Radeon 9250 - Vista capable?

[cotswoldcs]

I have an MSI RX9250-TD128 (ATI Radeon 9250 with 128Mb onboard). It's AGP 8x and has a 240Mhz GPU clock. Do you think it would be Vista capable (Aero glass effects, etc). I'm considering installling in my second PC as it has a passive heatsink. I don't want to do any gaming on this as it will be used for boring 2D stuff. The other option was to find a quiet solution for my current GeForce 6600GT but it appears that due to its design I can't find a passive heatsink to replace the fan.

[aidanjt]

Strictly speaking, it *should* do the job. You need DX9 and SM2 for Aero to switch on, I can't remember the specifics of the 9250, but I'm not sure it fits the bill. A 9250 is able to do wild composite/3d desktop on Linux with compiz though.

[cotswoldcs]

I've just done some research and it appears that the 9250 is NOT a DirectX 9.0 card and therefore is not Vista capable . It certainly won't run Aero so it's probably not worth bothering with.

So I'm forced to find a quiet solution for my 6600GT (can't stand the stock fan noise) or buy another AGP card. Don't seem to have much joy finding passive AGP cards however. Any ideas?

[scrandman]

Switch the cooler on your existing card to a low noise or passive solution - will be much cheaper than a new card.

[aidanjt]

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=466649

Problem solved...

[cotswoldcs]

Thanks aidanjt. I looked at that myself but that card has been out of stock for weeks now. I'll have to ask Scan about an ETA...

[cotswoldcs]

Off subject but how do you think a 7600GS would compare with a 6600GT in gaming performance? Am I likely to notice a difference (esp in C&C3)?

[aidanjt]

You'd probably notice a slight framerate increase, I'd imagine.
Dabs has a few passive cards too, in stock as well:
http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx...11137,42220000

As does Overclockers, if you can stomach giving them money.

[Tetras]

Just to add another option this (HIS HD 2600 Pro iSilence) should be out eventually and price competitive with current HTPC passive jobbies:
http://www.hisdigital.com/html/produ...d=320&view=yes

[aidanjt]

And how do you figure the OP jam that into his AGP bus?

[Pob255]

Getting hard to find AGP, passive AGP is even worse.
If you're happy with your 6600gt then you could try on of these
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=627850

If you want a performance increase then dabs has got a EVGA 7800GS for £87 and then you could stick a passive cooler on it (note the AC-s2 will not work on a 7800, you need the AC-S1 for that)

[Tetras]

And how do you figure the OP jam that into his AGP bus?

With his hands !! MaaARGHH!

No, buy the AGP version, kinda like this one: http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2007/06...n_hd_2600_xt/1 but with more of a Pro flavor like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814129092

I did say "should" and "eventually"

[aidanjt]

Neither of those are passive, nor on sale in the UK, nor the item you linked to.

[Tetras]

I know, I was pointing out that AGP versions of them exist and are on the way and that even though the first article is only an XT other manufacturers have produced Pros.

The OP asked if we had any ideas cos there isn't much around so I put forward an idea. Yes it isn't on the market yet and HIS haven't confirmed they are making an AGP iSilence III but that is why I said should and eventually.

The should because they are doing AGP cards, the eventually cos they aren't released yet. What is the problem? Yes I linked a PCI-E version but I think the OP in this case is savvy enough to know the difference and look them up if he/she is interested. If not and/or doesn't wanna wait then all is dandy.

I also found a passive AGP MSI version in my later browsing:
http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles...cid=18&id=2284

so I'm sure one of the two will make it to the market.

I answered your question lightheartedly but it seems you have misread the spirit of my post(s)

[aidanjt]

Still, it's all a bit of overkill for basic Vista Aero desktop with the odd bit of light gaming on the side. And I assume the OP doesn't want to shell out >£100 for an AGP card.

[Tetras]

Depends, the HD cards released at pretty low prices, you can get a 512MB X1650 Pro AGP for just over £50, a HIS IceQ3 for just under £60 so I'd say about £70 for an AGP 256MB HD 2600 Pro. I don't think they will go too high cos the X1950 Pro is around £100.