P4P 80 Deluxe & Video card recommendation

I'm pressed for time to replace a failing system and you guys have the
experience with current technology that I don't have, so pardon the
broad questions.

I plan to do VHS video capture and editing of home movies.

1) Better to get a video card that has video capture capabilities, or
get a separate card / capture device? Recommended cards / devices?

2) Advantage of 64 / 128 / 256 of video RAM?

3) Does it matter if the card is made by Chaintek / Prolink / Asus /
Biostar / or Gigabyte as long as the chipset and RAM are right, or
should I stick with cards actually assembled by ATI / Matrox /
Hercules?

4) If I have to cut corners and skimp on a video card, what's the
cheapest card that works with the P4P 800 and won't noticeably bog the
system down?

TIA
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"RWL" wrote in message ...

I plan to do VHS video capture and editing of home movies.

1) Better to get a video card that has video capture capabilities, or
get a separate card / capture device? Recommended cards / devices?

not sure here...but I'd favor an ATI 9700AIW (all there and very quick).

2) Advantage of 64 / 128 / 256 of video RAM?

not less than 128mb video ram...256mb is more for 1900 screen res.

3) Does it matter if the card is made by Chaintek / Prolink / Asus /
Biostar / or Gigabyte as long as the chipset and RAM are right, or
should I stick with cards actually assembled by ATI / Matrox /
Hercules?

ATI retail is 3 year warranty...others are usually one year,
the Sapphire line makes most of the ATI overseas (asia area)
and some ATI retail cards (afaik). Others seem to be fine.

4) If I have to cut corners and skimp on a video card, what's the
cheapest card that works with the P4P 800 and won't noticeably bog the
system down?

depends on cpu...
my ATI 9500pro (normal clocks) is maxxed out on a 2.60c P4 processor.
3D mark 2001SE at 13,185....a 9700pro has more room but even a
P4 3.2c should maxx out a 9700pro/9800pro in stock trim.

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