Does new monitor need new card?

jackmell

Hi. My monitor is failing and I'd like to upgrade to a nice-size flat screen, say 12x20 or so with good graphic quality. Will I need to buy a new graphics card for that? I believe I currently have a Radeon 9200 SE card. What about the video RAM on the card? How much would I need?

Thanks,

Jack

turbo

What are you going to do with the PC/monitor? Viewing web content, streaming videos, and playing games all have different requirements.

jackmell

I don't do gaming but do watch videos and do graphics programming say in Mathematica.

Can you guys tell me what I have to know to go to Office Depot and come out with a nice monitor and maybe an upgrade to my graphics card so that when I get back home, I just lickedly-split pull out the card, hook-up the monitor and bingo-bango I got it as opposed to gettin' home and dang-it, this cable don't hook-up to that graphics card or one other umpt-teen incompatibility issue. I got history. :)

Greg Bernhardt

Find out if your card has VGA or DVI inputs. The 9200 came in an array of options.

Borek

Even better check what outputs your card have

Two things to check is whether the card works in the native resolution of your new monitor and if it can be easily connected (that is, if you can use a standard cable without adapters). If you were happy with your card up to now, and you answered yes twice, you don't need to change the card. In all other cases changing the card can be a reasonable idea.

Greg Bernhardt

haha yes, I meant output :)

jackmell

I have a VGA output on the card I have now. So if I just keep the card, I guess all I need is a good monitor that supports VGA. Is that right?

I want a monitor with high resolution. Should I look for a monitor with some specific pixel density or another criteria I should use?

jackmell

How do I find out which modes my video card can operate in? Maybe control panel/display or something like that?

Greg Bernhardt

Honestly LCD monitors have been pretty well perfected for what your needs are. You'll likely be happy with nearly any model from a major brand. Just make sure it has VGA connector (most should) and the size you want. Buy and enjoy :)

jackmell

Fantastic! I have the plan then. Thank you.