What is the best PCIe card for a NON-GAMER?

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donnagual

donnagual

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Dec 7, 2005
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Putting togther a system for a friend. Nforce4 chipset, 939 mobo, PCIe x16 slot ready for graphics card.

She will play NO games what-so-ever. None.

What is the best card to pop in there?

I am thinking the nvidia 6200 is looking about right....?
 
If it's for basic 2D then whatever's the cheapest.

If you're doing video work I'd recommend the x1300.

If it's just word and surfing, then even integrated would be fine, think about either the ATi or nV (heck even Via or S3) intergrated solutions.
 
Won't be doing any video work, other than WATCHING videos.

The board does not have integrated graphics, and it must be aPCI-e x16 card.

As for the X1300 I have heard bad things about it, and that the 6600 outperforms it.
 
Actually, am I going in the wrong direction with this build? Should I be looking at a motherboard with integrated graphics instead? Is PCI-e graphics just a waste of cash if you are not gaming?

My thoughts in going PCIe was just to free up the CPU as much as possible.
 
PCie is fine as an expansion option (even just for reselling the board later), but integrated graphics is more than fine for surfing and watching 2D (non high def) video. For watching HD the X1300 will likely outperform the GF6600 and even the GF680 once the drivers are finalized. But sans HighDef then an X300SE or GF6200TC will be fine, but so will the latest integraed.

Only in gaming will the rest matter, since current processors are more than enough for 2D and current integrated graphics have their own discrete memory for 2D which can be supplanted for 3D and therefor the performance difference is nil for what you're talking about.

Now with Vista this will change somewhat, but that's what the empty PCIe slot is for WHEN and IF you need it. Save the money now.

Of course that's just my 2 frames' worth.
 
So the next question then becomes...

What is the best socket 939 board with integrated graphics?

Anyone have any suggestions?
 
Well she SAYS no games, but she might get the Sims bug or Disney Toontown or maybe watch videos on it - so built-in might not quite suffice. Then again, any cheap PCIe card for $80-$100 will solve all of the problems :)
 
But I can get a motherboard with integrated graphics, and an empty PCIe slot for future upgrades, and save her $100 by NOT buying a card she doesn't need.

But the problem I am having now, is that it seems any board that has integrated graphics and is socket 939 is microATX only. I can't find a good ATX board that has an empty PCIe slot, integrated graphics and socket 939.

I don't want a microATX board (I think) as it doesn't typically have enough pci slots. So perhaps I am stuck with having to buy a PCIe graphics card which she doesn't really need.
 
So I guess the question then becomes, do I get a 6200 card or pay double for an X1300 card?

For a non-gamer, is the X1300 worth it?
 
I don't want a microATX board (I think) as it doesn't typically have enough pci slots.
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What would she need a PCI slot for? Does the motherboard not come with onboard everything these days? So what PCI card could she possibly add to that? I'd say consider microATX. Possibly even consider a sexy microATX case. There's no need for a big clunky box when there's so little in it.
 
As for the X1300 I have heard bad things about it, and that the 6600 outperforms it.
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For the record, the X1300 PRO is the best performing card for the dollar.

But you say on one hand the machine won't be used for *any* gaming, and on the other hand you're worried about relative gaming performance.

Integrated video is fine for writing documents. If she watches alot of DVDs there might be a slight quality increase with a discrete videocard, in which case the X1300 would be a good choice, but any discrete PCI-express card would be great for that too. X300, 6200, etc.
 
I don't want a microATX board (I think) as it doesn't typically have enough pci slots.
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What would she need a PCI slot for? Does the motherboard not come with onboard everything these days? So what PCI card could she possibly add to that? I'd say consider microATX. Possibly even consider a sexy microATX case. There's no need for a big clunky box when there's so little in it.

Here in Japan, it gets so hot and humid, a case needs good circulation/cooling or you are screwed. I am mostly worried that a microATX will simply not suffice at keeping things cool enough. She leaves her computer on 24/7.

As for the PCI cards, for example I have 2 slots being used in mine. A video capture card and a PCMCIA adapter card. If it were a microATX board, I'd pretty much be at capacity already.

