Re: [APML] computer video card

["Chris Cook" <ccjd@ix.netcom.com>]

I'm looking at purchasing a Dell system.  How can a tell what chipset it is
using?

Chris

----------------------------------
Chris Cook
Astronomical & Nightscape Photography
www.abmedia.com/astro

-----Original Message-----
From: Lane, Jason R <jason.lane@navy.mil>
To: Discussion of Film Astrophotography <astro-photo@seds.org>
Date: Tuesday, February 03, 2004 3:37 PM
Subject: RE: [APML] computer video card


>Speaking of the difference between Ford and Chevy, the AMD processor isn't
the cause of software incompatibility problems (unless it is physically
defective).  More often, it is caused by bad chipset designs in the
motherboards, or hardware incompatibility with the motherboards.  You just
have to know what to shop for.  VIA chipsets have been notoriously bad these
past few years.  Motherboards based on NVidia's chipsets are remarkably
stable and fast.  AMD makes their own chipset that has always been very
stable (although not the fastest).
>
>Some folks might gripe about having to sort through hardware to pick what's
compatible or not, but the much lower cost of the processor is worth it,
IMO.  Also, it's kind of like a telescope setup or a automobile..you just
don't slap any old piece of equipment in it.
>
>Hopefully no more than $.02 up there.  =)
>
>Jason Lane
>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Dale Ireland [mailto:direland@drdale.com]
>Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 10:29 AM
>To: 'Discussion of Film Astrophotography'
>Subject: RE: [APML] computer video card
>
>
>Bob
>Yes some have an agp slot. In fact the 4600 does have an agp slot. The 2400
>does NOT have an agp slot and it is tricky to disable the integrated video
>cards. The integrated video cards have a way of returning to life like a
>zombie in the "Night of the living Dead". Integrated sound support is even
>worse.  I mean they work fine but don't get them if you know you plan to
>upgrade.
>My experience is the same with the chips too. The best deal is to take the
>option for the "next to best" chip. In other words don't get the AMD or
>Celeron (lots of software incompatibility problems), but get the next to
>highest speed Pentium. The systems have an option for the very fastest
>expensive, say 3Ghz, but then there is a huge price difference if you get
>the next one down, say the 2.8Ghz P4 which used to be last month's top chip
>and is not noticeably different.
>Dale
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org [mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org] On
>Behalf
>
>Thought I would relate my experience:
>
>I've been building my own pc systems(and for friends) for ten years.  I
>generally avoid integrated video just because its one more layer of
>complexity to disable it if you add another card. Also, they tend to share
>ram as opposed to having their own separate on-board ram.  I like to keep
>things simple.  However, most rules are meant to be broken.  It is not true
>that motherboards with integrated video do not have an agp slot.  Many  do
>also have an agp slot.  Thus you can add a second card (meaning a second
>monitor).  With the low price of good video cards (including dual video
>cards) I would skip the integrated and go for a 128mb dual display card for
>$100 or less.  This is also easier to setup up if you want dual displays.
>
>A lot depends on how comfortable you are getting around the inside of your
>machine, mananaging drivers pulling cards etc.
>
>Newer pcs should have a minimum of 512mb Ram because of the bloated OS.
>Older pcs have some limitations on how much ram they can access.
>
>On the flipside, I also have a g5 Dual 2gig with 2.5 gigs of memory.  There
>are 8 memory slots (for a total of 8gb ram).  I use it for video editing
and
>I allot 1.5 gigs to the program.  I have not heard of programs not being
>able to access more than 1g.  I purchased this machine because of the
>editing software(it is not available for the pc).
>
>I would add to Dales comments: Avoid the celeron chip and get the p4 (or
>AMD).
>
>Hope this helps.
>
>Bob Seabold
>
>
>
>
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