Which Video Card?

Scott · Feb 6, 2008

I have a used Gateway E3200 450MHZ with 384 MB RAM, running Win98
First Edition. With the Rage 128 AR AGP1X, AGP2x, 8.0M memory video
card that came with it, videos are often choppy. I have a Radeon
WBUC070 video card with AGP 32MB, SVGA video card available to replace
this card. It looks like the model is 7000 A70L. I have another card
....an ATI Radeon 9200SE Stealth video card with 128MB DDR, DVI Out,
PCI version. I assume that either of these cards would be an upgrade.

This computer has a Samsung 173P LCD monitor. The computer is used
for basic email and internet, which occasionally involves streaming
video. There's no gaming done on this system, and no DVD's are played.

The Samsung monitor accepts DVI. With the Radeon 9200SE's DVI output,
would the improvement in image quality be noticeable?

Which of these video cards would be the best upgrade, without going
overboard?

Thanks!
Scott

philo · Feb 6, 2008

"Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message
news:47A95844.E7ACE277@uslink.net...
> I have a used Gateway E3200 450MHZ with 384 MB RAM, running Win98
> First Edition. With the Rage 128 AR AGP1X, AGP2x, 8.0M memory video
> card that came with it, videos are often choppy. I have a Radeon
> WBUC070 video card with AGP 32MB, SVGA video card available to replace
> this card. It looks like the model is 7000 A70L. I have another card
> ...an ATI Radeon 9200SE Stealth video card with 128MB DDR, DVI Out,
> PCI version. I assume that either of these cards would be an upgrade.
>
> This computer has a Samsung 173P LCD monitor. The computer is used
> for basic email and internet, which occasionally involves streaming
> video. There's no gaming done on this system, and no DVD's are played.
>
> The Samsung monitor accepts DVI. With the Radeon 9200SE's DVI output,
> would the improvement in image quality be noticeable?
>
> Which of these video cards would be the best upgrade, without going
> overboard?
>
> Thanks!
> Scott

First check to see if Win98 drivers are avail
(go to the website of the video card's mfg)

Also check to see if your mobo can accept the newer AGP card
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accelerated_Graphics_Port

Then go for the card with the most RAM.

MEB · Feb 7, 2008

"Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message
news:47AB926B.DBAED28C@uslink.net...
|
|
| Lil' Dave wrote:
| >
| > "Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message
| > news:47A95844.E7ACE277@uslink.net...
| > >I have a used Gateway E3200 450MHZ with 384 MB RAM, running Win98
| > > First Edition. With the Rage 128 AR AGP1X, AGP2x, 8.0M memory video
| > > card that came with it, videos are often choppy. I have a Radeon
| > > WBUC070 video card with AGP 32MB, SVGA video card available to replace
| > > this card. It looks like the model is 7000 A70L. I have another card
| > > ...an ATI Radeon 9200SE Stealth video card with 128MB DDR, DVI Out,
| > > PCI version. I assume that either of these cards would be an upgrade.
| > >
| > > This computer has a Samsung 173P LCD monitor. The computer is used
| > > for basic email and internet, which occasionally involves streaming
| > > video. There's no gaming done on this system, and no DVD's are played.
| > >
| > > The Samsung monitor accepts DVI. With the Radeon 9200SE's DVI output,
| > > would the improvement in image quality be noticeable?
| > >
| > > Which of these video cards would be the best upgrade, without going
| > > overboard?
| > >
| > > Thanks!
| > > Scott
| >
| > My experience with the 9200SE card in 98SE/ME/XP. Its a 1X/2X, with a
| > jumper for 4X operation. The DVI out is flaky. Works fine at cold
boot.
| > After reboot is initiated, no video present in windows. Must cold boot
for
| > video in windows. Am using an Optiquest 20.5" Digital monitor. Reboot
| > video problem does not exist in analog. No apparent difference in video
by
| > my judgment.
| > Dave
|
| Dave,
|
| That's very interesting. One of the reasons I want to change this existing
Rage
| 128 video card is that often at cold boot, it starts booting up without
the
| video (doesn't show bootup info or windows after bootup). I have to shut
down,
| re-boot...often 1-3 times for the video to start working. This card uses
an
| analog connection. Do you think this is a video card issue or
motherboard?
|
| Thanks again!
| Scott

Potentially both, or neither.

