Card for CS:S/HL2 <$100?

[CptObvious]

Hi, I was wondering if there are any cards that will play CS:S and HL2 decently at 1024x768 with most textures, under $100. Here are my system specs, if you could comment also on whether the rest of the components will work, I'd appreciate it:

(Biostar iDEQ case/Via mobo)
Athlon 2500+/333 FSB
1GB PC2700
60GB Seagate Barracuda
M-Audio Audiophile 2496
Radeon 8500 64MB

Thanks :beer:

 

[2Xtreme21]

You may be better off getting a Ti4200. My friend has one on almost the same system as you have and he runs it decently.

 

[Brian48]

For under $100, I'd consider something in the GF4 ti range (4200 - 4600) or a 9600Pro. You can probably go higher if you get something used.

 

[Bumrush99]

Try getting a 9500 pro on Ebay, then softmod to a 9700 pro.

 

[ZobarStyl]

If you want to play the game correctly (which is like you said with most textures at or above 10x7, please don't skimp on the single most important part of a gaming system. The least you should get is a 9600 series, although the 9800pro would be your best bet on the low/mid end.

 

[OMG1Penguin]

Geforce 4 Ti all the way~

 

[The Green Bean]

Originally posted by: Bumrush99
Try getting a 9500 pro on Ebay, then softmod to a 9700 pro.

the pro cant be modded. Try searching for the np with "L" shaped memory

personally I have a ti4800SE and runs CS: source decently,

 

[Keysplayr]

Looks like its time to get a paper route.

 

[GreatBarracuda]

9700 pro.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Originally posted by: GreatBarracuda
9700 pro.

 

[JBT]

Originally posted by: GreatBarracuda
9700 pro.

It'll have to be used obviously but it should do well in these games.

 

[Concillian]

You can't get a 9700 pro for under $100, at least not anywhere I've found.

But you CAN get a 9700 for just over $100. I have two I got from eBay, one for $101 after shipping and one for $103 after shipping. Both cores overclock to pro speeds, one has infineon memory which only gets around 300 MHz the other has Samsung which goes up to 340 .... 9800 pro speeds.

stretch you budget like $5 and look for 9700 non-pros on eBay.

 

[GreatBarracuda]

Originally posted by: Concillian
You can't get a 9700 pro for under $100, at least not anywhere I've found.

But you CAN get a 9700 for just over $100. I have two I got from eBay, one for $101 after shipping and one for $103 after shipping. Both cores overclock to pro speeds, one has infineon memory which only gets around 300 MHz the other has Samsung which goes up to 340 .... 9800 pro speeds.

stretch you budget like $5 and look for 9700 non-pros on eBay.

You can get it for <$100 if you try. But the chances of finding a 9700 pro (over or under $100) are very slim. Most likely you'll have to get it used and that should cost <$100.

 

[Concillian]

Probably. In the auctions I have been involved in people seemed to be right on $100.

$100 seems to be a big mental barrier. To me the difference between $100 and $101 is just a dollar. In one case a dollar that meant I owned the card vs. hunting auctions for another week or two to get another one that would go for a dollar or two less. I feel that dollar was well spent.

 

[Marsumane]

I think u mean that u want most of the "shaders" as opposed to "textures". Textures ull get with any dx7 card, but dx9 shaders ud need a 9600. Get that card for around $100. Oh, and DONT get the SE version.

 

[IceMole]

This is off topic, but I just upgraded my LeadTek Ti4200, if you want it for half of what you're looking to spend send me a PM. It has the huge heatsink.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

9600