Best $100 +/- 25 Video Card suggestions.

[dds14u]

I think I'm about ready to upgrade to a new video card, but I don't need anything extreme, just looking for a good decent performer for the casual gamer. I'm looking to ATI 9600+'s / Nvidia 5700+ FX's, any suggestions?

 

[karma4jake]

You might want this: http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=14-164-008&depa=1
Ill even give ya the extra $4 if ull buy it. Muahah cant beat that

 

[imported_alp]

not quite as good, but if you ...to spend a little less

 

[Xdreamer]

i got lucky... i got a r9800 pro on ebay for $130

 

[Corporate Thug]

9600 pro or used 9700/9700 pro

 

[dds14u]

Rosewill and Info-Tek?...Hmm are there any real differences between who manufactures the card? Perhaps in terms of reliability and like warrantees since they all use the same basic model.

 

[dds14u]

Thanks for anyone whose helped answer questions...but I'm curious again, is it better to get the high-end of one model, or just move to the next level, eg. Get a Radeon 9600XT or just a basic Radeon 9800, those two are pretty evenly priced, but is there any difference to choosing one over the other?

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: dds14u
Thanks for anyone whose helped answer questions...but I'm curious again, is it better to get the high-end of one model, or just move to the next level, eg. Get a Radeon 9600XT or just a basic Radeon 9800, those two are pretty evenly priced, but is there any difference to choosing one over the other?

Yup.

A lot.

The 9800 Pro (or even the 9800 non-pro) is far better.
The 9800 will have 8 pixel pipelines instead of 4, & will be 256-bit instead of 128-bit.

Go for the 9800 Pro if you can afford it; it's a far better card.

Edit: There is also the "crippled version" 9800 Pro, one with the 128-bit bus. Stay away from that one, since i believe that's about the same performance as a 9600XT.

 

[erikistired]

should be able to find a used 9700 pro for that price.

 

[raildogg]

ati radeon 9600 pro or maybe xt? a few more bucks

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: raildogg
ati radeon 9600 pro or maybe xt? a few more bucks

9600xt gets my vote

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: fisher
should be able to find a used 9700 pro for that price.

ditto. i got a refurb off newegg for $130 for a buddy a week ago. works great

 

[dmw16]

Crucial has 9700pros for $129 refurb and 9800pros for a bit more. Seems like a decent deal to me.

 

[LordPhoenix]

ATI Radeon 9700 Pro. Whether it be used or retail.. Don't get a 9600 XT.

 

[Prfstrkr]

9800Pro is couple more $$s over this price range, but u will get a whole different x'pericences, and be able to enjoy solid FPS for longer time.