2 questions of nerdom, computer/ software question Options

[chook]

I got a computer that is a 3 GHz p4 that has an AGP slot and uses 800 MHZ DDR (I think). It is from the compaq business desktops, and seems good enough for a gaming platform (after more ram and a good video card)

What do you guys recommend for a good video card that is AGP and under 200. Its replacing my XP1800+ system.


The second question is my router. I have a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 router. On some computers configured correctly, it has problems assigning a IP address through DHCP. I was wondering if anyone had had issues with this and was thinking of installing DD-WRT on it. Does anyone know something that may be wrong with it? I know its not password/encryption.

[impala454]

"Going to Best Buy and buying the most expensive video card you can afford" is a really stupid piece of computer advice. Especially given Chuck's question. I won't point it out because you'll just google it and come back acting like you know what you're talking about and thinking I'm being mean to you. I respect that you probably know a little more than the typical person, but computers are an area where a little bit of knowledge is dangerous.

[Mommy]

"Going to Best Buy and buying the most expensive video card you can afford" is a really stupid piece of computer advice. Especially given Chuck's question. I won't point it out because you'll just google it and come back acting like you know what you're talking about and thinking I'm being mean to you. I respect that you probably know a little more than the typical person, but computers are an area where a little bit of knowledge is dangerous.

google something about video cards? Umm... nah. Not my style. You could go the route of reading reviews on video cards listed on Best Buy's site. I just was saying that in my person experience, all the video cards in a given price range at Best Buy are about the same in quality. Of course there are differences between ATI and Nvidia, but that's where person prefernce comes along. If a person knows they need an AGP, likes Nvidia better, and knows how much they want to spend then they can just go, take a wing at it, buy a card and see how well it works in their system. Honestly, I don't think there is much of a difference in quality among video cards in that price range, but that's just me. It's not until you get into the higher end cards that you notice vast differences and should really do your homework and research reviews and shit. Yeah, when you're standing there at Best Buy, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that you should compare specs on the cards. Honestly, I thought that was a given. What I meant was splurge a little. Pick the most expensive thing in your price range, install it, see if it works, and if not then just return it. Trust me, this is just how I feel. It doesn't mean it's wrong. It's just how I do things. I don't think you're mean. I just think that you think I'm computer stupid. I know a lot. I'm out of the loop a lot because computers aren't a big hobby of mine anymore, but I still know a lot.

[THECHICKEN]

google something about video cards? Umm... nah. Not my style. You could go the route of reading reviews on video cards listed on Best Buy's site. I just was saying that in my person experience, all the video cards in a given price range at Best Buy are about the same in quality. Of course there are differences between ATI and Nvidia, but that's where person prefernce comes along. If a person knows they need an AGP, likes Nvidia better, and knows how much they want to spend then they can just go, take a wing at it, buy a card and see how well it works in their system. Honestly, I don't think there is much of a difference in quality among video cards in that price range, but that's just me. It's not until you get into the higher end cards that you notice vast differences and should really do your homework and research reviews and shit. Yeah, when you're standing there at Best Buy, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that you should compare specs on the cards. Honestly, I thought that was a given. What I meant was splurge a little. Pick the most expensive thing in your price range, install it, see if it works, and if not then just return it. Trust me, this is just how I feel. It doesn't mean it's wrong. It's just how I do things. I don't think you're mean. I just think that you think I'm computer stupid. I know a lot. I'm out of the loop a lot because computers aren't a big hobby of mine anymore, but I still know a lot.

Sure... buy at bestbuy if you want to pay a significant amount of money MORE for the exact same product elsewhere.

example: bfg 9800gx2: $649.99 at best buy. SAME ONE: $424.99 (after $45 rebate) at newegg.

Same way with every other card you would ever get. Don't get anything from best buy, especially computer related... newegg does returns too.

[kcroxyoursox]

Sure... buy at bestbuy if you want to pay a significant amount of money MORE for the exact same product elsewhere.

example: bfg 9800gx2: $649.99 at best buy. SAME ONE: $424.99 (after $45 rebate) at newegg.

Same way with every other card you would ever get. Don't get anything from best buy, especially computer related... newegg does returns too.

So get it at BestBuy to make sure you have the one you want, then return it, and buy it cheaper on Newegg.

A fusion of two ideas? Inconceivable! And I'm a computer IDIOT!!!

[THECHICKEN]

So get it at BestBuy to make sure you have the one you want, then return it, and buy it cheaper on Newegg.

A fusion of two ideas? Inconceivable! And I'm a computer IDIOT!!!

Or do a little research first and the only return you may have to make is for a bad card (which both replace free).

[kcroxyoursox]

Or do a little research first and the only return you may have to make is for a bad card (which both replace free).

Ah, but primary research (as in, testing it yourself) is the most reliable, and most preferred, method of research!

[pebkac]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814161226

I've seen good things about this card. I think ATI released this card within the last year, so I'm actually a bit surprised that they make it for AGP. But I know absolutely nothing about HIS (the company that made the card), which could be a bad thing. But then again, I don't see any brands I know are reputable selling any decent AGP cards. I know they made some of the geforce 7000 series for AGP slots, but I don't see any of the better ones.