Best sub $100 video card?

Phoenix15

Golden Member
Aug 9, 2001
1,587
3
81
I'm upgrading my brothers computer. Here are his current specs:

Asus Nforce board
Duron 1200
256 megs of PC2100
Intergrated geforce 2 video and Nvidia Soundstorm audio
40 gig main drive
120 gig data drive
8X burner


I want to add another 256 megs of ram and bump him up to a 2400 XP. I am lost on the video card though. I have been outta the loop too long :confused: What do you guys recommend? I am looking at the Radeon 9100, Geforce FX 5200, or a Geforce 4 TI4200. He will be playing Raven Shield, Generals, Warcraft 3 etc.. Let me know what you guys think!

Thanks,

Jason
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Try and get a Radeon 9200 (same thing as a 8500 also)

The 5200 is to week, unless you overclock it, but if you can find it CHEAP then it might be OK.

I would pass ont eh 4200 as it is the old series, even thoiugh it should be fine also if you can find it CHEAP.
 

Phoenix15

Golden Member
Aug 9, 2001
1,587
3
81
Here are the prices Im looking at.

Radeon 9100: Saphire 128 meg- $76
TI4200: Gainward 64 meg $111 OR XFX 128 meg for $114
FX5200: CHaintech 128 meg $70
 

dman

Diamond Member
Nov 2, 1999
9,110
0
76
Ti4200 is actually faster than Ti5200 but the 5200 has full DX9 support.

Not sure at all about the ATI.

I guess check the other forums. I think Tom's Hardware has a benchmark with most of the cards compared. Maybe AT does too, haven't looked.

I'm very happy with the Ti4200 I got from bestbuy which was a 128MB in the 64MB box w/ highspeed ram.

 

sadb0i

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2001
1,169
1
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the ti4200 from benchmarks around the net show thats its currently the better performing card of the group. That card can play majority of the games out there with ease at high resolutions.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Originally posted by: dman
Ti4200 is actually faster than Ti5200 but the 5200 has full DX9 support.

Not sure at all about the ATI.

I guess check the other forums. I think Tom's Hardware has a benchmark with most of the cards compared. Maybe AT does too, haven't looked.

I'm very happy with the Ti4200 I got from bestbuy which was a 128MB in the 64MB box w/ highspeed ram.


The 5200 does have DX9 support BUT it is to slow to really put it to good use. You would need to overclock it well to get any use out of its DX9 abilities.

I would try and get a GF 4200/4400 or a Ati 9200/9500. Those will be your best bang for your buck.

 

Mallow

Diamond Member
Jul 25, 2001
6,108
1
0
you can routinely get geforce4's for between 89-99 from newegg and googlegear.
 

Nitemare

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
35,461
4
81
Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Try and get a Radeon 9200 (same thing as a 8500 also)

The 5200 is to week, unless you overclock it, but if you can find it CHEAP then it might be OK.

I would pass ont eh 4200 as it is the old series, even thoiugh it should be fine also if you can find it CHEAP.

the 9200 is a neutered version of the 8500. The 9200 pro is ok, but I'd still rather have the 9100 or 8500.

The 4200 is the best card you listed, but I would opt for the 9100 and another stick of ram. for the same price.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
I don't wanna hear about weak, I'm still using my Creative Labs RivaTNT1. :p

<-- not a gamer.

I'll sell it to you for under 100$, though. :D
 

Koing

Elite Member <br> Super Moderator<br> Health and F
Oct 11, 2000
16,843
2
0
Originally posted by: sadb0i
the ti4200 from benchmarks around the net show thats its currently the better performing card of the group. That card can play majority of the games out there with ease at high resolutions.