Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900?

[scaramanga_goldengun]

I bought a new Dell computer, and I found out the default card is the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900. Is it any good? I'm looking to play games like Black and White 2 and The Sims 2. My resolution is 1024x768 @ 60htz on a 17" flat planel, and I don't expect to make the resolution any bigger. It's okay if the quality isn't the best, I mainly just want it to be playable. My specs are:

Pentium 4 3.06Ghz w/ HT Technology
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 RAM
40GB+ Hard Drive Memory

And also, I'd like specs for the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, too.

 

[Redbull{wings}]

thats an onboard chipset which means that you wont be able to play many games and if you can it will be on the lowest settings

 

[Verve]

I'd suggest getting a 25-35 dollar card and you'll be fine (asuming it is a desktop, not a laptop). The rest of your specs seem pretty nice.

 

[Geoff]

You would be lucky to play the original Sims, or CS 1.6. Thats integrated video, and is a very poor performer in 3D games. I doubt you can play Black and White 2, or Sims 2 with that.

As starwarsman said, if it's a desktop, invest in a dedicated card.

 

[scaramanga_goldengun]

Well, I'm ready to spend up to $100 on a card, since I'm probably be playing more demanding games than those eventually, so how does this card sound?

eVGA 256-P2-N541-TX Geforce 7600GS 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card

I found it for $100 after $10 rebate, is it worth it? Or is there a better card (hopefully cheaper) than that for the money?

 

[Geoff]

It's a great mid-level card, especially for the price.

 

[scaramanga_goldengun]

How much does a GeForce 6800 Ultra cost? Looking at various comparison charts with other graphics cards, it looks like a very good card, but I'm guessing it costs a lot, right?

 

[Geoff]

How much does a GeForce 6800 Ultra cost? Looking at various comparison charts with other graphics cards, it looks like a very good card, but I'm guessing it costs a lot, right?

It was very good for it's time. The 7600GT performs almost as well as it does.

If you're looking for a nice high-end card, a 7900GT or x1900XT would be the best choice.

 

[diduknowthat]

How much does a GeForce 6800 Ultra cost? Looking at various comparison charts with other graphics cards, it looks like a very good card, but I'm guessing it costs a lot, right?

It's not worth getting that anymore, expensive and well doesn't performance up to par compared to the newer cards for its price. If you got the money, get the 7900gt for about 250 bucks.