🚀 go-pugleaf

The minimum thats at all acceptable in a vid card is 32 megs. and no
64 meg cards are not that pricey.

the bottom line that should be looked at are geforce 2 mx 400 or ati
radeon cards.  for between 60-100 bucks.  since you dont play games
much( but it sounds like once in a while you might) these will give
you good bang for the buck.

since your spending money stay away from any tnt2 m64 board.  and
preferable stay away from the geforce 2 mx 200 boards.  no sense in
skimping on 10 or 15 bucks and not getting something much better.

there are no dedicated 3d boards anymore, they are all in one and
every vid card supports 3d these days.  just some better than others.



On Mon, 21 Jan 2002 23:36:45 +1100, "OzzyFrank"
<ozzyfrank@goconnect.net.au> wrote:

>It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still working as
>well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system. My empty AGP slot is
>ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
>
>I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't play
>games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really intend on
>getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive) technology.
>The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for so
>long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good value/good
>performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather the 64Mb
>ones are still too pricey)?
>
>--
>
>OzzyFrank
>
>��������������������������������
>Want Registry Tips and Cool Tweaks?
>��������������������������������
>http://ozzyfrank.150m.com/C-Frank.htm
>��������������������������������
>
>

Thanks heaps! Some things to look out for, and NOT to look out for!

--

OzzyFrank

��������������������������������
Want Registry Tips and Cool Tweaks?
��������������������������������
http://ozzyfrank.150m.com/C-Frank.htm
��������������������������������
<JUSTsayCdavisNOTOSPAM@preventspamVermontelremove.com> wrote in message
news:3c4c0f24.381939022@news.vermontel.net...
>
> The minimum thats at all acceptable in a vid card is 32 megs. and no
> 64 meg cards are not that pricey.
>
> the bottom line that should be looked at are geforce 2 mx 400 or ati
> radeon cards.  for between 60-100 bucks.  since you dont play games
> much( but it sounds like once in a while you might) these will give
> you good bang for the buck.
>
> since your spending money stay away from any tnt2 m64 board.  and
> preferable stay away from the geforce 2 mx 200 boards.  no sense in
> skimping on 10 or 15 bucks and not getting something much better.
>
> there are no dedicated 3d boards anymore, they are all in one and
> every vid card supports 3d these days.  just some better than others.
>
>
>
> On Mon, 21 Jan 2002 23:36:45 +1100, "OzzyFrank"
> <ozzyfrank@goconnect.net.au> wrote:
>
> >It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still working
as
> >well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system. My empty AGP slot is
> >ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
> >
> >I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't
play
> >games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really intend
on
> >getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive)
technology.
> >The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for so
> >long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good value/good
> >performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather the
64Mb
> >ones are still too pricey)?
> >
> >--
> >
> >OzzyFrank
> >
> >��������������������������������
> >Want Registry Tips and Cool Tweaks?
> >��������������������������������
> >http://ozzyfrank.150m.com/C-Frank.htm
> >��������������������������������
> >
> >
>

In article <a2h21p$q3j$1@perki.connect.com.au>,
OzzyFrank <ozzyfrank@goconnect.net.au> wrote:
>                                                So what good value/good
>performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather the 64Mb
>ones are still too pricey)?

"Low hassle" should include good driver support in whatever OS(es) you
are using.  If you have an older OS, you may find that driver support
for newer cards may not be as good or available as with older cards.

-- 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy J. Lee
Unsolicited bulk or commercial email is not welcome.
No warranty of any kind is provided with this message.

In article <a2h21p$q3j$1@perki.connect.com.au>, OzzyFrank wrote:
>It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still working as
>well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system. My empty AGP slot is
>ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
>
>I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't play
>games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really intend on
>getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive) technology.
>The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for so
>long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good value/good
>performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather the 64Mb
>ones are still too pricey)?
>
>--
>
>OzzyFrank
>
[snipped a lot of \xa4's]
>Want Registry Tips and Cool Tweaks?
>http://ozzyfrank.150m.com/C-Frank.htm
>

You don't say where you are located Frank,
but from my local computer shop's price list -

32M Nvidia TNT2 M64 $63
64M Geforce 2 MX-200 $95
64M GeForce 2 MX-400 $120

If you are not really into games then, the TNT2
will probably suffice.  Check out www.eyo.com.au
for some online ordering.

Simon

----------------
Simon Lai
Synatech Pty Ltd
newsjl.at.synatech.com.au

SO, how about some constructive advice then, O great fount of wisdom?


