Graphics Cards

One of the most expensive components in the computer is the video card. This is an especially dicey time to buy a graphics card because of the potentially fast exodus to PCI Express in the coming months. Most motherboard chipset makers are looking for a quick switch over to PCI Express and on new boards many will be ditching AGP completely. VIA was looking to develop a solution that would support both AGP and PCI Express but there are doubts to its feasibility. Losing the AGP slot is potentially a big factor; it might make a lot of people reconsider dropping 3, 4 or 5 bills on the latest and greatest video card since it will likely not work at all if one decides to upgrade the motherboard a few months down the road.

TweakFactor Recommendation

Do not upgrade your video card now unless it melts or your dog eats it or it comes to some other unfortunate end. Even if your dog does eat it maybe try glueing it back together before going to buy a new card outright. Seriously though if you do NEED to upgrade or replace your videocard right now, it is recommended that you stick with a midrange card especially if you are eyeing a possible motherboard replacement down the road and are thinking of keeping the video card. Also keep in mind that rumors are swirling that ATI and NVidia are releasing new cards in the next two, three months.

Not a good buy if you are upgrading to a new motherboard and plan to keep it