I just need a basic graphics card

[cybergrrl]

I planned to upgrade my old system but found a good deal on an Asus M2N-SLI Deluxe MO and AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ so now I'm building a whole new system. I'm down to still needing a graphics card and power supply. Someone recommended I get a EVGA 8600, which I realize probably matches the rest of the system, but I'm not using the system for gaming or planning on using dual monitors. In fact, although I'm a web developer, I do the coding, not the graphics. So for now I'd rather stay with a low end grahics card and upgrade later if I need to. Any recommendations under $70?

 

[BenSkywalker]

This one is within your price range. Also comes with a $15 MIR if you deal with those bringing the total cost down to just over $50. This board should handle Aero quite well if you are utilizing it while being well within your price range.

 

[Quiksilver]

ATI 3650 $50 After MIR

Lol cheaper by $1.

 

[daveybrat]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814121230

I would highly recommend this ATI Radeon HD3450 256MB card. It has a nice passive cooling design. It's more than fast enough for what you'll be doing and you don't have to worry about noise or the fan dying on you.

It's $34.99 and $24.99 after rebate. Great card that i've used in many builds lately. The image quality in 2D is also superb.

 

[panfist]

Here's another vote for the 3450. If you are doing NO 3D gaming at all, there is no reason to get anything faster. You will just spend more money up front, use more power, and create more heat.

However, if you want to game even a little, then for the money you can't beat the 3650. Two people above me have already recommended the 3650. The following link will point you to a passively cooled (meaning silent) 3650 for under $50. The two above have fans. They're probably quiet, too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814121243

 

[Captante]

The fanless Asus 3650 sounds like the best overall option to me @ $47 after MIR.

 

[cybergrrl]

Thanks for all the help!

 

[wbynum]

Diamond 2600XT 256meg card. $30 AR shipped at Buy.com. Even cheaper if you have a Google Checkout coupon.

http://www.buy.com/prod/diamon...loc/101/205073855.html

 

[cybergrrl]

I think I'll go with the 3650. I know it's a little more than some of the others but it's got more to it and it still stays under the $70. I don't mind paying $50 for that much card.

 

[taltamir]

if you do absolutely no gaming then you should buy an integrated GPU... in the past they were utter crap even for a non gamer. But the latest gen are designed for hybrid use. That is. Quality integrated graphics which can do SLI or Crossfire with a low end card. (if you decide to upgrade down the road). This is the IDEAL thing for a non gamer.

Just buy a motherboard with such an IGP.

 

[Quiksilver]

Originally posted by: taltamir
Just buy a motherboard with such an IGP.

He already bought a motherboard...

 

[taltamir]

return / sell and buy another motherboard... even the cheap video cards discussed here cost more then a new mobo.

 

[panfist]

Originally posted by: taltamir
return / sell and buy another motherboard... even the cheap video cards discussed here cost more then a new mobo.

Post a link?

 

[hodgenutts]

LOL I'd like to know where you get an SLI motherboard for under $35. LOL

 

[taltamir]

Oh oops, that 3850 is 50$, not 150$... (wow did they go down in price or what!)

Ok, this is still cheaper.

But if you sell existing mobo and then buy one with IGP it could be fairly cheap.

 

[lopri]

Originally posted by: taltamir
if you do absolutely no gaming then you should buy an integrated GPU... in the past they were utter crap even for a non gamer. But the latest gen are designed for hybrid use. That is. Quality integrated graphics which can do SLI or Crossfire with a low end card. (if you decide to upgrade down the road). This is the IDEAL thing for a non gamer.

Just buy a motherboard with such an IGP.

Disagreed. The 2D performance/quality between IGP and discrete GPU is night and day. Plus, IGP will slow down the whole system due to its system memory usage.

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: daveybrat
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814121230

I would highly recommend this ATI Radeon HD3450 256MB card. It has a nice passive cooling design. It's more than fast enough for what you'll be doing and you don't have to worry about noise or the fan dying on you.

It's $34.99 and $24.99 after rebate. Great card that i've used in many builds lately. The image quality in 2D is also superb.

I always buy fanless for my secondary & beyond rigs, as there's absolutely no need for little loud fans on a basic use system.

So my vote goes to the card recommended by daveybrat.