Can someone advise a decent AGP graphics card that can be used to run Vista on a Dell Optiplex GX270 (desktop)? nothing too flashy just something to have Aero etc up and running for development purposes.

Thanks

I'd recommend the ATI X1650 Pro - around £30 for the 512MB AGP version Have fitted one to a GX260 and runs Aero no problem.

The nVidia GeForce 6800XT cards are dirty cheap too, they should be around £40 for the 256MB version (no need for 512MB).

Can someone advise a decent AGP graphics card that can be used to run Vista on a Dell Optiplex GX270 (desktop)? nothing too flashy just something to have Aero etc up and running for development purposes.

Thanks

Ouch, GX270? You might want to verify that you don't have any blown capacitors on your motherboard. Most of the GX270s released were plagued by bad caps, including all of the ones my father's business had. If you do in fact have blown or swollen capacitors on your motherboard, Dell should be able to replace your motherboard free of charge (even if your computer is no longer covered under a warranty).

Just thought you should look into it!

Ouch, GX270? You might want to verify that you don't have any blown capacitors on your motherboard.

Indeed, didn’t think about that. And those capacitors are hard to change too ...

LOL! I have 3 of those mounted to the wall in my office with busted caps! I thought i just got a bad batch.

I use them as targets for my cable gun

LOL! I have 3 of those mounted to the wall in my office with busted caps! I thought i just got a bad batch.

I use them as targets for my cable gun

Thanks for that.....but aware of that problem as we had about 30 PCs with the same problem - hopefully this one doesnt

I went to my local PC shop and they didnt have a clue which card will work on this GX270. They couldnt open any either as i told them its around half the size of a normal AGP card.

The PC im referring to is http://www.westworldcomputers.com/images/D...%20(Medium).JPG so can anyone give me a specific model name so i can buy for this PC?

Thanks

oh your using the tiny GX270! I now see that you specified desktop. i missed that part before

there were 3 different gx270s -mine are all the 'big' mid tower exploding variety and any 4x/8x card will fit in them

any half height AKA low profile agp card should work fine

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814145143

which would work because you can remove the VGA plug

and use the included half height bracket (this is the tricky part -not all cards that can be used as half height include one)

heres a similar card that uses VGA instead of DVI and also includes the bracket

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814145067

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814145143

which would work because you can remove the VGA plug

Thanks for that. Would this be the same card (just to double check ) http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000VKW...me=&seller=

I thought minimum requirement for Aero was 256MB???

Edited January 31, 200818 yr by Bad boy Warrior

no that is not the same card. -its too tall

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/...quirements.mspx

Home Premium / Business / Ultimate

128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)

no idea if that includes aero or not.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814150107

if you need something from amazon UK look at these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-6200LE-128MB-G...2906&sr=1-6

http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-PV-T44A-PANG-6...906&sr=1-22

http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-Geforce-Graphi...133&sr=1-71

im guessing those dont have the low profile bracket though:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-LOW-PROFILE-BR...088&sr=1-44

finding a low profile, AGP 8x card with 256mb+ thats vista compatible is a pretty tall order.

Ok....checking http://www.vistabase.co.uk/kb/graphics/the...or-windows-aero confirms i need minimum 128MB for Aero. I guess ill go with

http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-6200LE-128MB-G...2906&sr=1-6

and the bracket

http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-LOW-PROFILE-BR...088&sr=1-44

Am i right in saying i unscrew the bracket from the orginal card and use the bracket im purchasing separately?

cheers

Yes thats just how you do it.

Plus you'll need to unplug the little dongle for the second monitor.

Heres a 256 meg one for you http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814150107

Edited January 31, 200818 yr by Kelsenellenelvian

Yes thats just how you do it.

Plus you'll need to unplug the little dongle for the second monitor.

Heres a 256 meg one for you http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814150107

Thanks but i couldnt find a 256MB in UK - USA has a few but i then have to pay tax and VAT on top of the price etc

what about this: http://www.e-tropolis.co.uk/ProductDetails...de=PV-T44A-WANG

or maybe a PCI low profile card?? i "think" this machine has that slot????? or ill just go with the 128MB from above if its a no go.

Edited January 31, 200818 yr by Bad boy Warrior