Best sub $100.00 video card

[XRdirtHead]

Helping a buddy build a computer. Would you recommend a Geforce3 or one of the Geforce4 mx boards? What about the ATI boards for under a $100.00?
He's looking at a $25.00 32 meg card and i'm trying to get him to splurge just a bit more. So whats the best bang for the buck out there. The hot deals forum didn't really have any deals right now and the price guide was all above 100.....Thanks, Ed

 

[nRollo]

There's really no question here, the ATI 8500 is the best sub $100 VGA available right now. They're about $70 on Pricewatch.

 

[Trashman]

Friends don't let friends buy GeForceMX cards
Go with the ATI 8500 if you can....if you come across a GeForce3 Ti200 at a bargain price that would be good too, not as fast as the ATI but still a nice card.
here's a good post worth reading....link.

 

[XRdirtHead]

Thanks! I was worried about buying an ATI but most people seem to be happy and having good luck with the drivers. At one time that wasn't the case.

 

[LS20]

buy a nice louisville slugger and beat him on the head with the left over cash

 

[Dacalo]

Originally posted by: XRdirtHead
Thanks! I was worried about buying an ATI but most people seem to be happy and having good luck with the drivers. At one time that wasn't the case.

it has changed a lot my friend.

i know because i used to own the original radeon, which had horrible driver support. now, i am a happy owner of radeon 9700 and ati has released new drivers in about every 2 months

 

[XRdirtHead]

Looks like a 8500le with 128mb and tv out can be had for under 100 bucks...I think that looks like a smokin deal...
its just the oem vs retail thing I have to figure out...

 

[pillage2001]

8500 without a doubt and make sure you buy Built by ATI cards.

 

[XRdirtHead]

I think I read Saphire makes their cards.....

 

[pillage2001]

IF you were to buy cards that are made from Sapphire, chances of you getting a card which is clocked at 250/200 is very high.

Just get the real thing.

 

[XRdirtHead]

ok