Help me upgrade from a GF2 GTS!

[Gillbot]

My main concerns are low cost. I built a SFF system by selling off my old parts and I'm trying to keep my out of pocket costs to nil. I'd like TV-Out or VIVO but with the price limits I can't bee too picky. I ran 3dmark as my system sits now and got an appalling 159 3dmarks.

I think pretty much anything I get will be an improvement. Any suggestions?

 

[suklee]

Whats your budget?

 

[Pete]

What games do you play? If you're using an LCD, what size is it?

 

[Gillbot]

Standard 19" monitor and my budget is flexible. If I go higher I'll just have to sell more! I'd prefer to keep it lower cost though, but no need for a $200 video card since I'd never use it. I just want better than the GF2 GTS I have now. I don't really play 3D games other than some OLD UT, Q3A and Total Annihilation.

 

[Pete]

I'd try a ~$40 used GF3. It'll be a nice improvement over your GF2, but it won't be great for newer games. Normally, I'd recommend a GF4 4200 as the bare minimum, but the games you play aren't that demanding, so considering your desire to pay next to nothing, a ~$40 GF3 may be a better move for you than a $60+ 4200.

Is low noise a priority? If so, you might consider a card with a fanless heatsink, though that might be a risk if your system doesn't have decent airflow.

 

[Gillbot]

I will be going into a SN45G so it will be cramped. Two i've seen just lightly browsing are:

GeForce 4 MX4000 128MB DDR 8x AGP Video Card w/TV Only $59.00
ATI Radeon 9200SE 128MB DDR 8x AGP Video Card w/TV Only $53.00

I know nothing about the newer cards' performance though. I was thinking VIVO but the cost seems as though it will be too high and I can get a PCI TV tuner card later to handle that stuff.

I also noticed GeForce FX 5200 256MB DDR AGP Video Card w/TV & DVI Only $87.00

Not sure if the extra cost would be worth it. BTW, all these were at compgeeks. I'm sure I could find better deals here in the FS/FT section easily.

 

[Conky]

I have just upgraded to an ATI 9800Pro and I will cut you a deal on my my old MSI GF4-Ti4400 w/ VIVO... runs at 4600 speed flawlessly if you want to overclock. $90 delivered. I think that is a very fair price. I will guarantee it is not DOA but won't guarantee overclocking but this shouldn't be a concern because this card is a good one.

PM me here or email me at CF@ramanon.com if you are interested.

This would be a fine upgrade over a GF2 for a Quake3, UT player!

 

[Todd33]

Get the Ti4400, offer him $80