Could someone please reccomend a good video card for me?

[legendarysock]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the AnandTech forums, seeking help on deciding which video card would be best suited for me.

Right now, I've got a Compaq PC with an Asus K8N-LA motherboard, with 512 mb of ram. I've got integrated graphics, so 128 mb of that RAM is gone into that. Thats one of the reasons I want to get a new video card.

However, I'm not sure which one to pick. My monitor only has a VGA port, while most of the video cards I see today are dual DVI, no vga port. I think there are adapters that change VGA to DVI, but I don't know much about them either.

My budget is about 200-250 CAD, which is about 175-220 USD. I'm looking for an AGP video card that can run games like Battlefield 2, World of Warcraft and Half Life 2. I'm probably going to be ordering from TigerDirect.ca since they ship to Canada (I live in Canada). Thanks again, I think I've mentioned just about everything but I'm not sure... Oh well, thanks for your opinions in advance.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Welcome aboard m8

I don't know much about Canada's hardware market, who ships where, ect. so this'll serve as a bump.

I checked TD.CA and their prices didn't look too good. Found the x800GTO with VIVO @NCIX for a fair price. That would leave you enough to buy more ram since 512mb is really not enough for gaming anymore. I suspect the PSU will handle the upgrade too.

Don't sweat DVI-I connections either, the adapters work just fine, and take moments to plug in.

 

[cubalis]

I second NCIX for online orders in Canada. They'll have a sale up at about 9:00pm PST that you should check out.

Another very good option is going with the x800xl directly from ATI for $139 CDN. They are listed as refurb, but many have reported getting brand new cards. Look here if you're interested - http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=2984012

The x800xl is a great card, fully capable of playing the games you listed with decent 'eye candy' turned on. Also, like DAPUNISHER stated, it gives you room to buy another 512 (or even 1-2GB) of ram.

 

[Wreckage]

Most (if not all) DVI video cards come with a VGA adapter right in the box. So that should not be a problem for you.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: cubalis
Another very good option is gong with the x800xl directly from ATI for $139 CDN. They are listed as refurb, but many have reported getting brand new cards. Look here if you're interested - http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=2984012

I'd jump on that deal.

 

[legendarysock]

Wow, wasn't expecting this many replies already. Thanks a lot, I think I'm going to go with the x800xl. It looks great, I hope it runs well. I'm going to look up some reviews on it before ordering it though. Thanks again

 

[cubalis]

Unless you go used, the only other choice in this range would be waiting for the 7600GS in AGP, which should be somewhere near, if not slower than the x800xl (only benchmarks will tell though...).

Cheers, and have fun with the new gaming card once you get one.