New Video Card for Older PC

M

makismagoo99

Geek Trainee
Hello,

I have a +/- 5 year old PC at work. I just got a new 20" widescreen monitor with a resolution of 1680x1050. Of course, the integrated graphics card in the computer can't drive the monitor at its native resolution. I want to get a cheap (~$30) dedicated video card to drive the new monitor.

CPU-Z identified my motherboard as a VIA KM400 with VT8237 southbridge and the AGP slot as AGP 4x v2.0.

Will any AGP card work in that slot? I was considering this one.

I'm pretty sure the power supply is only a 250W which won't power a high-end card, but I won't be doing any graphic-intensive work.

I also have several PCI slots available. Would that be a better choice? Also, are there any other specs I should watch out for before I buy? Thanks!
 
I just got to work and checked it out. It's a HIPRO 250W PSU. As long as it will work without being choppy or lagging, etc., I don't really need it to perform at maximum capacity. How do I tell whether my PSU would provide adequate enough juice?
 
makismagoo99 said:
I just got to work and checked it out. It's a HIPRO 250W PSU. As long as it will work without being choppy or lagging, etc., I don't really need it to perform at maximum capacity. How do I tell whether my PSU would provide adequate enough juice?
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I don't think it is possible to have a PSU that performs at maximum capacity. You need a unit that will supply what you need when it is not performing at maximum capacity.

The power supply unit in today's modern computer assumes a role probably more critical than any other single component in your system.

A poor PSU can also cause other components to fail in your computer.

The right Brand names = Quality
Some approved Brand names follow...

Seasonic - any model
Corsair - any model
Thermaltake - "Toughpower" series only
Coolermaster - "Real Power Pro" series only
PC Power & Cooling - any model
Silverstone - any model
 
Yes, it will work fine. An FX 5200 card is VERY easy on power supplies. It's an old school card and isn't nearly as power hungry as the cards now a days. Please make sure you know the correct response before you reply. A 250W PSU will run an office computer with an FX 5200 no problem.
 
gazaway said:
Yes, it will work fine. An FX 5200 card is VERY easy on power supplies. It's an old school card and isn't nearly as power hungry as the cards now a days. Please make sure you know the correct response before you reply. A 250W PSU will run an office computer with an FX 5200 no problem.
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That's great to hear, because I went ahead and bought it! :) The specs on NewEgg say that all you need is a 250W PSU, so I figured it would be alright for the minimal stuff I want to do. Thank you!
 
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