Looking for a cheap upgrade

[KoolDrew]

I am looking to upgrade basically my whole PC, including the video card. Mainly I will be playing Oblivion, but I'd like to play other newer games as well. Considering I'm coming from onboard video, even a cheap video card will be a huge upgrade and I don't really need to run everything at highest settings. However, I'd still like a video card that is capable of playing newer games at decent settings and newer ones to come. Since I am on a tight budget, I need something that's the best bang for my buck.

I was looking at the X1850 Pro and it looks like a good card, but do you guys think it is the best choice in my case?

 

[Stumps]

do you have any idea on what type of rig you will be setting up?

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: Stumps
do you have any idea on what type of rig you will be setting up?

Right now I am looking at an X2 3600+ (will be overclocking) and 2GB of RAM. However, this may change slightly.

 

[Stumps]

a X1950Pro would be a good choice then, although it might be worth while waiting a bit and see what the R6x0 based hardware performs like.

But for the record if you buy now, an X1950pro would make you very happy.

 

[KoolDrew]

although it might be worth while waiting a bit and see what the R6x0 based hardware performs like.

How long of a wait before then? I am probably going to just order the X1950Pro soon, but just curious. Also, I know nobody can answer this with complete certainty, but how long should I expect the X1950Pro to play newer games with *decent* settings? Before I'd have to upgrade again?

Also, keep in mind that I plan on overclocking the video card. Does this change your suggestion at all?

 

[Stumps]

nope, have a look at my sig...I can run games like STALKER, FEAR, Q4, NFS:C with all the details maxed out@1280x1024(that's as high as my old 17in CRT goes ) with no problems at all...I plan on keeping mine till at least the end of the year.....