GeForce 2 graphics card

Hello again. In the past I mentioned that as the computer is on for a while, the screen goes black or the area by the time for a sec or two, switching between user names. I thought maybe my memory may be bad so I tested it along with my hard drives. All tests came out OK. I just read that my video card is not compatible with anything over DirectX 7 and I have Direct X 9. Any truth to this? The quote being...
"The GeForce2 series is not compatible with anything above DirectX 7"


I have a gig of ram (the Max)
Xp home edition
1.99 processor

Thanks in advance

I used to have a Geforce2 running DX9 with no problems.

I figured just some of the newer features would not be available.

I just got a new machine with WinXP and an Nvidia GeForce 7300 LE and it also does that same 2 second black screen when swapping between users.

Since this is the first time I have used XP in a multi swapable user environment I presumed that was standard ??

Thanks Nix for the reply. I have found this problem getting worse over time. It has only been in the past 2 months or so that I find I need to reboot in order get things back the way they should. Something is getting tired or worn but I can't figure out what. The task manager shows nothing out of the ordinary. Guess I'll open it up and double check all the connections :( ~ Thanks

I get that black out also on my rigs.


Go into device manager and remove the video card drivers, reboot.

See if that gets rid of that problem.

If not then uninstall the video drivers, reboot, then do a reinstall of the drivers.

I'd recommend buying a newer card. That 2-series card is six years old at least, probably 2x/4x. The video lag you must get showing anything other than text must be something else. Even the 5-series nVidia cards are light-years better, and you can get a 5500 for around $40. Two of the good 6-series cards can be had for $100 or less (the 6600GT and the 6800) and are Vista-capable. (The 6800 can be unlocked to equal the performance of the $170 6800GT.)

All the directx-es up to 9 are backward compatible across hardware. What that means is that you can install DirectX9 on your PC with a directX7 video card. DX9 games will run, with reduced visible detail.

Of course, there is no backward compatibility with DX10. But really, that's for the best. DX10 completely changes how the shaders are used and creates a new class of shader. In the batch of DX10 games that are coming, it's the software developers that will be responsible for backward compatiblity, if they want it.

Interestingly, it will also make porting games to and from the xBox quicker and easier. How convienient! :|

Thanks guys. If you were me what card would you put in? I intend to get a new machine with Vista installed in the somewhat near future. This computer however is in very good condition minus the video card (I guess). I can see spending up to a hundred for a quality card... just don't know which one.
Running Xp home
1 gig ram (the max)
1.99 processor
2 ~ 80 gig hard drives
1 external drive
Dell 4400
very fast broadband connection (Optimum boost)
anything else?

~ Thanks much

GF 5500 or better http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...SubCategory=48

Newer machines with Vista already installed should have appropriate on-board or add-on graphics to handle Vista (maybe not the full Aero effect, on cheaper computers). Upgrading an older one is easy and relatively inexpensive. I just recently sold an eVGA GEForce 6600GT for almost the price of a new one on eBay ($90) but I think it's because of the way I marketed it as Vista-ready, with pictures to prove it. (On the Windows Performance Index utility in Vista, this card pulled a 5.9/6.0 for all-around graphics, and a 4.6/6.0 for gaming graphics; see attachment.) This is one of the pictures I used:

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/4991/dscf1443np5.jpg

You might find a 6800 for $100-$120 if you shop around; its performance is better for gaming. If you like ATI cards, I'm sure there are a lot of devotees here to advise you on that.

For the money I'm thinking of the
eVGA 256-A8-N313-LX GeForce FX5500 256MB DDR AGP 4X/8X Video Card
This should be a good step up from what I have. Correct? Or.. is it better for the extra 10.00 to get the GF6200.
Will I see a difference? Not into gaming.


I appreciate all the help :) wouldn't know what to do without Virtual Dr.
~ Thanks

If you're not into gaming and not planning on putting Vista on that machine, the 5500 will do just fine. The numbers may show a significant difference, but your eyes won't see much of a difference between it and the 6200.

Thanks much lgbpop that's the way I'll go then. 5500 it is!