It may be corrosion on the adapter or slot finger. A partially
seated/intermittent connection might cause these issues. Try cleaning both.
This may also be caused, at times, by an almost dead or dead CMOS battery.
Negate any potential hardware issues first.

--

MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
_________

Lil' Dave · Feb 7, 2008

"Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message
news:47A95844.E7ACE277@uslink.net...
>I have a used Gateway E3200 450MHZ with 384 MB RAM, running Win98
> First Edition. With the Rage 128 AR AGP1X, AGP2x, 8.0M memory video
> card that came with it, videos are often choppy. I have a Radeon
> WBUC070 video card with AGP 32MB, SVGA video card available to replace
> this card. It looks like the model is 7000 A70L. I have another card
> ...an ATI Radeon 9200SE Stealth video card with 128MB DDR, DVI Out,
> PCI version. I assume that either of these cards would be an upgrade.
>
> This computer has a Samsung 173P LCD monitor. The computer is used
> for basic email and internet, which occasionally involves streaming
> video. There's no gaming done on this system, and no DVD's are played.
>
> The Samsung monitor accepts DVI. With the Radeon 9200SE's DVI output,
> would the improvement in image quality be noticeable?
>
> Which of these video cards would be the best upgrade, without going
> overboard?
>
> Thanks!
> Scott

My experience with the 9200SE card in 98SE/ME/XP. Its a 1X/2X, with a
jumper for 4X operation. The DVI out is flaky. Works fine at cold boot.
After reboot is initiated, no video present in windows. Must cold boot for
video in windows. Am using an Optiquest 20.5" Digital monitor. Reboot
video problem does not exist in analog. No apparent difference in video by
my judgment.
Dave

Scott · Feb 7, 2008

Lil' Dave wrote:
>
> "Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message
> news:47A95844.E7ACE277@uslink.net...
> >I have a used Gateway E3200 450MHZ with 384 MB RAM, running Win98
> > First Edition. With the Rage 128 AR AGP1X, AGP2x, 8.0M memory video
> > card that came with it, videos are often choppy. I have a Radeon
> > WBUC070 video card with AGP 32MB, SVGA video card available to replace
> > this card. It looks like the model is 7000 A70L. I have another card
> > ...an ATI Radeon 9200SE Stealth video card with 128MB DDR, DVI Out,
> > PCI version. I assume that either of these cards would be an upgrade.
> >
> > This computer has a Samsung 173P LCD monitor. The computer is used
> > for basic email and internet, which occasionally involves streaming
> > video. There's no gaming done on this system, and no DVD's are played.
> >
> > The Samsung monitor accepts DVI. With the Radeon 9200SE's DVI output,
> > would the improvement in image quality be noticeable?
> >
> > Which of these video cards would be the best upgrade, without going
> > overboard?
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Scott
>
> My experience with the 9200SE card in 98SE/ME/XP. Its a 1X/2X, with a
> jumper for 4X operation. The DVI out is flaky. Works fine at cold boot.
> After reboot is initiated, no video present in windows. Must cold boot for
> video in windows. Am using an Optiquest 20.5" Digital monitor. Reboot
> video problem does not exist in analog. No apparent difference in video by
> my judgment.
> Dave

Dave,

That's very interesting. One of the reasons I want to change this existing Rage
128 video card is that often at cold boot, it starts booting up without the
video (doesn't show bootup info or windows after bootup). I have to shut down,
re-boot...often 1-3 times for the video to start working. This card uses an
analog connection. Do you think this is a video card issue or motherboard?

