Old AGP Slot Support a 2x/4x Video Card?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the compatibility of older motherboards with AGP slots and the potential use of AGP 2x/4x video cards for building a DVR system. Participants explore the implications of video card specifications, output quality, and voltage compatibility in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Burg inquires whether an older motherboard with "old" AGP slots can support an AGP 2x/4x video card.
  • Some participants suggest that a high-quality graphics card may not be necessary for basic output to S-Video or Coaxial.
  • Others argue that even low-end cards can show noticeable quality differences when outputting to larger displays, such as a 42" projection.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of processing power and memory for real-time 3D rendering, which may not be utilized when outputting regular video.
  • One participant notes that different manufacturers have varying reputations for 2D picture quality, with ATI being mentioned as potentially the best.
  • Another participant highlights the importance of voltage compatibility when purchasing newer AGP cards for older systems, emphasizing the need for thorough research to avoid compatibility issues.
  • A link to a compatibility table is provided to assist in determining AGP voltage compatibility, although one participant expresses uncertainty about the reliability of the source.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of high-quality graphics cards for specific outputs, and there is no consensus on the best approach to selecting a compatible video card for older systems.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of knowing the exact AGP voltage compatibility of the motherboard, indicating that compatibility issues may arise based on this factor.

600burger
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I'm building a DVR system out of some older componets i have laying around my house. I'm going to be needing a new video card but everything worthy of puting money into is either AGP 2x/4x or AGP 4x/8x. My question iwould an older MoBo with the "old" AGP slots be able to support an AGP 2x/4x card?

Thanks,
-Burg
 
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You don't need an amazing graphics card if all you're going to be doing is output to S-Video or Coxial.
 
The video card(s) I'm thinking about aren't that "amazing" they just have a lot of memory and are fast. I'm outputting to a 42" projection, I've heard the quality with low end cards is very noticible.
 
600burger said:
The video card(s) I'm thinking about aren't that "amazing" they just have a lot of memory and are fast. I'm outputting to a 42" projection, I've heard the quality with low end cards is very noticible.
The purpose of the processing power and memory is for doing realtime 3d rendering. When you use the card to output regular video to a tv, those features are not used at all.

Different manufacturers have different reputations for 2d picture quality (ATI probably has the best), but as long as you get something within about 2 years old, there won't be any difference in the 2d capabilities between a low end and high end card. In fact, they generally use the exact same 2d hardware.
 
The one thing to be observant about when purchasing a newer agp card for an older system is the voltage compatibility issue. Don't worry the cards are keyed to only fit into a voltage compatible slot, but by researching thoroughly before purchasing, mail order returns or extra trips to the store can be avoided.

Here is a wiki table which may help you sort things out. The key is knowing what your old mobo's exact agp voltage compatibility is

http://www.ertyu.org/~steven_nikkel/agpcompatibility.html

j...ust ignore the spam link at the top. ...Wikipedia used to have its own page on this issue, I wonder what happened?
 

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