Hello again. I uninstalled the video driver and reinstalled. No change in preformance. I think I'll be going with the 6200 card but have a question. Do I need to be concerned with the power my PSU puts out or is that not an issue. I keep reading where it says a 350-400 power supply is needed and am afraid the standard issue supply unit from Dell may not be enough. Any thoughts?
~ Thanks

I'd be concerned with the power output, I've heard something about Dell PSUs not having much power to spare. A lot of their older components are proprietary in design, too, so not just any PSU can take its place. You should check the Dell website to see what vidcards are compatible with your computer.

I thought so lgbpop. I found a replacement PSU and would like your opinion. It is for a Dell replacement. I don't know if I need to worry about wire connections if I go with something else that I'm sure will be cheaper. This 450 wt is 119.00. Look at the attachment please. If you think Newegg may have something that will be as easy to install please let me know
~ Thanks much

The Dimension 4400 is not one of the Dell models that used the proprietary power supply, so any ATX PSU will do. Get an ATX2 model (most will be now), they are backwards compatible, and will have all the right connectors for any upgrades in future.

The Thermaltake right at the top looks like a good deal:

http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Su...SubCategory=58

Xion is also a good choice. I took a chance on this brand 14 months ago, and am glad I did. The power output hasn't changed at all with mine (peak or sustained) from Day 1. I bought another one (500W) for my wife's computer at work when I did their computer upgrade six months ago and I haven't heard one crash complaint from her since. This is the dual-12V version of the one I have; this one looks interesting too. Better 12V power than the Thermaltake, but you get what you pay for. Your mobo isn't as power-hungry as the newer ones, so your main concern is probably plentiful 5V supply; so either the Thermaltake or Xion would do you well.

Oops... Checked the post to late. But thanks for the replies guys. Went ahead and bought the GE 5500 vid card and the PSU I mentioned for the Dell (450 peak watt) hopefully this will be all I need :rolleyes:

~ Thanks much and I'll post back in a few days when all the parts of the puzzle are installed

Hello again. All my parts came in today. I installed the video card as well as the Power supply. All went very well with the install although the new power supply has a few extra connectors I wasn't sure what to do with. My video card (GeForce 5500) came with a driver that I believe is version 63. something. On Nividias site I found software drivers in version 93. 71. Not sure what to do so I installed the supplied drivers. All is working great. Time will tell if it helps with preformance.
~ Thanks for the help and have a great holiday season :)

In this case, that was a smart move.

Those latest drivers are for PCI-E cards.


Version: 71.89
Release Date: April 14, 2005
That might work.
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp-2k_archive.html

Thanks Train. So... I should be happy with what I have or was there an updated driver for in the website?

Me. I'd probably stick with what you have, but if I got curious, I'd try the 71.89 and be ready to roll the driver back if things did not work out.

Thanks again Train. I'm satisfied for the moment. But I'll keep the update in mind. ;)
Ps. I do see an improvement in my graphics already :D

Your welome!
Glad to hear things are doing just fine.

I'm Baaack!!
Seems I still have an issue. When changing from user to user I still get the screen blackout for a short sec or 2 after the computer has been on for awhile. I have 2 sticks of ram (512 each). 1 gig is the max for my system. I have one stick which is Micron 512 MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM and the other being Kingston 512 MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM. I just went ahead and purchased another Kingston PC3200 to swap out with the micron. Am I wasting my money here?? all memory tests came back OK by the way
~ Thanks again in advance

When changing from user to user I still get the screen blackout for a short sec or 2 after the computer has been on for awhile.

Mine does the same thing.

As for the added ram, in some programs you will definately see a improvement. But the P3200 is overkill. But I realize that maybe the only thing available.

OK Train Thanks. What's another few bucks into the ol' money pit. This is it however until I get the new machine with Vista
~ Enjoy the Holidays!

Your welcome.

Now when you get the new rig, you can add the money for the LAN parts. ATA type cards so you can add 4 more hdds to a computer. Backups, etc. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Train

When changing from user to user I still get the screen blackout for a short sec or 2 after the computer has been on for awhile.

Mine does the same thing.

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Mine too.

Sounds like I wasted money on switching out my ram. Will know in a couple of days I guess.