Thanks again!
Scott

glee · Feb 7, 2008

"Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message news:47AB926B.DBAED28C@uslink.net...
>
> Lil' Dave wrote:
>>
>> "Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message
>> news:47A95844.E7ACE277@uslink.net...
>> >I have a used Gateway E3200 450MHZ with 384 MB RAM, running Win98
>> > First Edition. With the Rage 128 AR AGP1X, AGP2x, 8.0M memory video
>> > card that came with it, videos are often choppy. I have a Radeon
>> > WBUC070 video card with AGP 32MB, SVGA video card available to replace
>> > this card. It looks like the model is 7000 A70L. I have another card
>> > ...an ATI Radeon 9200SE Stealth video card with 128MB DDR, DVI Out,
>> > PCI version. I assume that either of these cards would be an upgrade.
>> >
>> > This computer has a Samsung 173P LCD monitor. The computer is used
>> > for basic email and internet, which occasionally involves streaming
>> > video. There's no gaming done on this system, and no DVD's are played.
>> >
>> > The Samsung monitor accepts DVI. With the Radeon 9200SE's DVI output,
>> > would the improvement in image quality be noticeable?
>> >
>> > Which of these video cards would be the best upgrade, without going
>> > overboard?
>> >
>> > Thanks!
>> > Scott
>>
>> My experience with the 9200SE card in 98SE/ME/XP. Its a 1X/2X, with a
>> jumper for 4X operation. The DVI out is flaky. Works fine at cold boot.
>> After reboot is initiated, no video present in windows. Must cold boot for
>> video in windows. Am using an Optiquest 20.5" Digital monitor. Reboot
>> video problem does not exist in analog. No apparent difference in video by
>> my judgment.
>> Dave
>
> Dave,
>
> That's very interesting. One of the reasons I want to change this existing Rage
> 128 video card is that often at cold boot, it starts booting up without the
> video (doesn't show bootup info or windows after bootup). I have to shut down,
> re-boot...often 1-3 times for the video to start working. This card uses an
> analog connection. Do you think this is a video card issue or motherboard?

Are you sure it is actually booting when there is no display? Do you see hard drive
activity via the hard drive activity LED on the case? Do you hear startup system
sounds from Windows?
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Windows, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm

Scott · Feb 11, 2008

glee wrote:
>
> "Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message news:47AB926B.DBAED28C@uslink.net...
> >
> > Lil' Dave wrote:
> >>
> >> "Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message
> >> news:47A95844.E7ACE277@uslink.net...
> >> >I have a used Gateway E3200 450MHZ with 384 MB RAM, running Win98
> >> > First Edition. With the Rage 128 AR AGP1X, AGP2x, 8.0M memory video
> >> > card that came with it, videos are often choppy. I have a Radeon
> >> > WBUC070 video card with AGP 32MB, SVGA video card available to replace
> >> > this card. It looks like the model is 7000 A70L. I have another card
> >> > ...an ATI Radeon 9200SE Stealth video card with 128MB DDR, DVI Out,
> >> > PCI version. I assume that either of these cards would be an upgrade.
> >> >
> >> > This computer has a Samsung 173P LCD monitor. The computer is used
> >> > for basic email and internet, which occasionally involves streaming
> >> > video. There's no gaming done on this system, and no DVD's are played.
> >> >
> >> > The Samsung monitor accepts DVI. With the Radeon 9200SE's DVI output,
> >> > would the improvement in image quality be noticeable?
> >> >
> >> > Which of these video cards would be the best upgrade, without going
> >> > overboard?
> >> >
> >> > Thanks!
> >> > Scott
> >>
> >> My experience with the 9200SE card in 98SE/ME/XP. Its a 1X/2X, with a
> >> jumper for 4X operation. The DVI out is flaky. Works fine at cold boot.
> >> After reboot is initiated, no video present in windows. Must cold boot for
> >> video in windows. Am using an Optiquest 20.5" Digital monitor. Reboot
> >> video problem does not exist in analog. No apparent difference in video by
> >> my judgment.
> >> Dave
> >
> > Dave,
> >
> > That's very interesting. One of the reasons I want to change this existing Rage
> > 128 video card is that often at cold boot, it starts booting up without the
> > video (doesn't show bootup info or windows after bootup). I have to shut down,
> > re-boot...often 1-3 times for the video to start working. This card uses an
> > analog connection. Do you think this is a video card issue or motherboard?
>
> Are you sure it is actually booting when there is no display? Do you see hard drive
> activity via the hard drive activity LED on the case? Do you hear startup system
> sounds from Windows?
> --
> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Windows, A+
> http://dts-l.net/
> http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm

Glen,

Yes, it's actually booting. I can see the hard drive light blinking, and it sounds
like a regular boot. If I shut it down during this process, then on re-boot, it switches
to Scandisk.

