Memory Card vs. Integrated

[worx]

Alright, I've never been into PC games before now, and I'm looking to catch up on some of the newer RTS's - unfortunately, I can tell that my integrated video (32mb ProSavage8) needs to be upgraded - my question is, out of curiosity, is a 32mb Geforce 2 card significantly better than 32mb of integrated? Or should I just pony up and try and find something in the mroe recent range?

[Drico]

1. Yes, an add-on videocard is much better than integrated. No if, and, or buts about it.

2. You need more than 32MB, even if you're only playing RTS games.

3. NewEgg.com has some great deals on video cards. I'd recommend an Asus GeForce 6200 TC 128-bit 64MB Onboard, Supporting 256 MB. I got mine for $50 and I can run every game I've tryed on high settings, including games like Half-Life 2 and Doom 3. You'll need at least 512 RAM, though. Another good budget option would be the Radeon X300, or X600. (I'm going by PCI-E here when I probably should be going by both AGP and PCI-E)

4. If you're into PC gaming and your PC is old enough to have only 32MB integrated, you should just buy a whole new PC.

5. Whatever you do, don't buy a GeForce 2. Far too old, and you could likely get one in the 5 or 6 series for the same price.

[worx]

Haha, its not all that old (2 years I think - it was a gift from a friend who upgraded) its just a poor motherboard as I've come to realize- only a 4x AGP slot too. Processor is a 2400 Athalon and it came with 512 (on 2 256 sticks, naturally :roll:

Thanks for the advice on what to get - shrike has led me down the same path but I'm just too damn stupid to listen and keep thinking I can get away with something bottom level cheap. :roll: I think I missed the sweet newegg coupon deals though - might have to put in a request ;)