high end PCI Graphics or low end AGP graphics?

[josemavicente]

i have 2 extra graphics accelerators ... an 8MB S3 Savage for AGP slot and a 32mb S3 Savage for PCI ... which should i use??? im debating that since AGP is way better than PCI graphics, then it should be AGP .... BUT its only 8MB while the PCI card has 32megs on it ... its gonna run on a PIII. i dont wanna buy a brand new card since i already have 2 in excess!!! =)

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Jayvee Fernandez
"Structure is the function of logic."

[hiredgoonz]

Go with the 32mb PCI...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.

[iisbob]

Nope, disagree hiredgoonz-reason being; PCI is limited in speed and data transfer rate compared to the AGP slot-AGP is a direct pipeline to the memory bus, so that 8 MB card will be able to take advantge of your system memory to process graphic's faster and with more detail, whereas the PCI slot's have to route thru the CPU first, so they lose the advantage of using main memory as a texture buffer.

True the PCI card has more onbaord memory-but the PCI slot will choke it's performance-the AGP will have no such restriction-so you'll get the full benefit of it's memory buffer and GPU processor.




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iisbob

CPU= 5mhz
Memory= 16 K
Storage=10.2MB's
Video=Onboard S3 4K
Modem=14.4 baud
Sound=ISA Yamaha 8bit
Mouse=2 button MS
Monitor=ACER 12.5"
OS= WIN 3.1

My ultimate gaming system :)

[BigBlue66]

Try them both and make up your own mind. While I agree that they're not equal in specs, the functional quality you get from either one will be comparable to the other one. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

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This space reserved for highly intelligent observations and witty remarks.

"So much in love with us are we, you could kiss you and I could kiss me"

"Well,it was hard pulling that one wheel wagon around"
---- Tommy Smothers

[hiredgoonz]

iisbob: I understand the difference between AGP and PCI...however, 8mb of video memory is under the minimum requirements for pretty much any game, so the fact that it's an AGP card isn't going to do you much good...

And remember, we're talking about the S3 Savage, you really think you're going to see a big difference with either card? At least with the 32mb of memory you'll have wider compatibility with games and be able to support higher color depth without as much of a performance hit (like in Windows XP)

I just replaced an 8mb AGP card with a 16mb PCI in one of my systems and there was a noticeable increase in responsiveness...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.

[josemavicente]

ok guys, keep cool... ill try both and see how they compare =) i guess ill stidck with the one what suits my needs best. thanks for all the help! =)

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Jayvee Fernandez
"Structure is the function of logic."

[iisbob]

The explanation was more for the readers than you, Goonz-i was pretty sure you knew about them; however most people still get caught up in the " more memory is better " game , without taking into account the other variables that affect system performance-especially when it comes to video graphics.

You probably did notice an improvement, and generally i would agree with you that the greater memory on the PCI card would offset the advantages of the AGP port in normal uses-but...

I'm an avid gamer, as such i configure and constantly tweak my system(s) for optimal gaming. Over the years i've tried all kinds of variations of Hi/lo end PCI & AGP cards-and i've always noticed the better performance over intensive graphic applications with the AGP cards-strictly because they do take advantage of the greater system memory bus than a comparable PCI card. I have yet to find any PCI card (even the newest 64 MB ones) that will stay in the same performance range as any basic 16/32 MB AGP model.

Also you have to remember here that more than likely this individual has around 64-128MB's of main system memory that's running at least a 3rd faster than the PCI peripheral bus; If he uses the AGP port-and it probably supports 2X, then he's effectively running it at around 133 MHz-close to his FSB which should be around 100 MHz (compared to the top out speed of PCI 2.2 at 66 MHz). So that 8 MB card will offer faster and greater texture extrapolation than the PCI card.

Of course, (at least until we see how the Nforce series ultimately performs) there is no integrated graphic's card that will perform as good as a standalone dedicated peripheral model.

As for the S3 chipset, eh...if it's free, can't hurt! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif




( this was supposed to be before the server error! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif )

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iisbob

CPU= 5mhz
Memory= 16 K
Storage=10.2MB's
Video=Onboard S3 4K
Modem=14.4 baud
Sound=ISA Yamaha 8bit
Mouse=2 button MS
Monitor=ACER 12.5"
OS= WIN 3.1

My ultimate gaming system http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by iisbob (edited 01-16-2002).]

[hiredgoonz]

It still depends on the applications you're running...you're going to have to swap out of the memory alot more with an 8mb card than a 32mb card...and it's still an S3, do they even run at 2X AGP?

Since most people are running at least 16bit color depth, you're already eating a lot of video memory...

Of course, it's all probably a moot point...the difference in performance would likely be minor...I think BigBlue probably nailed this one best...try it and see...

Anyway...not trying to start a war, just going from past experience http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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When all else fails, read the instructions.

[iisbob]

Ok, Ok-i surrender! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif



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iisbob

CPU= 5mhz
Memory= 16 K
Storage=10.2MB's
Video=Onboard S3 4K
Modem=14.4 baud
Sound=ISA Yamaha 8bit
Mouse=2 button MS
Monitor=ACER 12.5"
OS= WIN 3.1

My ultimate gaming system :)

[Hobit]

Hello josemavicente,

(First, geez iisbob-er, BB66-o & Goonz-i your so technical my hearts just all a flutter.)

Jose someone offerd the quote, "One test is worth a hundred expert opinions." But then, you've already figured this out.

Be interesting to see which you prefer. I've an old Matrox PCI that offers excellent 2D performence.

May your instillations be plug-n-play not plug-n-pray,

Hobit