I still am considering doing the microATX, but not convinced that it is the BEST route to go.
 
But you say on one hand the machine won't be used for *any* gaming, and on the other hand you're worried about relative gaming performance.
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Did I say I am worried about GAMING performance anywhere? I don't think I did, but if I did it is a mistake. She only needs a video card for watching movies, writing documents, internet etc. No 3d games will be played.
 
Best not to get worked up, everyone's expectations or experiences are different. Really he's one of the people you want to listen to, the reason he mentions stuff you haven't specifically is to be sure you cover all the bases. Cleeve's just trying to help, cut him some slack, or else you might lose the rest of our help. Just an FYI.

I disagree with just about everyone's assesment of integrated graphics for your/her needs here. The Xpress200/RS480 and GF6150 chips are competent enough, and some have their own 16MB of memory not shared.

Here's a review that has the 2 best integrated candidates for AMD;
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/chipsets/display/gf6150-gf6100.html

And for video content they are ok;
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/chipsets/display/gf6150-gf6100_15.html
 
Hello,

Visit Newegg.com. Visit their Vvidoe cards section. You can mix and match and fur sure you will come up with a great card that suits both your needs w/o breaking the bank.

My suggestions would be 6600 GT, 6800LE/ GS, or X800 regular/ XL.
 
Best not to get worked up, everyone's expectations or experiences are different. Really he's one of the people you want to listen to, the reason he mentions stuff you haven't specifically is to be sure you cover all the bases. Cleeve's just trying to help, cut him some slack, or else you might lose the rest of our help. Just an FYI.
Click to expand...

Me? Worked up? What gave you that impression? And you think I have insulted someone enough to warrant the warning you are giving me???? What I wrote above was for clarification, and I don't think there was any venom attached to it. A simple statement of fact. Was it the capitolization that triggered you into your disiplinary mode?

Anyways.......

I really appreciate all the feedback from everyone so far. If anyone (for whatever reason) has felt insulted by my words somewhere (????) then I appologize whole-heartedly.
 
You know...I find the other posts on this subject truly facinating. I have to tell you, I was so distraut with what I read that I registered to this forum JUST TO REPLY TO THIS ONE QUESTION. First of all...I PLAY NO GAMES WHATSOEVER ON MY COMPUTER. So the following statements come from an ACTUAL non-gamer. NOT a gamer giving advice to non-gamers.... (Gee thanks, but no thanks).

As you have probably already learned, if one should have the audacity to use a computer for applications rather than games, God help you finding advice on the internet regarding video cards. It is MORE than apparent that the computer hardware corporations are sucking the "toes" of the Gamers. Everything is WAY biased towards gamers, which is why one receives (from gamers) ridiculous advice like going with any 'ol cheap card. Way wrong!

After four months of comparing reviews from all the best websites on the net (zdnet...sharkeyex, etc) and emailing companies for specs and information, I finally went with (...drum roll...) MATROX.

Try and find any reviews on the internet about them....good luck!

I just built a new system and I'm using the MATROX Millenium 650 PCIe AND I'M ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED WITH IT!

Why the f- would you install a cheap card on a top of the line mainboard? Ridiculous!

The Matrox Millenium 650 has a palette of over a BILLION colors. (Personally, I don't use them, but they're there if you need them). It will handle ANY 2D chore you throw at it. But the most important reason to go with it is that MATROX'S 2D ABILITIES ARE UNRIVELED. Plus you're buying a board that can grow with you. 8)

If anyone gives you "advice" on the best 2D PCIe card and they don't AT LEAST MENTION Matrox...you're listening to a puffed up Gamer who thinks that just because they know a little something about gaming...they MUST be experts on EVERYTHING in the entire universe.

The Millenium 650 also comes in a PCI version so you have to watch for that. I don't know anything about that card.

I have a Samsung LCD monitor and my Millenium PCIe offers any resolution that my monitor can handle. The card has its own memory and my screen is lightening fast. So fast that it took some getting used to.

Matrox is a company that specializes in corporate visual displays, so if your client ever wants to expand their vision and use two screens simultaneously for whatever, the Millenium will do that. Plus there's a lot more it can do. Also the Power Desk software that comes with it has an additional range of features.

