Geforce 3 now or later?

[Samwise]

I am building my first computer and I was wondering if it would be smarter to buy a GF3 now or buy something cheaper now and upgrading later?

 

[Gandu]

It all depends on your budget dude. It won't be a bad idea to get a GF3 of your own.

 

[Samwise]

I understand it depends on budget, but if I am going to spend $100 now for a budget card and upgrade to GF3 later for $200 won't I just be better off paying $350 now? Or do you think it is worth waiting for the GF3MX or other upgrade and stick with a budget card for now?

 

[Gandu]

Budget card won't be a bad idea now either. If you wait now, you will sure get the fruit later, by which I mean you won't have to pay higher prices like ~$350 or such. You even get a choice of buying a GF3MX etc.

Good luck dude.

 

[billyjak]

If your budget allows, get the GF3, you won't be sorry you did, besides you could sell it later and get a good buck if say the Ultra or better comes out.
If you buy a cheaper card now your chances of getting a return on it will be minimal.
I always get the latest and sell my old one so my upgrade is always cheap.
No one wants outdated technology especially after 6 months, but if you have the best now, you get a higher return for your money later.
I used to go the other route and always ended up paying through the nose, now I upgrade regularly, sell my old, which is new to alot of people, theyr'e happy, I'm happy and the upgrade path is cheap.
Don't make the same mistake I did for years.
Again, only if your budget allows.
That's how I got started building computers for people, buying selling and upgrading.

 

[BFG10K]

Large video card budget: GF3.
Low video card budget: GF2 GTS.

 

[Simulat]

Do the exact same thing as Billyjak and found it to be the best solution. Used to buy something with the intent of keeping it for a year or two. After that time, was stuck with something that had minimal resale value.

Now I always upgrade quickly before the "old" piece of hardware loses its resale value. Works particularly well if you keep your eye out for really good deals in the "hot deals" forum. Got an Elsa Gladiac Geforce GTS for 150 or so in December and ended up selling it when I upgraded for 190 over on Egay.

Definitely find it cheaper to upgrade regularly in this fashion.