Shader model 3 or 4?

Hi,

Im thinking of getting a new video card, also might get vista and hopfully a duel boot with XP.
Im wondering if I went for a shader model 4 video card, are they backwards compatible with SM 3 or even SM 2?

Not sure what else I can ask. TY
I know it might be better to wait or whatever.

specs
Emachine T6522
3500+ AMD 2.20 512kb L2, 2k FSB.
1g ddr sdram
ati radeon xpress 200 (onboard)
about 250 watts PSU
win XP media center

Yes, the new DX10 cards that support shader model 4 also support 3 and 2. Just like the DX10 cards also have a form of DX9 that they run.


You will DEFINATELY need a new power supply. I believe 550w or 650w is the minimum but if you do decide to go with a 8800 GTS/GTX then get a decent 800w. If you want to go with the 8600 or one of the lower models, then you should be fine with 550w for a single one of those.

[edit on 3/9/2007 by 7Pan7cho7]

Theres no particular reason to get a Dx10 card right now. There really isnt any games that take much of an advantage of the new features. If your not in a hurry wait a few months or at least until OGL 3.0 comes out.