Looking for a ~$200.00 video card solution

[Mikeyboi]

Hi there, been lurking a long time so I finally made an account! Here's my problem...I need a new video card for my aging computer, and I am trying to keep between 200 to 250 bucks.
Right now I have:

ASUS A7V333 mobo
1 gig PC2700 Corsair RAM
GeForce 3 Ti 200 vid card, 64 MB RAM
and a Athlon XP 1800+

I was thinking strongly about a Radeon 9800 Pro 128 MB, 256bit card or a GeForce 6800 of some flavor.
However I am not sure if my board, which is 4x AGP can use the 6800s or if a 9800 Pro is a better way to go.

I need this card to last a couple years, and I need to get as much bang for the buck as possible. Next year I am bumping my CPU up to a Barton 2600+. I think that's as high as my mobo will allow.

Any suggestions for my dillema? Thnx in advance!!

 

[Gamingphreek]

Why dont you search for one of the Million threads we have on this exact same topic!!!

If you truley have been lurking around here for a while, then surely you should have seen one of them.

-Kevin

 

[Mikeyboi]

Thanks for your kind reply...
I HAVE been lookng around for a while. With my mobo in mind, I have a situation that Has not been referanced to my knowledge. Not for lack of searching though. Trust me, I am just as much of a veteran search nazi as the rest.

 

[SneakyStuff]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
Why dont you search for one of the Million threads we have on this exact same topic!!!

If you truley have been lurking around here for a while, then surely you should have seen one of them.

-Kevin

yeesh, take it easy on the guy. My advice to you Milkeyboi, get this. BFG 6800. For that price, it's a really nice deal. And you may want to try and overclock your 1800+, to make it a better playmate for your video card

 

[Demo24]

or get a 6600gt agp. check a thread close by for a link

 

[Mikeyboi]

Thnx for the advice guys! Just got back from a grueling day at work. I saw the BFG 6800 before and was considering it. I was hoping that specific card was backed by positive reviews. If you all recommend it, I'll give it a try. I actually bought an ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128 last night, but I never opened it. I got it from Comp USA and paid $266 total for it. I just couldn't go through with opening it, knowing that there are so many WAY better deals out there!

 

[modedepe]

$266 for a 9800 pro?! Jeez you can get a 6800 for that price.

 

[Gagabiji]

Originally posted by: SneakyStuff

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
Why dont you search for one of the Million threads we have on this exact same topic!!!

If you truley have been lurking around here for a while, then surely you should have seen one of them.

-Kevin

yeesh, take it easy on the guy. My advice to you Milkeyboi, get this. BFG 6800. For that price, it's a really nice deal. And you may want to try and overclock your 1800+, to make it a better playmate for your video card

Wouldn't he be CPU limited if he got 6800NU, even if he did overclock? I would think a 9800 Pro would be a better choice, as that will still be CPU limited by a 1800, but feel free to disagree with me on this.

 

[Pete]

Wait in line with dozens of others for a chance at the $200 6800 at CompUSA on Black Friday, or simply buy one for $250 at Outpost (not much pricier if it includes Far Cry), or pick up a 6600GT for $200 when it hits AGP in a couple of weeks, or just get a used 9800P for ~$150.

You'll really, really want to upgrade your CPU, tho. Fit a faster one into your budget. If your board can use it, buy an Athlon XP-Mobile 2500+. You can sell your 1800+ to help defray the cost. I have a 9700P on a 1700+, and tho it's much faster than my previous 9100, it's really hamstrung by my CPU in newer games.

 

[worshipsf]

9800Pros are going for $179.99 (no rebates) at Outpost right now:

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/3628345

 

[dklingen]

Actually this link was posted by some other thread, but it is the way to go - 6600GT AGP for $230.00

http://www.buy.com/retail/prod...mp;hdwt=22114&sp=1

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Does the Outpost deal include Far Cry for the BFG 6800oc/nu ?

I didn't see any mention of Far Cry at the Outpost page for the BFG 6800oc.

 

[Vanman]

Thanks for the tip on the 6800 at outpost SneakyStuff, just placed my order now, theoretically it'll be here in two days. Been in the same situation as Mikeyboi for a while debating on an upgrade for my BBA 9600XT, was leaning towards the 6600GT when it came out in AGP until I saw the link to the one on buy.com and saw it was only 20 more bucks to get the 6800. Including 2nd day shipping to Colorado it was under $260.

I seem to recall seeing a way to unlock the additional pipes on the BFG 6800, I'll have to search the threads for that info when it gets here.

Dirk