PC Purchase question: What video card do I need to watch movies w/ my PC?

[Kolesar]

The PC I am looking at has:
Video Card--Integrated AGP Video Chipset
Video Memory Installed--Up to 64MB of Shared Memory

Memory is described as:
RAM Installed / Max RAM Supported--512MB PC-2700 DDR SDRAM, upgradeable to 2.0GB
Memory Configuration--(1) 512MB DIMM Memory Module
Memory Slots Available--1 available 184-pin DIMM Slot

I don't plan to play video games. I may use the PC to view maps. What I would really like to use this PC for is to watch "documentary" video, such as segments from www.democracynow.org , CBS, etc. I would like to figure a way to download movies over the internet. I would also be watching DVD movies with the PC.

Do I need any more capability than the integrated AGP video chipset?

[truhavoc]

1. a 64mb card is more than enough for your planned uses n/t

[Blecht]

2. No

That PC comes with everything you need for 2D video applicatios.

[BlueJazz]

3. You'll do fine.

I do have to add.....Have you checked out tigerdirect.com ?

What you described is enough power and memory to do what you want to do..

[Deja Q]

4. As you have 512MB real RAM, minus 64 from it as your video card

uses real RAM instead of having dedicated RAM (hence the term 'shared' memory).

What's your processor type? Celeron? Athlon? Pentium 4?

I don't think you'll have any problems playing movies, but don't multitask too much.

[Kolesar]

5. AMD® Athlon XP Processor 3000+

The salesman says it is a "3 GHz equivalent" clock speeed, because the AMD processor runs 9 instructions per cycle instead of Intel®'s 6 per second"

Multitasking:
There is one more application I may run which is topographic maps such as National Geographic. Some of these have 3-D viewers where you can simulate aerial perspectives. (way cool) I would think a machine with less capability would run slower and more haltingly. (Simultaneously running a NASA JPL movie from Saturn would really slow things down or crash it)

With rebates at MicroCenter, I can buy this machine for $550. I really like the product selection and sales people at that store.

Thanks for your help, everybody.

[hobbit709]

6. video Card

As long as you have at leasta 1 gigaherz processor speed no problem at all. Judging from your memory speed specs you should do fine. I'm running 6 computers at my house, the slowest is a 900 mhz Athlon-the fastest an Athlon XP 2800+. Even on the slow one I have no problem with Dvds or video clips.

[Kolesar]

7. Here is the PC for $550 + tax

http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0175991