Changing Video Cards

5 replies [Last post]
Mark C
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Joined: Oct 29 1999

I built my system up a couple of years ago around the Matrox Marvel G400TV, ok for video and games.

Inevitably it is now struggling to support new games. My question is how realsitic would it be to replace the video card for gaming, but put the G400 back in for video etc.

I would only need to do this every 6 months or so.

Thanks

gordo
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Joined: Dec 19 2001

changing it every 6 months or so is not going to be a big issue.

Admittedly things might get a little interesting when you swap the cards and windows decides it needs new drivers, but again if you have both drivers installed not a big issue.

Preferably though, if you can get your PC running happily, you are better not to touch it.

Judging from the age of your PC anyway, you would probably be better off putting a new system together just for games and leaving the other one intact as it is.

If you speak to most people who edit as their profession, they are very hesitant to change anything, nor try new software on their editing rigs.

Gordo

Mark C
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Joined: Oct 29 1999

Gordo,

thanks, yes I agree. I built this system 2.5 years ago with the G400TV, an ATA100 video HD and motherboard and a seperate boot disk. It has served well, only dropping 1 frame in about 30 mins of capture and perhaps a couple of flickers during playback. I am not one for sticking bits of software in here and there.

But needs must, I can't afford to built another machine, so this would seem like the only solution. Yesterday I downloaded and installed the final drivers etc. from Matrox. I'll keep these for when I need to reinstall the card.

Now I need to decide what new card to get, can get a GEForce 2 G400 64Mb for £47.

thanks again

Mark

col
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Joined: Jun 12 1999

Mixing games software and editing software on the same PC is asking for trouble.

To give ou an idea, I use three seperate boot disks in caddies.

1 win98SE for editing only - this is as stable as Win98SE can be
2 Win98SE editing and games - editing crashes periodically, games play great
3 WinXP for editing - on trial and test at present - very stable so far

Whilst the Geforce is (or rather was) a very good card, games have moved on, I would suggest that you save up and buy a better card.

col

ipac
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Joined: Apr 13 1999

Would it not be an option for you to fit the new Gforce card and purchase a new PCI or USB based capture device. Future upgrades of the graphics card would no longer be a problem...

mickyg0
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Joined: Mar 17 2002

I had similar problems and dropped frames . a JVC camcorder dropped over 1000 frames in about 30 minutes. A Sony dropped 100 in 30 minutes. nothing seemed to work from any of the FAQ hints.
I finally loaded Windows XP. all problems solved.both camcorders work well. Video card is Geoforce 64mb, very good i think.

N.B. If after loading XP things dont work just try reinstall of programme. It has not failed me yet.