Getting an AGP HD4650

[PFM]

I have an old desktop from my overclocking days that I won't be able to replace/upgrade for another 6-8 months and the only thing ailing it
right now is the graphics card. So I am thinking about getting something that will just get me through in the meantime.

Now the thing is that it has an AGP slot so I am stuck with buying an AGP card. Options are limited, and I dont want to spend a fortune on it either, so
I have narrowed it down to a HD 4650. and its probably going to be one of these -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... ng%20Units (hope the link comes thru)

Since I am getting this card I am going to try moving from the Uni Systray client on this machine to the GPU client and see how that goes.
Do you guys have any other suggestions/tips/pointers before I hit the button ?
Thanks!

[PantherX]

As it is an ATI GPU, you may want to optimize it by using Environment Variables: (http://en.fah-addict.net/articles/articles-1-3+gpu-environment-variables.php) Please note that I am not sure if they will work on AGP.

[Zagen30]

The environment variables work on AGP cards.

You may or may not be able to keep the Classic Client alongside the GPU client with the EnVars enabled. Both of my AGP 3850 machines ran the Classic client just fine, albeit slower than usual because the EnVars didn't reduce the GPU's CPU usage as much as I'd have liked (I tried many combinations of EnVars and could never get CPU usage below a certain level, though part of that may have been the crummy P4's in each system).

[Napoleon]

You might want to choose the HIS H465F1GHA. Looks like it has better memory than the rest of the 4650's. Memory performance makes a small difference when folding with ATI cards. Also, it seems to have an old-fashioned 4pin power connector, so you won't need any adapter in case your PSU doesn't have the 6/8pin connector(s).

[bruce]

I don't want to discourage you, but there are a few disadvantages of AGP cards that you should be aware of. They're more expensive and finding the right combination of drivers is often difficult. I've seen a number of people who had trouble getting FAH to run on them -- though those who have been successful don't generally post here, so the sample is clearly biased.

As long as you have a reasonable return policy if it doesn't work for you, you'll be fine.

[rhavern]

Bruce is right in what he says, people that have no issues typically have nothing to say. To counter that , I've been running an HD3850 AGP for a loooong time (1.5 years) with no issues. I'm currently running 10.2 drivers, but have run early 9.x drivers successfully too. Good luck!

[PFM]

Thanks all for your responses. appreciate the feedback.
Yes I realize AGP is iffy but I really dont have any other choice. Lets see how this goes. Will let you guys know!