RE: [APML] computer video card

["Robert J. Seabold" <bseabold@mn.rr.com>]

Dale,

Yep, I agree...although I've used AMD chips with no problems, in buying a
machine as opposed to building it I would stick with the p4.  Years ago, my
pcs were cutting edge (read most expensive chips!).  Fortunately, my
girlfriend taught me the ways of the frugal.  Unfortunately I don't pick
cheap hobbies...computers and astronomy...and my job is film and video
production neither of which make for cheap equipment...

Bob

-----Original Message-----
From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org
[mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org]On Behalf Of Dale Ireland
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 12:29 PM
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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