INEXPENSIVE (CHEAP) VIDEO UPGRADE

[justinj6]

I am in the process of building a new PC and will be donating my backup to an NGO group that works with disadvantaged and homeless kids. They teach kids to use photography as a means of expression and journal of their lives. So the PC will be used mainly for photo work, editing etc. The chief program is Adobe CS.

As it stands now the rig has the following components:
Asus A8N SLI
AMD 939 3000+
Enhance 500W psu
4 x 512 Corsair VS memory
80 GB HDD, 250 GB HDD
BenQ DVD writer
Dell 17" ultrasharp monitor

Elsa Gladiac 6600 pci card.

So the question is what would be and adequate inexpensive upgrade for the card.

I've got about a 5 week window in which to buy. I live in Thailand and will be in the U.S. shortly for a few weeks and then return.

Thanks for any input.
Justin

 

[RallyMaster]

Get an 8600GTS or something. Should be more than enough for that type of work.

 

[ther00kie16]

9500gt will release in July with a less expensive 9500gs in August. 9500gt will beat the 8600gts so either one of the 9500's will be very good provided the prices are right. Otherwise, since it's just simple tasks, a $35 3450 will do. Or if you want a little more power, $50-$60 for a 8600gt or 2600pro will work well.

 

[justinj6]

Originally posted by: ther00kie16
9500gt will release in July with a less expensive 9500gs in August. 9500gt will beat the 8600gts so either one of the 9500's will be very good provided the prices are right. Otherwise, since it's just simple tasks, a $35 3450 will do. Or if you want a little more power, $50-$60 for a 8600gt or 2600pro will work well.

Thanks RallyMaster and Ther00kie16.

Will probably have to make purchase by end of June as I will be returning to Thailand on July 5, so the 9500's don't appear to be an option. Am trying to keep price around $50.

 

[wbynum]

If they are just going to be doing 2D on the computer then your existing 6600 card is fine.

 

[ther00kie16]

yea, i guess i read your post wrong. i thought you weren't parting with your card. the 6600 was a very good card and should be capable of the things you mentioned.

 

[justinj6]

Originally posted by: ther00kie16
yea, i guess i read your post wrong. i thought you weren't parting with your card. the 6600 was a very good card and should be capable of the things you mentioned.

Yes, the current card is the 6600 and I would consider replacing it if the new card was a noticeable improvement and "inexpensive." Otherwise I would leave things as is.

Thanks,
Justin

 

[Sylvanas]

Well you won't see any 2D improvement with any modern cards these days- they're all basically the same, you're 6600 will be fine. However, if you want a modern low power fanless card, you can get a 3450 for around $20 AR- great deal.

 

[justinj6]

Originally posted by: Sylvanas
Well you won't see any 2D improvement with any modern cards these days- they're all basically the same, you're 6600 will be fine. However, if you want a modern low power fanless card, you can get a 3450 for around $20 AR- great deal.

Thanks.

Probably will just keep the 6600 in and use the money for something else.