Best performance for $ spent (under $100, $150, $200)

[KVA]

I'm building new computer and got absolutely lost in variety of video cards on the market (pro-, ultra- and etc) and different reviews. Even if I?m not a hardcore gamer but I want best return for each $ spent. I plan to use new video card for at least 2 years. Which card would you recommend?

1. 64MB under $100?
2. 64MB under $150?
3. 64MB under $200?

 

[Lonyo]

I would recommend a 128MB card,
$200 is probably Radeon 9700 non-pro
$150 is Radeon 9500Pro
$100 is Geforce 4 Ti 4200

I'm from the UK, so I dunno if those can be got for that price, but after being around here long enough I believe they can.

All 128MB cards, as 128MB will last, 64MB may begin to struggle.

 

[ultimatebob]

Where on Earth are you getting a 128 MB Ti4200 for under $100?!? You might be able to find a decent 64 MB model for that price, but you can forget finding a good 128 MB model for under $120.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Where on Earth are you getting a 128 MB Ti4200 for under $100?!? You might be able to find a decent 64 MB model for that price, but you can forget finding a good 128 MB model for under $120.

pwn3d.

- M4H

 

[Doh!]

There were some under/near $100 deals for a Ti4200 128mb listed in the hot deal forum. Of course, you'd have to go through a rebate process but they were available at one point. I'm sure more will be available in the near future.

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Where on Earth are you getting a 128 MB Ti4200 for under $100?!? You might be able to find a decent 64 MB model for that price, but you can forget finding a good 128 MB model for under $120.

pwn3d.

- M4H

I said a good 128 MB model. Not a refurb

 

[KVA]

Is there any other reason to look at 128MB insted 64MB besides "128MB will last, 64MB may begin to struggle"

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: KVA
Is there any other reason to look at 128MB insted 64MB besides "128MB will last, 64MB may begin to struggle"

It depends on how long you're planning on keeping the card. Most existing titles will run just as fast on a 64MB card as a 128 MB model, but newer games will be needing more video memory for textures.

In other words, Doom 3 will probably run faster on a 128 MB Ti4200 than on a 64 MB model.

 

[KVA]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
It depends on how long you're planning on keeping the card. Most existing titles will run just as fast on a 64MB card as a 128 MB model, but newer games will be needing more video memory for textures.

I'd say for 2 years. Computer will be used mostly for development, internet, movies and sometime for games. I'll go probably with 64MB.

But a real question which card to get.

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: KVA

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
It depends on how long you're planning on keeping the card. Most existing titles will run just as fast on a 64MB card as a 128 MB model, but newer games will be needing more video memory for textures.

I'd say for 2 years. Computer will be used mostly for development, internet, movies and sometime for games. I'll go probably with 64MB.

But a real question which card to get.

The 64MB Abit Siluro Ti4200 is a real bargain right now, as you can get it from Newegg for $89 with free shipping. You can even get a free T-Shirt out of the deal.

I've been using one of these cards for nearly a year now, and it performs solidly.

 

[Jeff7181]

Asus V8420S Ti4200 that overclocks to greater than Ti4600 speeds... $145 at newegg.

I should just put that in my profile =)