pkphilip

You can forget about AGP card as you don't have a lot of choice there. I don't even know if there are any AGP card that can support 1900x1200.

There is no problem getting a new computer with on-board video. I can firmly say that if you pick any new motherboard with on-board video, it will be better and faster than your current setup.

If you are just watching video, both AMD or Intel will do the job. I just built a low-end HTPC with Athlon II X2 250, Asus M4A785-M, 2GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Win7 Home Premium, LG Blu-Ray combo... the motherboard has Radeon HD4200 and HDMI output to a HDTV, it doesn't even lag when playing Bluray movie. I think I got this done all under $350.

Don't say AMD sucks because this unit doesn't even run hot at all, idling at 35C with stock everything is great. Similar performance with Intel Core 2 Duo costs a bit more (E5400...)

Philip

pkphilip

Buy the OS. I don't see a reason to pirate MS software (especially OS) when it is so cheap (Family Pack for 3 PC is $159). MS is always holding a kill-switch, it is just a matter of them turning it on and those who pirate get screwed over.

I admit that I hacked some of my computers' BIOS to make them look like a Sony and HP to bypass activation, and it is risky.

Philip

pkphilip

You can find OEM version of Windows 7 on eBay for less. If you are a student you can get the WIn7 Pro at a discounted price at http://www.microsoft.com/student/office/en-ca/default.aspx

Philip