Best Video Card for ~100 dollars?

[rev02]

i am not a super gamer, but i do like to play some games... mostly strategy and stuff like sim city.. i do not really play any first person shooter types or games where i need tons of performance.

my budget is around 100 dollars. i can go a little over... but not too much..

i was looking at the XFX and they seem to be pretty cheap.. but i imagine their is a reason for that..

thanks in advance.

 

[Concillian]

The low end range of card is filled with some real dogs, mostly that use 64 bit memory. While it probably doesn't really matter TOO much for what you'll be doing, you may as well maximize your performance per $$$. No matter what you end up with, make sure it uses 128 bit memory, the memory bus size is NOT a bogus number. It's FAR more important than the amount of memory on a card. Even though it's probably the single most important feature to look for in the low end cards, manufacturers frequently don't even give that kind of information on the box, and sometimes even on websites. Chipsets like the GeForce FX 5200 can have TONS of memory configurations, 64 bit and 128 bit, different speeds etc... and much of the info isn't disclosed on the box.

Fortunately The 128Meg Radeon 9600 (NO SE or LE, just plain 9600) is right at that price point, and they are all 128 bit. There are some cases where similarly priced cards may offer better performance, but the 9600 is a solid performer and it's easy to purchase, since I don't know of a 64 bit version, you don't have to hunt for specs. Should be more than adequate performance for your needs.

The 9600s are just under $100 at newegg.

 

[GeneralGrievous]

Used 9500 Pro on FSFT forums.

 

[LTC8K6]

9500pro or maybe even a 9700non pro if you don't mind used.

I would say 9600pro for just over $100 if you want new.

 

[justin1466]

I'd vouch for the 9500 pro, solid card kept me gaming for over a year now. Might be able to find one on ebay. Either that or a 9600.

 

[rev02]

Originally posted by: GeneralGrievous
Used 9500 Pro on FSFT forums.

fsft forums?

 

[sodcha0s]

hey rev02, check your private messages, I have something you may be interested in.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Geforce4 TI4200 128mb for about $80

 

[mstegall]

rev02, they are talking about the for sale/for trade forum, there are usually quite a few video cards for sale there, take a look or do a search.

 

[Zebo]

The 9600 non-pro. STAY AWAY FROM 9600 SE/LE or other slow BS. If you need speed later it can easily be overclocked to 9600pro.

Another great candidate is GF4 ti4200, this card does'nt support dx9 but it's fast and if you overclcok it will put 9600 to shame. only $67 http://www.arsenalpc.com/Details.asp?ItemID=2453&Res=2#d

 

[essasin]

id say g4 4200 or a 9500

 

[James3shin]

g4 ti4600's on ebay are running about a 100

 

[Delorian]

I'd go 9600 for $100 or a used Ti4200... just remember to keep that memory bus at or above 128-bit and if you choose the Ti4200 (which is a fast card at DX8.1) it doesn't support a lot of newer features that are becoming more common nowadays like the 9600 does, but with the games you are playing it may not make much difference at all.