Budget Video Card

[Bluga]

I don't know what budget videocard I should buy? I watch DVD a lot but only do ocassional gamming. Will the Geforce 4 MX give me the best bang for my buck? Also i need DVI for my LCD, thaanks for any suggestions.

 

[sechs]

I'd go for am ATi Radeon 9000 or 8500.

They're less than $100, have DVI out, and have very DVD performance.

 

[majewski9]

you cant beat ATI! Best bang for your buck for sure. UMM Id go with 8500 or 9000. G4mx isnt as bad as everyone says it is but the ATI cards are much better for their price and performance. Nvidia better do something soon when ATI pushes its R300 into the mid to low $$$ segment.

 

[Bluga]

Originally posted by: sechs
I'd go for am ATi Radeon 9000 or 8500.

They're less than $100, have DVI out, and have very DVD performance.

How about GeForce 3 ?? I need as cheap as possible.

 

[Duvie]

Radeon 8500 Le with 250/275 core mem for 82 bucks.....

All the Gf3's are still 70 to 100 plus and are considerably slower then the radeon 8500....remember this 8500 beat the gf3 ti500

You get so much more with the ati card....

 

[spanky]

radeon 8500 vote

gf3 is not as good for 2d and dvd.

 

[OulOat]

Or you can get a free one from CSO...

 

[ssanches]

The Radeon 8500LE 128MB card gets my vote

 

[Wolfsraider]

8500😉

 

[ZenFoe]

Nix this

 

[bluemax]

Originally posted by: ZenFoe
Aren't the 8500LE the crippled version of the 8500 - half the rendering pipelines. I think so. Don't get them... instead get the 9000 Pro which is a 275/275 and for about $60+ bucks. It's just a little bit slower than the 8500 but uses R250 chip technology. I had the 8500LE and took it back the next day when my local computer store had the 9000 instock.

Calling clueless user: BAD DATA!
The 8500LE is the exact same 8500 chip but clocked ~10% lower. 250 istead of 275. No big deal - it's still a screamer! Check every single darned becnhmark out there.

EDIT: Almost forgot to add: The 9000 is SLOWER than the 8500LE. Great return. 😉

You're still confused over the Original Radeon DDR vs. the Radeon LE (or 7000) which is much as you described.
Times have changed, lad. These aren't the droids you're looking for. Move along.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: bluemax

Calling clueless user: BAD DATA!

Times have changed, lad. These aren't the droids you're looking for. Move along.

hahaha that was funny

 

[ZenFoe]

My 2 cents

Don't believe everything you read. I've used both cards.... overall the 9000 Pro outperforms the 8500LE. Benchmark it or whatever else you want to do with it. I'll stick with my 9000 Pro.

 

[bluemax]

Sorry I came down on you so hard earlier... I get mad when people spread bad data. 🙂

You and I are in the same boat that I'd also rather have the 9000 over an 8500 (or LE) not because it's any faster (sometimes it is, often it isn't) but it's close enough to be considered "FAST". 🙂
But it introduces a few new features that make everyday computing a little bit nicer - improved RealVideo for example.

An 8500 variant or 9000(pro preferred for its 30% speed boost) variant is not only plenty fast but also the BEST DVD you can get on a cheap card, sharp 2D, and it's just plain good. 😉 ... and cheap!