"Rod Speed" <rod_speed@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3c4c8463_1@news.iprimus.com.au...
>
> <JUSTsayCdavisNOTOSPAM@preventspamVermontelremove.com>
> wrote in message news:3c4c0f24.381939022@news.vermontel.net...
>
> > The minimum thats at all acceptable in a vid card is 32 megs.
>
> Complete and utter bullshit with his type of use.
>
> > and no 64 meg cards are not that pricey.
>
> > the bottom line that should be looked at are geforce 2 mx 400
> > or ati radeon cards.  for between 60-100 bucks.  since you
> > dont play games much( but it sounds like once in a while you
> > might) these will give you good bang for the buck.
>
> > since your spending money stay away from any tnt2 m64 board.  and
> > preferable stay away from the geforce 2 mx 200 boards.  no sense in
> > skimping on 10 or 15 bucks and not getting something much better.
>
> > there are no dedicated 3d boards anymore, they are
> > all in one and every vid card supports 3d these days.
>
> More complete and utter bullshit.
>
> > just some better than others.
>
>
> > OzzyFrank <ozzyfrank@goconnect.net.au> wrote
>
> >> It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still
> >> working as well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system.
> >> My empty AGP slot is ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
>
> >> I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't
play
> >> games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really
intend
> >> on getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive)
technology.
> >> The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for
so
> >> long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good value/good
> >> performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather
> >> the 64Mb ones are still too pricey)?
>
>
>

Simon has it right there, a TNT2 M64 will be just fine.

--
Need help with an HP PC or Printer?

www.angelfire.com/pe2/robkamelhp

Unofficial HP Forum
http://209.249.165.201/v3/intindex.cgi?bbs=15807

These prices are WAAY high.  Heck, you can get a Visiontek MX400 from
Best Buy for $99 without it even being on sale!  As far as the TNT M64
advice, these days a TNT Ultra or even a GeForce 256 costs the same as
an M64.  Avoid the M64.  If you want a real good card but do very
little gaming, check out a Matrox.
Michael
  


On 21 Jan 2002 22:35:41 GMT, simon@gonzo.magellic.com (simon lai)
wrote:

>In article <a2h21p$q3j$1@perki.connect.com.au>, OzzyFrank wrote:
>>It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still working as
>>well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system. My empty AGP slot is
>>ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
>>
>>I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't play
>>games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really intend on
>>getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive) technology.
>>The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for so
>>long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good value/good
>>performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather the 64Mb
>>ones are still too pricey)?
>>
>>--
>>
>>OzzyFrank
>>
>[snipped a lot of \xa4's]
>>Want Registry Tips and Cool Tweaks?
>>http://ozzyfrank.150m.com/C-Frank.htm
>>
>
>You don't say where you are located Frank,
>but from my local computer shop's price list -
>
>32M Nvidia TNT2 M64 $63
>64M Geforce 2 MX-200 $95
>64M GeForce 2 MX-400 $120
>
>If you are not really into games then, the TNT2
>will probably suffice.  Check out www.eyo.com.au
>for some online ordering.
>
>Simon
>
>----------------
>Simon Lai
>Synatech Pty Ltd
>newsjl.at.synatech.com.au

GeForce 4 boards will be announced next month on Feb 5th. If you want an
inexpensive board, the GeForce 4MX boards (NV17), I understand, will
actually be faster than the GeForce 3 Ti500 boards currently produced.
They'll be the budget offering. If anything, the release of GeForce 4 boards
will drive prices down on GeForce 3 Ti boards. The GeForce 4 performance
boards (NV25) will, of course, be much more expensive but, in my opinion,
spending a little extra now means not having to upgrade as soon as it will
appear to slow down at a much later time than budget boards.

"OzzyFrank" <ozzyfrank@goconnect.net.au> wrote in message
news:a2h21p$q3j$1@perki.connect.com.au...
> It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still working as
> well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system. My empty AGP slot is
> ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
>
> I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't
play
> games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really intend
on
> getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive) technology.
> The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for so
> long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good value/good
> performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather the
64Mb
> ones are still too pricey)?
>
> --
>
> OzzyFrank
>
> ��������������������������������
> Want Registry Tips and Cool Tweaks?
> ��������������������������������
> http://ozzyfrank.150m.com/C-Frank.htm
> ��������������������������������
>
>

There is nothing wrong with the geforce2 mx 200's a bit slow but does the
job. I gather your 2mb existing card is PCI ? Why not buy a 2nd hand 14inch
or 15inch monitor as well as a new AGP card and go dual monitors ? It;s no
good for gaming but it is great for exten ding the desktop. I have 3
monitors 2 running off old 2mb s3 cards I got for 5 bucks each. the other is
running off a geforce2 mx 200 and runs all the latest games quite well.

