Could use some advice picking a video card

[imported_smirk]

Hi there, I'm in the process of building a new machine to replace my ancient PIII/650 system. I'm most likely going with an Intel E4500 in an Abit IP35-e motherboard, most likely overclocked from 2.2 GHz to something approaching 3.0 GHz. That kind of thing I'm familiar with, so I kind of have a sense for how fast that chip will run. The thing that's baffling me is the video card.

Obviously, the existing system has been too slow to play games in years, so I don't really have a frame of reference. What level video card do you need to play an occasional game? I don't really know what games are available these days, but it would be a bummer to buy a card and then 6 months down the road find out it can't really play anything. I've been told to get an 8800GT w/512 MB *minimum*, which costs around $200, but that seems like a lot of cash to drop. Would a $150 8800GS be fine for modern games? Or something even less expensive? Or would a cheap card perform so poorly that I'd never want to play again. I don't think I'll need to play something like Crysis at 1600x1200 all maxed out, but you know, it should look nice and have a playable frame rate.

Thanks! Any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated.

 

[error8]

You should get a 9600GT or an ATI 3870, they are cheaper then the 8800 GT and also a bit slower.

 

[Denithor]

Here are the cards you should consider.

XFX 8800GS 384MB $130 after $20MIR (reviews say loud fan)
ASUS HD3850 256MB $151 after $10MIR
MSI 9600GT 512MB OC $166 after $20MIR (upgraded cooling, factory OC)
Sapphire HD3870 512MB $186 after $10MIR
MSI 8800GT 512MB OC $193 after $30MIR (upgraded cooling, factory OC)

Now, obviously you aren't going to get the same level of performance and longevity from the $130 8800GS as from the ~$190 HD3870 or 8800GT but for an occasional gamer and of the mid-range cards should be perfectly acceptable. If you use a 19/20" LCD with a resolution below 16x10 or 16x12 I would probably recommend the 9600GT. Most benchmarks I have seen show the 8800GS to be slightly below the level of the 9600GT so if money is a major factor that is an option (just be aware of comments many people have made about the noisy fan).

EDIT: If you are looking on the high side, I would go with the 8800GT versus the HD3870. It is a more powerful card and costs less than $10 more. And note that these cards were all pulled in a quick search of newegg.com, you may be able to find better prices on other websites if you are willing to spend some time looking around.

 

[imported_smirk]

Thank you. I studied all those cards you listed (and lots of other ones on NewEgg's site) and now I think I'm starting to get familiar with the product lines.

I think the way it is working out now is that I won't be able to afford the video card that I want right now, and will have to add it later. In the meantime, do you think an 8600 or 8500 would give decent performance? Decent means better than 1024x768 with all settings at low.

Thanks!

 

[Keysplayr]

A better thing to tell us, is the max you can spend on a vid card. Tell us a figure, then we can try to pick the best card for that money.

 

[imported_smirk]

Hey, that's a way smarter way to go.

Well, how about around $70, give or take? I mean, if going up a few bucks would result in a way better card, then obviously that's the way to go.

Thanks!

 

[DSF]

At that price, I'd probably go for this card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150229

XFX has a lifetime warranty on their cards, which is also transferable to the second owner should you decide to sell the card down the line. While I wouldn't recommend paying extra for a factory-overclocked card, this card is overclocked and less expensive than most of the competition.

Should have enough pep in its step for light gaming, but you're going to get what you pay for. If you spend $70, you're not going to get the same performance as if you spend $150-200. Right now there isn't a whole lot in between to my knowledge.

An 8500 card isn't going to do much for you in terms of gaming.

As an alternative you might consider looking at the for sale/trade forums here to see if you can get a deal on a used card. I still wouldn't expect much for less than $120 or so though.

 

[Denithor]

This 8600GTS OC has sharper teeth. Comes with an upgraded cooler and pre-factory overclocked (700/2100 vs 620/1600 for the 8600GT listed above) for higher performance. Also includes a free copy of Witcher. All for $15 more than the other card ($80 after MIR).

 

[Modelworks]

If you can put off the buying of the card just a couple weeks, your likely to get a much better deal.
With the new nvidia cards coming out we should be seeing some price drops on the other lines.

 

[DSF]

But if you can't wait, Denithor's deal is indeed better than the one I posted. Didn't realize the 8600GTS cards were seeing steep rebates too.

 

[imported_smirk]

Hey guys, I ended up going with the 8600GTS like you said. (Who can wait a couple weeks?!)

Thanks for all your help!