"AcidX" <acidecks********.com> wrote in message
news:1138385103.248278.289220@g49g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Heya.
>
> The other day I decided that my PC needed a better video card.
> It's been running of the 32mb onboard graphics for ages.
>
> However, before I ran out and bought one, I decided to look through
> some old computer parts.
>
> I found this
> (http://www.epinions.com/Matrox_Video...ay_~full_specs)
> card, which I'd been given a while ago by a friend. Firstly, I'm not
> too sure whether this is just a 4mb graphics card, or if that's just
> the built in size. It also says 64-bit graphics on the main chip, and I
> was wondering whether this means I need a 64-bit machine, or if it's
> 64mb graphics (or whatever)...
>
> I never actually used it in my old system, and when trying to install
> it in this one, windows didn't start up correctly.
>
> My PC booted fine, but then when trying to open the logon screen it
> just stayed black and (I think) stopped responding, as the keyboard
> wasn't working either. (eg, num lock light, etc)
> Is this due to a bios setting, the card, or my PCI slots?
>
> I have had similar issues with my PCI slots before (when trying to
> install firewire my PC responded in a very similar way) so in the end,
> I just got rid of that card and have been using a special USB cable
> ever since. However, the card I threw away was faulty (recieved a shock
> or something and got fried)
>
>
> Basically, I just want to know what this card is capable of and also if
> my PCI slots are broken/how to fix them. I'm not too hesitant about
> throwing the card away, I got it for free, it'd just give me time to
> save up a bit more and buy a few other things if I can use this card.
>
> Thanks =)
>
Matrox make cards which have very good image quality for desktop usage but
theyve never been fast cards for gaming. That 4mb refers to the memory on
the card and 64-bit will be the memory inteface. Web browsing, Office
applications etc will run fine on that card but nothing more demanding. As
always when changing cards - uninstall the old drivers - reboot in VGA mode
with the new card fitted then install the new drivers. Make sure you disable
the onboard graphics chip or it'll conflict with the new card.