Video card qweery...

[jazza1281]

Hi all, I recently upgraded my Vista pc from 1gb of ram to 3gb and was also contemplating about getting a video card to further aid performance. Without getting technical, could I get a brief run down on cards trainzers use eg 256mb, 512mb etc. I use 2004 and far exceed minimun requirements but would to know if a more expensive card is necessary when a less expensive card will do.
Thanks in advance
Jazza

 

[john259]

The computational power of the video chip has a drastic effect on the performance of Trainz and other 3D programs.

If you've got a laptop then almost certainly you can't replace the video chip. Therefore what follows relates to desktops.

Start by checking whether your computer takes AGP or PCI-E video boards. The two interface standards are not compatible.

Also check the wattage your computer's power supply is rated at. In addition, consider whether your computer's fans can cope with the ventilation requirements of a new video card. Sorry, I haven't a clue how to actually do that.

Tom's Hardware Guide's "Best Graphics Cards For The Money" article is extremely useful, especially the list of video cards in descending order of computing power on page seven. Pick the best you can afford and that your computer's power supply can cope with. Then check out retailers online and offline for the best price.

HTH, John

 

[rweber95]

I use an NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS. Works good with TRS2006 and 2009. I see that Tiger Direct is now selling them for $180.

Bob