$100 on card...

[Homerboy]

Brother wants a new video card to play "recent" games. Now hes a total PC newb, and really doesn't get into games that much, but would like to start fiddling around with them...

I know the highend gfx card market fairly well, but get lost in all the mid-range stuff. So, say for $100+/- whats out there? 5700? something like that?

 

[49erinnc]

I'm biased because I run one, but if you're looking to stay right in the $100 area, he's probably going to be best off with a 9600 Pro. Newegg usually runs retail version for under $115 and mine overlocks really well. You say he's not a big game but getting started so this card would probably suit him well. I ran Far Cry like a dream and Doom 3 plays very well/looks great at 800x600/High settings.

If you want better performance for around the same price, you can try to pick up a used 9700 Pro on Ebay. Not sure what to recommend on the nVidia side at that price other than a 5700 (non ultra). Or you can just spend some more money and get a new 9800 Pro which are becoming really affordable lately.

 

[Concillian]

I bought a used 9700 non-Pro on eBay for $93 + 10 shipping. IF you can swing something like that it will be better than anything new in the sub $150 range.

You don't have to be an ATi fanboi to come to the conclusion that ATi has a performance advantage in that price range if you're buying a new card. buy the best Ati card in your price range. I've seen new 9600 pros for around $110. Otherwise a plain 9600.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Text

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Text

The Ti4200 is a proven card and a nice option at that price but the main reason I suggested the 9600 Pro is because he'll get better performance from it with some of the newer games, should his brother want to play them. If he has $100 to spend, then he's better off spending it all on a better card than saving some money for a lesser one.

 

[Johnbear007]

ti 4200 is done