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View Full Version : Graphics Card Help

Aleizter
06-22-2009, 10:35 AM
Yes another post on graphics card choices, I know. So, anywho. I have spent most of my experience in PS, Illustrator and Flash. I have decided to try my hand at a little 3D. I am not really concerned with the animation side, just wanting to create some of my visions in 3D for prints. I will be using 3DS Max 2009 for basic mesh, and using ZBrush for texture creation, and back to 3DS for mentalray. I have already been modeling in 3DS, but I get the OpenGL error when in Zbrush 3.1's, zmapper. Although my system is running OpenGL 2.0. So I guess it's time for the graphics card. You guys' input would be greatly appreciated. Here's my system specs.

Windows XP Pro (64-bit)
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4
4GB Ram
Intel DG965OT motherboard
bls
06-23-2009, 07:10 AM
What is your graphic card?
Aleizter
06-23-2009, 10:05 AM
I do not have one yet. Just the regular Intel chip set graphics controller.
bls
06-24-2009, 08:56 AM
Intel its not the right chip for graphics.
You must buy a nvidia or ati graphic card.
eaclou
06-24-2009, 01:40 PM
I think he was asking what model of video card would be recommended.

If you're not going to be stressing your computer TOO much, i'd recommend the Radeon 4770 if you can get your hands on it (it's often sold out) for around $100 it's pretty powerful, while also cool, quiet, and energy efficient.

I'm less knowledgeable about low-cost nVidia cards -- i'd recommend cruising newegg.com and reading the reviews.
craigjarvis
06-24-2009, 03:33 PM
I'd check out either nvidia gts250 1gb or if you've got a bit more cash an nvidia gtx260.

I've not had an ati card for a while there opengl drivers used to be crappy don't know whether that's still the case but I've never had problems with nvidia
olson
06-24-2009, 04:50 PM
I'd check out either nvidia gts250 1gb or if you've got a bit more cash an nvidia gtx260.

I've not had an ati card for a while there opengl drivers used to be crappy don't know whether that's still the case but I've never had problems with nvidia

I'll second the Radeon 4770. AMD/ATI drivers are fine these days. Really though anything is going to be a huge upgrade from what you have now even if its a previous generation card. Cheers!
anevsky
06-24-2009, 08:54 PM
I'll second the Radeon 4770. AMD/ATI drivers are fine these days. Really though anything is going to be a huge upgrade from what you have now even if its a previous generation card. Cheers!

He said hes using the onboard intel chip.

Seperate graphics card is a must. Now just tell us what you'd like to spend.
olson
06-24-2009, 09:00 PM
He said hes using the onboard intel chip.

Yes... which is why a discrete card was recommended, the Radeon 4770. Am I missing something?
anevsky
06-25-2009, 03:47 AM
oops sorry. Misread that. Must be going dyslectic.
Aleizter
06-25-2009, 10:26 AM
Thank you very much for the feedback folks. I seem to see everyone pushing the highend gaming cards, so I'll defintitely check out your recommendations. They're actually ones I haven't seen mentioned a lot.
CK
06-25-2009, 02:58 PM
But you always need to check what socket your motherboard supports! and yours appears to support these cards with the 16xPCIx slot- and you also need to check your PSU (PowerSupply) for the PCIx Connector 6 prong. Expansion / ConnectivityExpansion Slot(s)1 processor - LGA775 Socket 4 memory ( 1.8 V ) - DIMM 240-pin 1 PCI Express x16 1 PCI Express x1 2 PCI
Aleizter
06-27-2009, 05:48 AM
Well I just installed the GeForce GTS 250 1GB. Zmapper seems to spin beautifully now, error free. I hope the card holds up for my future indeavors, but for now I'm happy. My power supply is an APEX ATX 550W, the card calls for 475W so it should be fine. Thanks for the help folks!
ThE_JacO
06-27-2009, 01:23 PM
Must be going dyslectic.
Epic win! :)