Nvidia Geforce 6200.. I need help understanding something..

[Koori23]

Hi.

I'm currently using a Dell Dimension 2400 desktop with Hardy Heron. I'm using the PCI version of the Nvidia 6200. It's a 256MB card. I don't want to get ripped on here.. I know my card isn't the greatest.. However, I also know that it's better than the 64MB of shared memory that my integrated Intel card uses.

I am a novice when it comes to video stuff. My thought was, if I got this card, I would reduce the CPU usage on intensive graphics related tasks (Watching YouTube vid's for example.)

However, my CPU usage is hovering around 80-90 percent while watching Hulu.com or Youtube.. Is my thought incorrect? If so, how is it incorrect and why?

I know the card is helping though. I'm not having any display issues. I can run compositing without any hangups at all.

[wolfen69]

if I got this card, I would reduce the CPU usage on intensive graphics related tasks (Watching YouTube vid's for example.) watching youtube is intensive graphics? anyway, check which process is eating up your cpu in system monitor.

[Dynamo_Joe]

Hi Koori23,

I've been running a GeForce 6200A since FF and now in HH.

One small "gotcha" you have to watch out for ... you may need to reset X to use "VESA" first as I had to use the "Safe Graphics Mode" option on both installs.

I haven't bothered with the restricted drivers yet due to the amount of kernal upgrades in HH where others have reported problems.

The card is good for "Youtube" videos and DVD playback but don't expect "blazing 3D game-play performance" for modern games.

[Koori23]

watching youtube is intensive graphics? anyway, check which process is eating up your cpu in system monitor.


As opposed to watching a movie in Mplayer, yes. I know exactly what process is eating CPU usage, it's epiphany-browser.

[Koori23]

Hi Koori23,

I've been running a GeForce 6200A since FF and now in HH.

One small "gotcha" you have to watch out for ... you may need to reset X to use "VESA" first as I had to use the "Safe Graphics Mode" option on both installs.

I haven't bothered with the restricted drivers yet due to the amount of kernal upgrades in HH where others have reported problems.

The card is good for "Youtube" videos and DVD playback but don't expect "blazing 3D game-play performance" for modern games.


Yes, I know full well that we're not talking about serious graphics performance here. However, it is better than integrated intel. Plus, with just a regular PCI slot, you don't have a whole lot of options.

So, basically if I reinstall Hardy using safe graphics mode, chose xvesa and proceed as normal, that'll work?