Any suggestions?

Scott

glee · Feb 11, 2008

"Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message news:47AFEAAF.87E8E95A@uslink.net...
>
>
> glee wrote:
>>
>> "Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message news:47AB926B.DBAED28C@uslink.net...
>> >
>> > Lil' Dave wrote:
>> >>
>> >> "Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message
>> >> news:47A95844.E7ACE277@uslink.net...
>> >> >I have a used Gateway E3200 450MHZ with 384 MB RAM, running Win98
>> >> > First Edition. With the Rage 128 AR AGP1X, AGP2x, 8.0M memory video
>> >> > card that came with it, videos are often choppy. I have a Radeon
>> >> > WBUC070 video card with AGP 32MB, SVGA video card available to replace
>> >> > this card. It looks like the model is 7000 A70L. I have another card
>> >> > ...an ATI Radeon 9200SE Stealth video card with 128MB DDR, DVI Out,
>> >> > PCI version. I assume that either of these cards would be an upgrade.
>> >> >
>> >> > This computer has a Samsung 173P LCD monitor. The computer is used
>> >> > for basic email and internet, which occasionally involves streaming
>> >> > video. There's no gaming done on this system, and no DVD's are played.
>> >> >
>> >> > The Samsung monitor accepts DVI. With the Radeon 9200SE's DVI output,
>> >> > would the improvement in image quality be noticeable?
>> >> >
>> >> > Which of these video cards would be the best upgrade, without going
>> >> > overboard?
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks!
>> >> > Scott
>> >>
>> >> My experience with the 9200SE card in 98SE/ME/XP. Its a 1X/2X, with a
>> >> jumper for 4X operation. The DVI out is flaky. Works fine at cold boot.
>> >> After reboot is initiated, no video present in windows. Must cold boot for
>> >> video in windows. Am using an Optiquest 20.5" Digital monitor. Reboot
>> >> video problem does not exist in analog. No apparent difference in video by
>> >> my judgment.
>> >> Dave
>> >
>> > Dave,
>> >
>> > That's very interesting. One of the reasons I want to change this existing Rage
>> > 128 video card is that often at cold boot, it starts booting up without the
>> > video (doesn't show bootup info or windows after bootup). I have to shut down,
>> > re-boot...often 1-3 times for the video to start working. This card uses an
>> > analog connection. Do you think this is a video card issue or motherboard?
>>
>> Are you sure it is actually booting when there is no display? Do you see hard
>> drive
>> activity via the hard drive activity LED on the case? Do you hear startup system
>> sounds from Windows?
>> --
>> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Windows, A+
>> http://dts-l.net/
>> http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm
>
> Glen,
>
> Yes, it's actually booting. I can see the hard drive light blinking, and it sounds
> like a regular boot. If I shut it down during this process, then on re-boot, it
> switches
> to Scandisk.
>
> Any suggestions?

I agree with MEB's last reply re: checking the card for proper seating and possible
corrosion in the slot or on the connector tab of the card, and also on the pins on
the video cable between the card and the monitor, as well as the health of the
battery.

I also have a 9200SE, an ATi card. It is AGP 2X/4X/8X compatible. I'm not sure
what Dave is seeing on his card when he describes his as being "1X/2X, with a jumper
for 4X operation". He may have an older model of the card. Mine does not have any
jumper for setting the AGP speed....that is done in the BIOS or by a motherboard
jumper.

Mine has always been connected with DVI cable, used with Win98SE and also XP, and I
see no problems or "flakiness" using DVI out. I'm wondering if his and your
problems in that respect are due to insufficient power or to a bad DVI cable.

Are you sure you have a video card installed rather than an onboard video chipset?
Have you looked in the case? Your Gateway model is described as having onboard
video, hence my question.