"OzzyFrank" <ozzyfrank@goconnect.net.au> wrote in message
news:a2h4d6$si6$1@perki.connect.com.au...
> Thanks heaps! Some things to look out for, and NOT to look out for!
>
> --
>
> OzzyFrank
>
> ��������������������������������
> Want Registry Tips and Cool Tweaks?
> ��������������������������������
> http://ozzyfrank.150m.com/C-Frank.htm
> ��������������������������������
> <JUSTsayCdavisNOTOSPAM@preventspamVermontelremove.com> wrote in message
> news:3c4c0f24.381939022@news.vermontel.net...
> >
> > The minimum thats at all acceptable in a vid card is 32 megs. and no
> > 64 meg cards are not that pricey.
> >
> > the bottom line that should be looked at are geforce 2 mx 400 or ati
> > radeon cards.  for between 60-100 bucks.  since you dont play games
> > much( but it sounds like once in a while you might) these will give
> > you good bang for the buck.
> >
> > since your spending money stay away from any tnt2 m64 board.  and
> > preferable stay away from the geforce 2 mx 200 boards.  no sense in
> > skimping on 10 or 15 bucks and not getting something much better.
> >
> > there are no dedicated 3d boards anymore, they are all in one and
> > every vid card supports 3d these days.  just some better than others.
> >
> >
> >
> > On Mon, 21 Jan 2002 23:36:45 +1100, "OzzyFrank"
> > <ozzyfrank@goconnect.net.au> wrote:
> >
> > >It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still working
> as
> > >well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system. My empty AGP slot
is
> > >ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
> > >
> > >I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't
> play
> > >games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really
intend
> on
> > >getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive)
> technology.
> > >The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for
so
> > >long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good value/good
> > >performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather the
> 64Mb
> > >ones are still too pricey)?
> > >
> > >--
> > >
> > >OzzyFrank
> > >
> > >��������������������������������
> > >Want Registry Tips and Cool Tweaks?
> > >��������������������������������
> > >http://ozzyfrank.150m.com/C-Frank.htm
> > >��������������������������������
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>

The TNT2 might be fine but the Radeon, while it does great 3D, is much
better than the TNT2 in 2D, IMO.  For a non-gamer, 2D performance is
important and the Radeon has it over the TNT2.

"robkamel" <dwarner1@rochester.rr.com> wrote in message
news:nM138.49903$Sf1.11413822@typhoon.nyroc.rr.com...
> Simon has it right there, a TNT2 M64 will be just fine.
>
> --
> Need help with an HP PC or Printer?
>
> www.angelfire.com/pe2/robkamelhp
>
> Unofficial HP Forum
> http://209.249.165.201/v3/intindex.cgi?bbs=15807
>
>
>
>

I agree, but I've had issues with ATI's driver support, which is why I favor
the TNT2 chipsets.

--
Need help with an HP PC or Printer?

www.angelfire.com/pe2/robkamelhp

Unofficial HP Forum
http://209.249.165.201/v3/intindex.cgi?bbs=15807

Hey, no need to get personal - Then again since you are...

Up until that reply I respected your opinion, seems today your either going
through menopause or you forgot your jolly beans.
All I was asking for was some constructive comment to an otherwise innocent
and legitimate question that deserved a reasonablwe reply.  Something, which
was beyond your usual capabilities.

I am afraid it is your reputation that is sullied - Rod.

Gutless coward? Speak for yourself - you try to humiliate others while
hiding behind a yahoo address.  Who do you think you are?

Roger Griffiths - who has a life.

