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Best video card for lite gamer?

B

Bonesdad

Platinum Member
Considering the MSI GF4 4200, is this overkill? She is not much of a gamer...I was considering the NF2 mobo with onboard GF4 MX 440. Or just an MX440 card. This is going into a dorm room...lotsa homework, music, watching DVD etc. Is the MX440 adequate?
 
No, those MX cards are kinda sucky.

That 4200 is probably just right - It will run everything today and might break a sweat with tomorrows games a little but should be ok.
 
Originally posted by: Smilin
No, those MX cards are kinda sucky.

That 4200 is probably just right - It will run everything today and might break a sweat with tomorrows games a little but should be ok.
Click to expand...

So you'd recommend a McLaren F1 for a daily driver too?
rolleye.gif
Note a few important words/phrases.

"Lite Gamer"
"Homework, music, watching DVD"
"She"

Since you're going with an AMD solution anyhow it seems, nab a nForce2 board with IGP and that'll have everything covered nicely. Plus, if she ever suddenly becomes interested in high-end gaming, there's an open AGP slot waiting.

- M4H
 
I run the GF4 4200 Ti 128MB (Gainward). Nice for the price of $125 and it has two monitor outputs + S Video
 
chalk up a vote for IGP chipset. that video will run any game "SHE" will want to play no doubt. merc's right, there is always an agp slot open if SHE decides to become a hardcore gamer.
 
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Originally posted by: Smilin
No, those MX cards are kinda sucky.

That 4200 is probably just right - It will run everything today and might break a sweat with tomorrows games a little but should be ok.
Click to expand...

So you'd recommend a McLaren F1 for a daily driver too?
rolleye.gif
Note a few important words/phrases.

"Lite Gamer"
"Homework, music, watching DVD"
"She"

Since you're going with an AMD solution anyhow it seems, nab a nForce2 board with IGP and that'll have everything covered nicely. Plus, if she ever suddenly becomes interested in high-end gaming, there's an open AGP slot waiting.

- M4H
Click to expand...

I don't consider the 4200 to be anything near the Mclaren F1 of video cards. It's already two generations behind and although it plays todays games ok by Christmas of THIS year it's going to be hurting pretty bad. I'm also not going to recommend a piece of crap MX card just because the user is a "she".


 
How's the 9000 Pro 128MB? It seems it's available for under $80 now and it might be a nice upgrade from my current GF3.
 
the igp is perfect for those needs. face it guys, not everyone needs a radeon 9500 or a 4200. those mx/7000/integerated like stuff make up the bulk of the market
 
Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
the igp is perfect for those needs. face it guys, not everyone needs a radeon 9500 or a 4200. those mx/7000/integerated like stuff make up the bulk of the market
Click to expand...

But for under $100 it's honestly worth it. Eventually their gonna wanna play some game... it happens every time. It's worth the little bit extra. I see it all the time... well we didn't think we'd play games, but it won't even run this one I do want to play.
 
Originally posted by: Dulanic
Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
the igp is perfect for those needs. face it guys, not everyone needs a radeon 9500 or a 4200. those mx/7000/integerated like stuff make up the bulk of the market
Click to expand...

But for under $100 it's honestly worth it. Eventually their gonna wanna play some game... it happens every time. It's worth the little bit extra. I see it all the time... well we didn't think we'd play games, but it won't even run this one I do want to play.
Click to expand...

Wow! Thanks for all the replies in a short time...unfortunately, there is a lot of disagreement. I guess that means my question is a good one.

I have the option of selling her my own Gainward 4200 64MB card (say for around $70) and buying a new card for myself. Been kinda waitin for the 9700 prices to come down tho.

If I am being true to her needs, I would go with the IGP...and get a video card later. Cost is a factor here, not a HUGE one, but it is a factor. If I get the IGP, I can up the processor a little (mebbe to a Barton 2500+).

Keep the discussion going tho, I haven't made up my mind...

 
Personally, I just hate the idea of integrated 3D graphics, having that chip steal your system memory, clog up your bus, and generally deliver lacking performance and image quality. But that's just me. What I'd do is get a _well-built_ GF4MX440 or Radeon 9000. Both are faster than the IGP, both have their own 64mb of memory, and they both can run without a fan on the heatsink, meaning one less twiddly little fan to break or go noisy on you.

See the Gainward MX440SE for $57 and the ATi OEM Radeon 9000 for $58 at Newegg
 
Originally posted by: lameaway
Personally, I just hate the idea of integrated 3D graphics, having that chip steal your system memory, clog up your bus, and generally deliver lacking performance and image quality. But that's just me. What I'd do is get a _well-built_ GF4MX440 or Radeon 9000. Both are faster than the IGP, both have their own 64mb of memory, and they both can run without a fan on the heatsink, meaning one less twiddly little fan to break or go noisy on you.

See the Gainward MX440SE for $57 and the ATi OEM Radeon 9000 for $58 at Newegg
Click to expand...

to some people, thats not worth 57 extra bucks for slightly better performance than the igp.

just admit it! the IGP is the best option!
 
Radeon 9100, about $87 locally, does just fine, and has 128 meg of memory for high tech games.
 
I've played UT2003 Demo using the nForce 220D IGP (that's the original GF2MX-level IGP with only one memory channel). The nForce2 has roughly three times the 3D performance of that.
 
Radeon 9100, $65 @Newegg. I like mine, and it wasn't too much. You can get one for $50 @ Compusa this week too (Hurry, ends Saturday!)
 
Originally posted by: nick1985
to some people, thats not worth 57 extra bucks for slightly better performance than the igp.

just admit it! the IGP is the best option!
Click to expand...

gaaaah okay fine. That doesnt mean i have to like it though
😛
 
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