Help...don't know squat about video cards

[perlmonger]

I need some input from you guys, please.
I am building a xp1600/K7S5A unit with 512 megs crucial pc2100 DDR.
I was looking at a Kyro II 64mb video card but don't really know if this is what I need.
I am not a big gamer but would like to have that capability should I need it.
Also since I am using DDR memory should I look for a DDR video card?
Looking for a card aroung $80 usd.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Alex]

just cuz ya have ddr system ram doesnt affect your video card in any way whatsoever so there would be no reason to get a ddr graphics card from that perspective.

the kyro2 is a good card, not the best out there for hardcore gaming but seems to meet your needs.

the geforce2mx400 is also a very good card and if im not mistaken is cheaper than kyro2... id go for geforce2mx... your call though

 

[eplebnista]

Hello,

I'd recommend the Radeon 32MB DDR LE. It can be changed to the level of a regular Radeon with a Tweak Utility(Rage3d.com Tweaker) and would definitely be more in line with the system you have outlined. It goes for $67 shipped from Newegg.com.

hth,
eplebnista

 

[jcmkk]

I say spend an extra $20 and get a GeForce 2 Ti, or get a GTS-V. I like my Kyro II, but I like my GeForce 2 Pro and GeForce 3 Ti 200 a lot better. And you'll never have to worry about any software not supporting it.

 

[perlmonger]

<< I say spend an extra $20 and get a GeForce 2 Ti, or get a GTS-V. I like my Kyro II, but I like my GeForce 2 Pro and GeForce 3 Ti 200 a lot better. And you'll never have to worry about any software not supporting it. >>



I don't understand about the "And you'll never have to worry about any software not supporting it." part.
Also eplebnista recommended the Radeon 32MB DDR LE. Does this mean a 32 MB DDR card is as good as a 64MB SDRAM card?
What does this mean: "It can be changed to the level of a regular Radeon with a Tweak Utility(Rage3d.com Tweaker)"
Please excuse my ignorance but I never thought much about my graphics card before...ya know?
Thanks for the info

 

[UncleRonnie]

Dont do the geforce 2 mx i have one and its awful. Go with the Geforce 2 Pro or Ti200 or the radeon.

 

[FreakyGuy]

... plug

I'm selling an ATI Radeon 64 meg DDR Retail verson with Video input and output! Plus it has Hardware dvd support built into the video card for unmatched DvD playback! If you need DvD and superb 2d and decent gaming then this is the card for you!

Check the For Sale forums if interested or PM me

 

[Cerb]

For a non-gamer, if you get _ANY_ GeForce card, MX or no, get the ELSA!
Others have OK to pitiful 2d display...except the ELSA cards (well, and Visiontek).

As far as software support, ST Micro/PowerVR is big in quite a few areas, but new in the gaming video cards, and I wouldn't be suprised if the competition drives them nuts after a few years and they get out of it. NVidia, on the other hand, is a big company, becoming larger and more diverse, and from having a product cycle that is insane, and buying the important bits of 3Dfx, not to mention being part of the XBox, and with a motherboard chipset of theirs out now...they have staying power.

Note on ATI: I wouldn't bother. You may have no trouble, but if you have _any_ trouble with an ATI card, you eventually want to bash the card in with a big mallet. Driver issues abound with ATI cards.