Should I get a new AGP graphics card to run Windows Vista, or get a new system with PCIe graphics?

Question

In order to run the "full Windows Vista experience", I'll have to get a DirectX 9 capable graphics card. The PC I'm using is 3 years old and has an AGP. Should I bother with this upgrade or would it be better cost/performance wise to get a new system with a PCIe card?

Answer 1

Windows vista can run okay in your PC provided you have a nice video card and sufficient memory (8x agp video card preff 256 mb Nvidia, and 2 gigs of memory are fine) but if you want to upgrade go ahead and build your self a new computer if you can afford the changes. Think about it, PCIe will require a new motherboard that supports this format, and if you decide to do it, go for SLI, so you can have two cards working together. This adds a higher resolution increasing your gaming experience to the max. This technology has passed now, so its not really new or that expensive. Make sure your new motherboard supports the old pin also, so you dont have to trow memory to the trash and recycle some stuff here and there, it saves money.

Answer 2

Hi A 3 year old PC may not be the best choice for Vista, even it it works. The 'Aero' mode can be a real load on resources, at least according to what I have read. (I run a beta version and my benchmarks are slower in Vista.) If a new graphics card is in your plans anyway the PCIe may be faster.

Answer 3

Graphics cards are basically universal as long as you have a PCI-e slot (which you do). Don't get a Nvidia 5-series; though, go for a Nvidia GTX 650 Ti (~$150), probably the best card you can get in your price range, and you won't need an upgrade for a while.

Answer 4

Get a Windows Vista Capable PC. But not now. Wait a couple of months. I heard that Vista still isn't good. Nothings good when it first comes out. Wait about 2-3 months. It will be better.

Answer 5

go for the new system