Budget video card recommendation needed

[SlickRick]

Hi
Im collecting parts for a new system and need some advice for a video card.
This will be your basic family type AMD system and I will run XP OS on it.

As of now we only play some low level childrens games but I may want some
3D action in the future...Nascar type stuff etc.

I like the idea of having a TV tuner in my PC but being on a budget I may add
a separate tuner card in the future( I like the features of the ATI all-in-wonder)

Any advice about PCI vs AGP , memory needed , or specific brand/model
etc will be appreciated.

Please keep in mind I am on a budget but I do value quality/stability .
I would like to keep the price around $50 but may spend more or less.

Thanks in advance..........take care ......Rick

 

[Commando223]

Well from what you said I think an Nvidia MX400 AGP card will be perfect.

They are like $50+ on pricewatch.com Without a TV-out

Like $60 if you want the TV-out

I hope I helped

 

[NICKel]

I was looking at these two cards from compgeeks any thoughts?

ATI RADEON VE 32MB

They also have an RV-200 model for 69.99 but I don't know the difference?

It also indicates video out which would be great for my DiVX movies....

Any thoughts???

 

[Brian48]

The Radeon VE is a castrated version of the regular Radeon and I would not recommend this card to anyone. Performance wise for 3d gaming, it is no better than a V3/TNT2u class card. For the price, it is just not worth it. You're better off getting the Radeon LE if you want a decently priced, but good, ATI card.

However, if you're looking for the best "bang for the buck", I'd recommend the GeForce2 GTS-V. This is basically a slightly underclocked GeForce2 GTS and will blow the Radeon VE out of the water. It is priced only at $65 at newegg.com.

 

[sep]

Good Performance: GTS-V

Fair Performance/Multimedia upgradable: MX400

 

[SlickRick]

Thanks for the help...
keep up the good work......
Take care.........Rick