I thought about this issue probably longer than I should have. Yet, I don't want to waste money. I wasn't convinced that it was time to get a new computer. When I compare a computer from 1991 to 1998, I see a huge difference. When I compare a computer from 2001 to 2008, I really don't see a major difference. Maybe the graphics are a little better, but I'm not excited enough to buy a whole new machine. I knew that if I simply replaced my old video card, I'd have a machine good enough to run Guild Wars.
Yet, I wasn't happy with the idea of replacing the card. My computer has an AGP slot. There are not too many choices for improvement. It felt silly to pay for a $100+ card when I could get a GeForce 8800 for only a little bit more. To run the better cards, I'd need a new computer. It was a circular debate that was annoying me for over two months.
In the end, I made a decision that was a reflection of the times. I purchased an NVIDIA GeForce 6200 "low profile" card by PNY. Why would I downgrade? My old 6800 was a much more powerful card.
Here's why...
- It's quiet! - My computer doesn't sound like a hair drier or a mini jet engine. I don't hear the card running at all. It has no fans.
- It was cheap! - I picked up the card for roughly $60 through Amazon. I already had a store credit and the shipping was free.
- It uses less power! - There seems to be this growing "Go Green" sentiment that is sweeping the nation. Power is expensive.
But most importantly, it's good enough. I realized that I needed to resolve this issue. I needed a decent graphics card to take quality screenshot and videos. I run a Guild Wars Fansite and I've been getting questions about the next episode of Lost in Ascalon. Yet, I also realized that this wasn't the best time to buy a new computer. Windows Vista doesn't seem as popular as Windows XP, which means developers are slow to switch to DirectX 10, which means I don't need to upgrade my computer.
ArenaNet is in hiding... I don't know what kind of computer that I'll need to run Guild Wars 2. As for other game companies, I don't see anything on the PC that I find as fun as Wii Sports, Wii Fit or Rock Band. New experiences - that is the key. I remember when I played EverQuest for the first time. It was amazing. PC Gaming hasn't made me feel like that in a long time.
The new card is installed and Guild Wars looks pretty again. Although, the frame rates are unimpressive. I used to see frame rates in the 40-60 range, with bursts over 100. This new card is in the teens and 20's. The 6200 is good enough. That's a sign of the times. Instead of going for the most powerful card I could find, I went for something that was quiet, cheap and friendlier to the environment.