Looking for video card but unsure which one?

[Scott78945]

I have a P4 630 chip and I am looking for a video card for it. I have a 300 watt PSU in my system and I can upgrade this if necessary. I was looking at the 7800GT but that is a little pricey for me. I am looking to play Doom 3 and possibly Quake 4. I would LOVE to be able to play FEAR but I think that is pretty much impossible for me. I am sure there will be sales on cards in the upcoming month and I want to be on the lookout for the best deal. I am looking to spend between $200-250 for this. I also obviously want the most bang for my buck. Thanks guys.

 

[conlan]

Depending on your persuasion, either a 6800GT or X800XL in taht price range. You may want to wait till next week though.

 

[mOeeOm]

Originally posted by: conlan
Depending on your persuasion, either a 6800GT or X800XL in taht price range. You may want to wait till next week though.

He said Doom 3....Doom 3 > X800XL.

 

[moonboy403]

7800 gt for 300 sounds good?

 

[mOeeOm]

Originally posted by: Scott78945
I have a P4 630 chip and I am looking for a video card for it. I have a 300 watt PSU in my system and I can upgrade this if necessary. I was looking at the 7800GT but that is a little pricey for me. I am looking to play Doom 3 and possibly Quake 4. I would LOVE to be able to play FEAR but I think that is pretty much impossible for me. I am sure there will be sales on cards in the upcoming month and I want to be on the lookout for the best deal. I am looking to spend between $200-250 for this. I also obviously want the most bang for my buck. Thanks guys.

6800GT, I don't know how prices work in America, but maybe you can find one like that on ebay or FS/T forum. If you are looking to play Doom 3/Quake 4, get the 6800GT as it handles those games better than ATI cards. Don't worry with a 6800GT you will be able to play F.E.A.R no problem.

 

[secretanchitman]

7800GT PCI-E at tigerdirect. prolly gonna have to get a new PSU though. 300W ain't gonna cut it!

 

[moonboy403]

and FEAR isn't that great anyway (although i did love fighting the squads)
and it really depends on what resolution you plan to play at for FEAR
at 12 X 10....it's tough even for my gtx to max out everything
but if you don't mind turning off all shadows
i don't think the 6800 gt has any problem running it at 12 X 10 with 2aa/8af and you can even possibly run it with 4aa

 

[Scott78945]

Wow, thanks everyone for the quick responses. I am running my games on the Gateway 21" widescreen LCD. I have one PCI- express x16 slot open. I never put a new PSU in but I can't imagin that its that complicated. I will be waiting a couple of weeks anyways. I can play Doom 3 now with my Intel integrated, it is just choppy and looks like crap. Ok, what does everyone mean by 4aa and 2aa? I am a bit of a newbie so I have no idea what this means. Are there any specific brands of card that I should be looking for? I know many speak highly of EVGA. Any others? Are they all the same/?

 

[JPB]

AA=anti aliasing>removes jaggies from lines...2x=ok....4x=better

 

[moonboy403]

if you're upgrading from integrated graphics...you'll be amazed by what these video card can do!
and how beautiful it is to up the resolution and aa/af level
it's like a day and night difference i assure you

 

[Scott78945]

I will probably just save my money and wait for teh 7800GT to go down in price and then get the new PSU at the same time. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long. Thanks guys.

 

[pkme2]

Start checking on a 500+W power supply for your case if you're going to use 7800GT. Check AT for suggestions and get the PS first. You could burn out your system with an inadequate ps.

 

[Scott78945]

Ok, thanks. I will ask for some suggestions.