🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <815779071snz@sierra.demon.co.uk>
           Geoff@sierra.demon.co.uk "Geoff Smith" writes:

> My 1Mb video card has decided to give up on me, so I need another one
> fast.  I don't really know much about them, so I need some help with what
> I should buy.  I basically want SVGA, 1024*1024, 16 M colours.  
>
I assume that you do not actually want 16 M colours at 1280x1024 or
1024x768 (these are more common resolutions, you don't get 1024x1024).
If you do then, you are going to need 4 meg of memory on your video
card and things get expensive (over 250 pounds).  

> Beyond that, I am not sure.  Is 1Mb enough?  
>
If you want 16m colours at 800x600 then you will need 2 meg else with
1 meg you can have true colour at 640x480.  If you were happy before,
they is no real need to upgrade unless you wish to spend the extra
cash.

> It seems to have been when my old card worked, but what am I missing out 
> on?  
>
Depends on what you are using your PC for.  If its just for games, and
a bit of word processing then one meg is ok.

> How about this VESA thing? What is all that?
>
There are two items which relate to VESA.
- Vesa Local Bus (VLB).  This is the specification for the physical
  connection between the video card and the motherboard.  You will
  know if you have VLB motherboard as two or three of the slots
  will have an extra set of brown connectors beyond the standard
  ISA connectors.  If you have VLB motherboard then I recommend
  getting a VLB card.  (If you have PCI thats even better)

- VESA standard.  This is a standard to access SVGA modes (ie
  above 640x480x16 colours).  This standard is required my many
  DOS programs and games that use SVGA.  This standard is implemented
  in the video card bios by most cards, but some older carder many
  require you load a driver for VESA compatiblility.


> So, could anyone please help me with the best I can get (for a limited
> budget), tell me what it will cost me if possible, and where to get it if
> they know of a particularly cheap place?  
>
Call Simply Computer (as recommended by myself and many other people, 
0181 498 4020).  Generally the more you pay the better it gets.  Just
tell them your budget and I'm sure that they can sort out the rest :-)

> How about trading in my old card-Any chance of that?  
>
If its working, try selling it in uk.forsale,demon.adverts

> It is actually only about 6 months old, but I have trouble with my supplier,
> and I am wondering if it is really worth chansing him any longer.
> 
If it is under warrenty and you still have the recipt, its worth a try.

> 
> TIA,
> 
> Geoff.
> 

--
Rajesh Varia     raj@c4rv.demon.co.uk