You also might find the discussion here of interest, particularly where Saist
discusses the limited space for a video card, although that might not pertain to
your system if it is not the identical motherboard:
http://www.mepislovers.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-3852.html
--
Glen Ventura, MS MVP Windows, A+
http://dts-l.net/
http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm

Brian A. · Feb 12, 2008

"Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message news:47AFEAAF.87E8E95A@uslink.net...
>
>
> glee wrote:
>>
>> "Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message news:47AB926B.DBAED28C@uslink.net...
>> >
>> > Lil' Dave wrote:
>> >>
>> >> "Scott" <golden@uslink.net> wrote in message
>> >> news:47A95844.E7ACE277@uslink.net...
>> >> >I have a used Gateway E3200 450MHZ with 384 MB RAM, running Win98
>> >> > First Edition. With the Rage 128 AR AGP1X, AGP2x, 8.0M memory video
>> >> > card that came with it, videos are often choppy. I have a Radeon
>> >> > WBUC070 video card with AGP 32MB, SVGA video card available to replace
>> >> > this card. It looks like the model is 7000 A70L. I have another card
>> >> > ...an ATI Radeon 9200SE Stealth video card with 128MB DDR, DVI Out,
>> >> > PCI version. I assume that either of these cards would be an upgrade.
>> >> >
>> >> > This computer has a Samsung 173P LCD monitor. The computer is used
>> >> > for basic email and internet, which occasionally involves streaming
>> >> > video. There's no gaming done on this system, and no DVD's are played.
>> >> >
>> >> > The Samsung monitor accepts DVI. With the Radeon 9200SE's DVI output,
>> >> > would the improvement in image quality be noticeable?
>> >> >
>> >> > Which of these video cards would be the best upgrade, without going
>> >> > overboard?
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks!
>> >> > Scott
>> >>
>> >> My experience with the 9200SE card in 98SE/ME/XP. Its a 1X/2X, with a
>> >> jumper for 4X operation. The DVI out is flaky. Works fine at cold boot.
>> >> After reboot is initiated, no video present in windows. Must cold boot for
>> >> video in windows. Am using an Optiquest 20.5" Digital monitor. Reboot
>> >> video problem does not exist in analog. No apparent difference in video by
>> >> my judgment.
>> >> Dave
>> >
>> > Dave,
>> >
>> > That's very interesting. One of the reasons I want to change this existing Rage
>> > 128 video card is that often at cold boot, it starts booting up without the
>> > video (doesn't show bootup info or windows after bootup). I have to shut down,
>> > re-boot...often 1-3 times for the video to start working. This card uses an
>> > analog connection. Do you think this is a video card issue or motherboard?
>>
>> Are you sure it is actually booting when there is no display? Do you see hard
>> drive
>> activity via the hard drive activity LED on the case? Do you hear startup system
>> sounds from Windows?
>> --
>> Glen Ventura, MS MVP Windows, A+
>> http://dts-l.net/
>> http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm
>
> Glen,
>
> Yes, it's actually booting. I can see the hard drive light blinking, and it sounds
> like a regular boot. If I shut it down during this process, then on re-boot, it
> switches
> to Scandisk.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Scott

If you are using an add-on video card and you do have onboard/integrated video,
make sure it's Disabled in the BIOS if it has the option.
Make sure as suggested earlier that the card is seated firmly, all connections are
secure and all contacts are clean.

If you still have problems, make sure you have the drivers for the card and boot to
Safe Mode > Device Manager.
Remove/uninstall Any/All Display Adapter devices listed.
Close out of DM and reboot.
Windows should redetect/reinstall the device/drivers. If not reinstall using the
driver installation you have on hand for the specific card installed.

If that fails to resolve the issue, make sure you have the drivers for the ATI
Radeon 9200SE and uninstall the drivers for the present card via DM.
Shut down the machine and pull the power cord from the wall receptacle.
Swap the card out for the ATI Radeon 9200SE.
Plug the power cord back in and reboot.
Install the drivers for the ATI Radeon 9200SE.

To test the previous card, install it in another machine and if it displays the
same problem you know the card is bad.

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Windows Desktop User Experience }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

Which Video Card?

Scott

philo

MEB

Lil' Dave

Scott

glee

Scott

glee

Brian A.

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