"Rod Speed" <rod_speed@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3c4cf1c5_1@news.iprimus.com.au...
>
> Some gutless coward child desperately cowering behind
> RoGoR <griffra_spamisyuk_@cyberone.com.au> wrote
> in message news:a2i5r7$ev6$1@merki.connect.com.au...
>
> > SO, how about some constructive advice then, O great fount of wisdom?
>
> He got that, fuckwit.
>
>
> > Rod Speed <rod_speed@yahoo.com> wrote
> >> <JUSTsayCdavisNOTOSPAM@preventspamVermontelremove.com> wrote
>
> > > > The minimum thats at all acceptable in a vid card is 32 megs.
> > >
> > > Complete and utter bullshit with his type of use.
> > >
> > > > and no 64 meg cards are not that pricey.
> > >
> > > > the bottom line that should be looked at are geforce 2 mx 400
> > > > or ati radeon cards.  for between 60-100 bucks.  since you
> > > > dont play games much( but it sounds like once in a while you
> > > > might) these will give you good bang for the buck.
> > >
> > > > since your spending money stay away from any tnt2 m64 board.  and
> > > > preferable stay away from the geforce 2 mx 200 boards.  no sense in
> > > > skimping on 10 or 15 bucks and not getting something much better.
> > >
> > > > there are no dedicated 3d boards anymore, they are
> > > > all in one and every vid card supports 3d these days.
> > >
> > > More complete and utter bullshit.
> > >
> > > > just some better than others.
> > >
> > >
> > > > OzzyFrank <ozzyfrank@goconnect.net.au> wrote
> > >
> > > >> It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still
> > > >> working as well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system.
> > > >> My empty AGP slot is ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
> > >
> > > >> I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i
don't
> > play
> > > >> games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really
> > intend
> > > >> on getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive)
> > technology.
> > > >> The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb
for
> > so
> > > >> long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good
value/good
> > > >> performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather
> > > >> the 64Mb ones are still too pricey)?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

You are right on all accounts, except the gutless coward thing is a news
"prologue"....look again. THAT part was not directed at you, but it doesn't
make any more friendly.

--
Need help with an HP PC or Printer?

www.angelfire.com/pe2/robkamelhp

Unofficial HP Forum
http://209.249.165.201/v3/intindex.cgi?bbs=15807

Issues with ATI's driver support?!?  Impossible <vbg>.  It's an old story
that is all too true.  Personally, I have no complaints about the drivers
but I'm not a huge gamer and my Radeon 32 MB DDR AGP card works just fine.
The native Windows XP drivers worked well for me as well as the updated
Windows XP drivers.

"robkamel" <dwarner1@rochester.rr.com> wrote in message
news:EI438.51363$Sf1.11656677@typhoon.nyroc.rr.com...
> I agree, but I've had issues with ATI's driver support, which is why I
favor
> the TNT2 chipsets.
>
> --
> Need help with an HP PC or Printer?
>
> www.angelfire.com/pe2/robkamelhp
>
> Unofficial HP Forum
> http://209.249.165.201/v3/intindex.cgi?bbs=15807
>
>
>
>

"OzzyFrank" <ozzyfrank@goconnect.net.au> wrote in message news:<a2h21p$q3j$1@perki.connect.com.au>...
> It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still working as
> well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system. My empty AGP slot is
> ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
> 
> I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't play
> games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really intend on
> getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive) technology.
> The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for so
> long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good value/good
> performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather the 64Mb
> ones are still too pricey)?
> 

Go forth and seek the ATI All-In-Wonder. Ye shall not regret!

Really, in bang for the buck, especially since you are not a gamer
(they suck for games) you can't beat one of these. They are
yesterday's technology, so they are CHEAP! They give you TV out/in
with video capture and 3D rendering, all in one card. Get a 16 or 32Mb
model and CAD_CAM/ 3D graphics will really pick up for you.

In article <a2h21p$q3j$1@perki.connect.com.au>, 
ozzyfrank@goconnect.net.au says...
> It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still working as
> well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system. My empty AGP slot is
> ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
> 
> I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't play
> games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really intend on
> getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive) technology.
> The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for so
> long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. 

Matrox G400/500 will be the best for you. Arguably the best 2D quality 
with 3D acceleration should you decide to play a few games. The 3D 
isn't blisteringly fast but it will suffice.


-- 
_________________________
Conor Turton
conor_turton@hotmail.com
ICQ:31909763
_________________________

It all depends on how much money your willing to spend really, but I have
noted that NEW video cards start at 32meg but if you are willing to go
second hand, I recomend looking for an old banshee card. I'm using one with
only 16meg,  it seems to run great on my Duron 900 (full stats at bottom)
and I play Half Life, Unreal Tournament, Max Payne, and much more, you
should be able to pick one of these up for about $50 at a swap meet or
e-bay.

