join date: 21 May 2004 Posts: 1,418	08-19-2005 13:44 The Nvidia 5500 is the least card I would recomend going out and purchasing. Order online as most retailers still think this is a $130 card. The ideal card for SL(in my opinion) is the Nvidia 6600gt, it works well with just about any game you throw at it plus SL is beautiful when run on it in high quality. Shop around, you can find the 6600gt online in the $150 range, sometimes less. Get the GT as it is a much better card and it can usually be overclocked to 6800 speeds In a new computer, CPU and memory are going to matter a whole more than the card you use. A 6600GT on a 1.4 Duron with 256 system memory is going to run badly no matter what. A 5500 on a 4000+ X64 is going to operate and play a gazillion times better than the Duron or Celron with a better card. For a new system I would suggest getting a PCI-e system as it is the future plus PCI-e versions of video cards are a little cheaper than the AGP flavor (fewer chips). _____________________ It may be true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease but it is also true that the squeaky wheel gets replaced at the first critical maintenance opportunity.
Thili Playfair Registered User Join date: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 2,417	08-19-2005 15:10 Definatly least 6600 gf, and pci-express , Any of the 64bit cpus are very nice, intel is a waste of money compared to what you get, so a amd. 64 bit 3500+ and 4000+ are where i live anyway decent price range on, and dont go under 512mb ram for SL -.- its dreadfull slow. Dunno if you are planning on building a new comp or just need a graphic card, but look for nvidia 6600 gf ones, they are decent priced.