You guys are computer guys...I have a request/challenge for you:

I'm playing some other high-end-graphics games and I need to upgrade my graphics card. Currently my Dell computer runs on an integrated 64MB card that sucks. I'm looking for one with a minimum of 128MB, but there are a few constraints that are imposed by the type of tower I have. In the owner's manual, it lists the specs for my expansion bus as the following.

AGP: APG 1X, 4X, 8X
AGP Connector: one LOW PROFILE :'(
AGP Connector Size: 172 Pins
AGP Connector data width maximum: 32 bits, also :'(

I don't have a PCI express slot, and so far I have spent about 8 hours looking for a low-profile, 128 or 256MB, 32 bit, AGP graphics card to no avail. Maybe you guys know of some site or place to get this. Thanks!

All AGP connectors are 32 bit, except the AGP Pro cards, which you wouldn't consider anyhow. Furthermore, low profile doesn't mean anything specifically. You'll need to give us some sizes (how much room is in the case) before we can tell you anything. However, most cases can fit something the size of a GeForce4 at least. A GeForce 6600 should fit (it only takes up one slot), but I wouldn't bet on it. The most powerful nvidia gpu that I know of which fits for sure in one slot and is fairly small would be the GeForce 5700 Ultra.

Or you could just go ATI. If you're not on Windows, you're screwed, but that's okay. Hell, even on Windows ATI's drivers are pretty screwy, but they do work most of the time. A Radeon 9800 or 9600 should work fine for you. However, the X800's would probably not work on your system. My guess isthat your power supply is about 200W. :P

My case (it's a Dell 4600C) is about 3.5 inches wide, so the backplate of the graphics card couldn't be that wide. I have found a card that will fit (Powercolor Radeon 9250), however a few specs conflict.

One, it says it is DirectX 8.1 compatible. Does this mean it is also DirectX 9.0 compatible?

Second, it has "64 bit DDR Memory." Is this the same thing as the "AGP connector data width maximum" of which I can only have 32 bits? Will there be a conflict?

A DX 8.1 card is not DX 9.0 compatible, sorry.

That 64b DDR memory is on the graphics board itself, nothing to do with the AGP bus or connectors. No conflict.

Eww. A 9250. Major suckage.

You know what? I have an ATI Radeon 9600, and my primary OS on that box is Linux. And you know what? It works fine, you losers.

...then again, I did have to go around and around getting direct rendering working.

......then again, I can't run the COMPOSITE extension, so I can't have fancy transparent windows or drop shadows...

Whatever. Linux + Graphics just sucks in general.

Ok, I found an bought the GeForce FX 5200. It is DX9 compatible, low-profile, and everything. Is it a good card?

Sounds quite fine to me, even if it hasn't been the highest of ends for some time.

(And cactus, graphics in linux just works, in general. Unless you want to wrestle with some exotic or latest ATI hardware.)

GeForce FX 5200 is slightly better than a GeForce4 MX 440, which is about the same as a GeForce2 MX.

Ok, cool. Thanks for your guys' help. I got better help here than I did on AV forums and The Tec Guys Forum.

I think the 5200 has glow effects....
My sister either has a 5200 or 5600.

So your good to go.

Ayuh, 5200 supports enough of the Pixel & Vertex Shader 2.0 specs that you can have the following:

* haze effect in Doom 3
* rglow in Vendetta Online in both DirectX and OpenGL modes
* Lots of miscellaneous stuff in Half-Life 2. :p

Wow, cool. Thanks!