OzzyFrank wrote in message ...
>It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still working as
>well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system. My empty AGP slot is
>ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
>
>I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't play
>games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really intend
on
>getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive) technology.
>The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for so
>long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good value/good
>performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather the 64Mb
>ones are still too pricey)?
>
>--
>
>OzzyFrank
>
>��������������������������������
>Want Registry Tips and Cool Tweaks?
>��������������������������������
>http://ozzyfrank.150m.com/C-Frank.htm
>��������������������������������
>
>
Dalien

AMD Duron 900
Shuttle V12 mainboard
256 meg ram
20 gig hd
16 meg Banshee

If you shop around....I found a Geforce2 MX400 with 64megs on sale for
$49.......that is a very good card for little money....if you were looking
at TNT2 and VANTA cards, or maybe Rage128 cards, (all 32 megs or less and
cheap) this card would be a much better choice, and for $49 bucks....its a
steal. I use these all the time...(wish I found em that cheap more often)
and they work great...plus they are much faster than the stuff your will
encounter at the lower end of the spectrum...
I really dont like the ATI cards, prefer Nvidia cards myself....but if you
insisted...you can also find OEM versions of the RAGE128 for 29 bucks....and
I have seem the Pro card for 49 bucks.....both are 32 megs, and the Pro is a
pretty quick card....for lowest acceptable card at minimum price....a
Rage128 is a good call. Cheap and effective....
"Dalien" <dalienw@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ZVy38.8027$N31.345075@ozemail.com.au...
> It all depends on how much money your willing to spend really, but I have
> noted that NEW video cards start at 32meg but if you are willing to go
> second hand, I recomend looking for an old banshee card. I'm using one
with
> only 16meg,  it seems to run great on my Duron 900 (full stats at bottom)
> and I play Half Life, Unreal Tournament, Max Payne, and much more, you
> should be able to pick one of these up for about $50 at a swap meet or
> e-bay.
>
> OzzyFrank wrote in message ...
> >It's time to upgrade! My old 2 MB Diamond Stealth, though still working
as
> >well as ever, is ready to retire to a spare system. My empty AGP slot is
> >ready to be used, but what do i put in it?
> >
> >I'd like to hear your thoughts on what to buy, keeping in mind i don't
play
> >games much (and have no dedicated 3D card either, and don't really intend
> on
> >getting one), and I don't want the latest (and most expensive)
technology.
> >The bargain of the moment will suffice. Since I'v put up with 2Mb for so
> >long, I'll even up my min. spec of 8Mb to 16Mb. So what good value/good
> >performance/low hassle 16-32Mb cards are there out there (I gather the
64Mb
> >ones are still too pricey)?
> >
> >--
> >
> >OzzyFrank
> >
> >��������������������������������
> >Want Registry Tips and Cool Tweaks?
> >��������������������������������
> >http://ozzyfrank.150m.com/C-Frank.htm
> >��������������������������������
> >
> >
> Dalien
>
> AMD Duron 900
> Shuttle V12 mainboard
> 256 meg ram
> 20 gig hd
> 16 meg Banshee
>
>
>

Video cards need memory for 3D and thats it.  A good 2D card for most
windows apps need only enough memory for the resolution.

So a 800 x 600 with 24 bit color needs

800 x 600 x 3 bytes gives you 1,440,000 bytes needed.  So 2 meg video
card should do fine.  2 meg cards are older so they might be a bit
slower.  Most 2Ds are about the same speed these days.

Most people use at least 800 x 600 for a 15 inch monitor.  They go up
from there.  1024 x 768 for a 17 inch.   1280 x 1024 for a 19 inch and
1600 x 1200 for a 21-22 inch.

So for a 

1024 x 768 x 3  you need   2,359,296 bytes  

1280 x 1024 x 3   3,932,160 bytes  

1600 x 1200 x 3  5,760,000 bytes  

So the most you need is a 6 meg card.  The speed is not an issue for
2D anymore.  The marketing is all about 3D performance today.  If you
don't need 3D just get a cheap 2D PCI with enough memory for your
resolution.  ATI Matrox TNT whatever!

If you want 3D then go with the GeForce 2 for cheap or the Geforce 3
for more!  They are the standard now.  I just bought a Geforce 2 mx
200 with 32 megs of memory.  The memory is not as important as the
clock speed (mx 200 vs mx 400.)  

But still, my card runs Elite Forces a max prettyness at about 25 to
30 frames per sec.  At normal resolutions it runs at about 100 frames
per sec.

Thats good!