Better sub $100 Chip Set

[thegisguy]

I'm trying to figure out what Video card to add parts list for a new Budget system. Not really a gamer, but every blue moon I play a little. Most games like Command and Conquer. However gaming is probably less then 10% of my system use. Therefore I don't really want to spend big $ on a card.

So tell me for the money am I better with something like

the XFX Geforce 8600GT XXX for $74 AR

or

the ASUS Radeon HD 2600XT for $93 AR

I'm not married to either of those, just using them as examples. Am I missing something?

 

[v8envy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130062

A 7600GT for 10 bucks less than the 8600. Performance is roughly equivalent, but you save 10 bucks. Smaller rebate too. While the 2600XT is faster than an 8600 or 7600 it's not worth an extra $20. Another possibility is a 7300GT or 7600GS.

You have to expand your budget to mid $100s to get a mainstream gaming card. Anything less than that and you might as well go for the cheapest of the 'cream of the bottom of the barrel.'

Any of those will do fine on older games at 1024x768. For games like crysis at high res the extra performance of the 2600XT translates to 9.1 frames/sec vs 8.6. =) Like I said, faster but not worth the premium.

Also check your local bestbuy, hotdeals had a thread about clearance 8600s for $39.

 

[Quiksilver]

8600GTS - $85 AMIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814134011

 

[mwmorph]

Depends on what you plan on using the system for. The new generations have better HD video decoding, otherwise if you just need it for word processing or whatever, don't worry about it.

 

[thegisguy]

Thanks for the quick reply. When it comes to video cards I have no clue!

I'll check out the Best buy deal. Sounds promissing.