I don't work for Matrox and since I'm not getting paid for this I'll stop here... go to their site and check it out for yourself.

FACT: THE BEST CARDS FOR 2D USERS ARE MADE BY MATROX.
I know because I'm ACTUALLY RUNNING ONE.

Now, I must tell you that my new system is housed in a Lian Li case with the "Plus" (air) package. The CPU is cooled by a Thermal Right copper heatsink. And I have 2GBs of OCZ dual channel low latency memory.

So buying a top of the line 2D graphics card seemed appropriate.

On the other hand, if the rest of your system is cheesy, then perhaps a cheesy low-priced 2D card is more in line.

I'm of the notion that if I'm gonna go thru the hassle of building a system and hassling with compatibility issues and small details like the proper way to apply Arctic Silver thermal paste to the CPU, etc...then I want to install parts that aren't going to become outdated a mere six months later.

I wish you success with your build.
Just be aware that there is a paucity of good advice about 2D.
The internet is way overbalanced in favor of 3D gamers.
So the majority of advice you receive will be WRONG.
And given to you by people you have NO ACTUAL EXPERIENCE with what they are saying.

Explore the Matrox website first.
It's not very user-friendly compared to the major 3D companies.
But if you press all the wrong links, you'll finally come to the right ones and once you read the specs I'm confident you'll realize that Matrox has FAR MORE to offer "non-gamers" than anything you've heard about from gamers.

Good Luck :)
 
shazer322, THANK YOU. I will look up that card right away, and it just may be a PERFECT fit for the type of system that she is looking for.

Cheers!!
 
Pricegrabber says the Matrox PCI-e card is $188. At that price I can easily pick up X800 XL and similar used-to-be high end cards. Perfect for non-gaming and ideal when you watch videos or play some games.
 
I say a nvidia 6600 or maybe fx5200 there like 40$ lol but dont think its gona game.. Just as i warning i know you said you dont want too but the most you will get outa that card is Starcraft, and like Cs 1.6
 
Hmmm. I am having a hard time finding the Millenium 650 PCIe version. The AGP version is $150 and up, which I must say doesn't sound like the best choice on a cost/performance basis.

I am leaning back towards an X1300 card. Tough call actually as the 6600 is about the same price. Overkill perhaps, but for an extra $50 (vs the 550 or 6200 cards) the x1300 seems like the way to go.

I appreciate everyone's help on this VERY much.
 
Here in Japan, it gets so hot and humid, a case needs good circulation/cooling or you are screwed. I am mostly worried that a microATX will simply not suffice at keeping things cool enough. She leaves her computer on 24/7.
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I hear that. It sounds like you need to concentrate on a lower-end processor and video then, if you want to avoid a lot of heat in the case. There are some pretty cool looking small cases out there too that should have good cooling for you, especially if you get a full-sized ATX desktop case.

Some relatively small cases that still have good airflow are the Antec Overture II, or the Thermaltake Tenor.

As for the PCI cards, for example I have 2 slots being used in mine. A video capture card and a PCMCIA adapter card. If it were a microATX board, I'd pretty much be at capacity already.
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I can find a few microATX boards with a PCIe 16x slot for graphics and 3 PCI slots. But it's your call of course. I'm just offering a suggestion. Besides, if you go with something more like a full-sized ATX desktop case for it's better cooling, then you can use a full-sized ATX motherboard with all of it's PCI slots. No worries there.

I still am considering doing the microATX, but not convinced that it is the BEST route to go.
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I think if you're looking to save money, especially if you go for onboard video, then you're looking at microATX. And you're right that it has limited PCI slots, but honestly, do you think she'll use even three PCI cards? With so many things onboard these days, it's not nearly the worry that it used to be. Plus microATX is smaller, which a lot of people like.

But if you're looking for good airflow in your case, then you'll probably want more like a full-sized ATX desktop case. Good luck finding onboard video in a full-sized ATX motherboard though. You'll probably need an actual video card for that. And now you're looking at a much more expensive build. (Though at least there are still some rather attractive cases for that.)

Well, whichever route you decide to take, I wish you luck.
 
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