Compatibility

We just bought a 21" Gateway FPD2185W Monitor ... recommended
resolution 1680x1050
It doesn't get on well with our current Graphics card, so we are
looking at getting a new one.
I was looking at the Matrox Millennium P650 Video Card, but I am not
sure whether it would be compatible with our current system.

The Matrox Millennium P650 Video Card has the following minimum system
requirements:
System: AGP 3.0 compliant
128 MB RAM
600 MHz CPU
Microsoft® Windows® 2000, Windows® XP, or Linux

We have an AOpen AX34 Pentium III FC-PGA 133MHz 4x AGP ATX MotherBoard
I assume we would have to replace it?
As far as computer knowledge goes, I am a caveman with a silicon club,
so go easy on me.

We do not really want the added expense of replacing the motherboard,
nor the fuss of an internet return should the GPU not work for some
other reason (none of the local shops carry Matrox).
No one in the house is a gamer, we use the computer for websurfing, and
graphic art (Photoshop & an art tablet).
The local computer shop suggested the MX4000 as an inexpensive
alternative... I assume they meant the GeForce MX4000.
As we only have a single monitor setup, is it worth the bother to go
for the Matrox.... how will the GeForce fare for my graphic art
applications?
Are there any computer components I have to worry about besides the
Motherboard concerning compatibility?

On 16 Aug 2006 17:01:12 -0700, "Canid" wrote:

We just bought a 21" Gateway FPD2185W Monitor ... recommended
resolution 1680x1050
It doesn't get on well with our current Graphics card, so we are
looking at getting a new one.
I was looking at the Matrox Millennium P650 Video Card, but I am not
sure whether it would be compatible with our current system.

The Matrox Millennium P650 Video Card has the following minimum system
requirements:
System: AGP 3.0 compliant
128 MB RAM
600 MHz CPU
Microsoft® Windows® 2000, Windows® XP, or Linux

We have an AOpen AX34 Pentium III FC-PGA 133MHz 4x AGP ATX MotherBoard
I assume we would have to replace it?

That depends on what OS you're running ( W98, W2000, XP etc ) and on
what CPU you have installed.
If you're uncertain as to the CPU, look at the bios screen at startup
- it should tell you what speed your CPU is.
Your board is quite old, but capable of supporting PIII cpus up to
1Ghz.

As far as computer knowledge goes, I am a caveman with a silicon club,
so go easy on me.

We do not really want the added expense of replacing the motherboard,
nor the fuss of an internet return should the GPU not work for some
other reason (none of the local shops carry Matrox).
No one in the house is a gamer, we use the computer for websurfing, and
graphic art (Photoshop & an art tablet).
The local computer shop suggested the MX4000 as an inexpensive
alternative... I assume they meant the GeForce MX4000.
As we only have a single monitor setup, is it worth the bother to go
for the Matrox.... how will the GeForce fare for my graphic art
applications?

The Matrox is a nice bit of kit, but its appeal lies in its dual
monitor capabilities - and if you don't need or want them then it's a
bit of a waste.
The GeForce will be fine for your needs - though check that the output
socket from your new graphics card matches the input of the monitor.

To be honest, if you're not that savvy with computers I'd recommend
you stick with your local computer shop rather than scouring the web.
Might cost you a few quid more but at least you'll stand a better
chance of getting the right kit - and have somewhere to go if there
are any problems.

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{whoisat}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk

How much difference is there in picture quallity, colour and clarity
between the Matrox and the GeForce then? As I understood it, the Matrox
cards had a very good reputation there.


Stephen Howard wrote:
On 16 Aug 2006 17:01:12 -0700, "Canid" wrote:

We just bought a 21" Gateway FPD2185W Monitor ... recommended
resolution 1680x1050
It doesn't get on well with our current Graphics card, so we are
looking at getting a new one.
I was looking at the Matrox Millennium P650 Video Card, but I am not
sure whether it would be compatible with our current system.

The Matrox Millennium P650 Video Card has the following minimum system
requirements:
System: AGP 3.0 compliant
128 MB RAM
600 MHz CPU
Microsoft® Windows® 2000, Windows® XP, or Linux

We have an AOpen AX34 Pentium III FC-PGA 133MHz 4x AGP ATX MotherBoard
I assume we would have to replace it?

That depends on what OS you're running ( W98, W2000, XP etc ) and on
what CPU you have installed.
If you're uncertain as to the CPU, look at the bios screen at startup
- it should tell you what speed your CPU is.
Your board is quite old, but capable of supporting PIII cpus up to
1Ghz.

As far as computer knowledge goes, I am a caveman with a silicon club,
so go easy on me.

We do not really want the added expense of replacing the motherboard,
nor the fuss of an internet return should the GPU not work for some
other reason (none of the local shops carry Matrox).
No one in the house is a gamer, we use the computer for websurfing, and
graphic art (Photoshop & an art tablet).
The local computer shop suggested the MX4000 as an inexpensive
alternative... I assume they meant the GeForce MX4000.
As we only have a single monitor setup, is it worth the bother to go
for the Matrox.... how will the GeForce fare for my graphic art
applications?

The Matrox is a nice bit of kit, but its appeal lies in its dual
monitor capabilities - and if you don't need or want them then it's a
bit of a waste.
The GeForce will be fine for your needs - though check that the output
socket from your new graphics card matches the input of the monitor.

To be honest, if you're not that savvy with computers I'd recommend
you stick with your local computer shop rather than scouring the web.
Might cost you a few quid more but at least you'll stand a better
chance of getting the right kit - and have somewhere to go if there
are any problems.

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{whoisat}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk

Main Processor: Pentium III 866MHz
Operating System: Windows XP Professional

On 17 Aug 2006 04:46:12 -0700, "Canid" wrote:

How much difference is there in picture quallity, colour and clarity
between the Matrox and the GeForce then? As I understood it, the Matrox
cards had a very good reputation there.

It used to be that the difference was quite clear - but then the
competition wasn't all that hot. Different story these days - plus you
have to factor in improvements in monitor design.
For example - I have a Matrox G450 running on Philips monitor and an
NVidia MX440 running on a Compaq monitor..and I get a better picture
on the Compaq.

You CPU and OS will take the Matrox should you wish to go down that
path, but you'd be paying a lot for features you wouldn't be using.

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{whoisat}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk

Thank-you very much. You've been a great help.


Stephen Howard wrote:
On 17 Aug 2006 04:46:12 -0700, "Canid" wrote:

How much difference is there in picture quallity, colour and clarity
between the Matrox and the GeForce then? As I understood it, the Matrox
cards had a very good reputation there.

It used to be that the difference was quite clear - but then the
competition wasn't all that hot. Different story these days - plus you
have to factor in improvements in monitor design.
For example - I have a Matrox G450 running on Philips monitor and an
NVidia MX440 running on a Compaq monitor..and I get a better picture
on the Compaq.

You CPU and OS will take the Matrox should you wish to go down that
path, but you'd be paying a lot for features you wouldn't be using.

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{whoisat}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk