PCI Graphics Card

[gunner]

I have picked up a cheap IBM Thinkcentre (P4, SFF) that I am going to use as a media centre PC. One problem, it only had PCI slots (no AGP/PCIe). I also want to play the odd game on it, mainly RTS, nothing to intensive.
I want to get a gfx card for it, but PCI choices are limited.

Anyone have any suggestions as to the best one I can get? They all seem to be PCIe or AGP. I am not really worried about budget.

[stevie2001]

Heres a couple of links to cards, 2 from nVidia & 2 from ATI.

Not too sure which`ll be best for you though.

http://www.ebuyer.com/cat/Graphics-C...IDIA-PCI-Range

http://www.ebuyer.com/cat/Graphics-C...deon-PCI-Range

[gunner]

Cheers Steve - any idea which one is best?

[stevie2001]

I`m not too sure as to which is best.

The first is cheaper, but the second supports Direct X9, weather thats a factor I`m not sure.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/92876

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/121534

Personally I`d go for the more expensive one, both have TV-out, which may be an advantage for a media player, you could maybe set up a PVR if you put in a TV tuner.

I`m surprised no one else has posted.

[furrry]

double check if your SFF chassis uses half height PCI cards before you order m8

just incase it dont fit

[gunner]

Good point.... It might very well have a SFF chassis...

[pattikins]

This might be worth a gander, http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=8982 .
http://www.sparkle.com.tw/News/SP85_...3_PCI_EN1.html
& http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/256MB-nVidia-G...QQcmdZViewItem

I think the other cards would struggle with a modern RTS. If the card is a bit too pricey this might also be worth a look: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=656814 (fanless). i think the performance difference between the 6250 & 5200 will depend on whether u want to play DX or openGL games.

[gunner]

Thanks chaps. If it is only low profile, am I right in thinking I can get a bracket like this to make it work?
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=487702

[pattikins]

maybe with something like this: Sparkle GeForce FX5200 256MB PCI @ microdirect. I'm not sure the cards so far are suitable.

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(20162)...CI-Retail.aspx