Absolute cheapest videocard?

garritynet

Senior member
Oct 3, 2008
416
0
0
I purchased a GTX295 because I always wanted a top end card. Well I finally got one and my big 28" monitor crapped out on me as did my comfy computer chair. I just never had the money to replace either. That and no good games came out that I wanted to play. I had already played Mondern Warfare, Mirrors Edge, Fallout 3, Crysis and eveything else on my 9800GTX when I got around to getting the GT295. Its been dry ever since. When the next wave of must haves come around I am sure I'll spring for whatever is the new big bad card but for now I just need something to run my computer.

The card sold today as it was near brand new and I am going to use the money to buy a PS3, a copy of Demons Souls and the cheapest video card that I can possibly find. All I do is watch anime on my TV from my computer and surf the net. I know all about the top end cards but nothing about the bottom.

I am using a PHII 940@ 3.8, 8gigs ram and ASUS M4A 78 Plus (should have got the Pro....damnit!)

Anyone see anything while browsing the net that would fit my needs? Does it matter what I get?


Thanks for your time guys!
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
Watching anime and web browsing is something integrated graphics can do. Just buy whatever is cheapest. You can even look for a used cheap card. Alternately you may be able to find a cheap 9600 GSO or something like that. They often sell (after rebate) for around $40-50 new, so maybe pick up a used one for cheaper. That way you have your cheap card, and can even play some games on it if you ever decide to.
 

Tempered81

Diamond Member
Jan 29, 2007
6,374
1
81
yah i'd go for like a $39 card from newegg. Cheapest ati 4000 series, or cheapest nv 8000/9000 series.
 

davekozy

Junior Member
Nov 5, 2006
2
0
0
I found this one at Microcenter for only $25. There's also a $5 rebate but I hate dealing with those. Will run Vista and 7 ok and good enough for watching video.

Galaxy 8400GS
 

alcoholbob

Diamond Member
May 24, 2005
6,380
448
126
Lol don't get THAT old of a card (Geforce 2), you might still feel an urge to play like a Gamecube emulator one of these days, you'll need something with at least passable Open GL performance.

A 9600GT would certainly work tho, low power needs, and a ton of horsepower (more than the consoles have). I know the 9600GT might be a little overkill if you care nothing about gaming, but the low power usage saves you on your utility bill later too.
 

Insomniator

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2002
6,294
171
106
Get the 8400 or something less than 30 bucks if you can find it.

Glad you're getting a PS3... they still actually make games for consoles... its awesome. The most taxing thing my gaming PC does now is starcraft and steaming curb to my ps3.
 

philosofool

Senior member
Nov 3, 2008
283
19
81
8400 GS. Sparkle makes one for $25 available with free shipping from Newegg. I might pay shipping to get a fanless card though, because OMG the whirring rattle of some 65mm graphics fan would make me want to kill someone.
 

StinkyPinky

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2002
6,956
1,268
126
Yeah, 8400GS is decent. I installed that on my fathers pc. It's a notch above the integrated stuff and cheap as chips.
 

nismotigerwvu

Golden Member
May 13, 2004
1,568
33
91
I'm thinking about slapping one in my HTPC right now actually.
Great little find when I went looking for someone else.
Karma in action :)