looking to go to CS:S need to get video card

[T2urtle]

2.4 dual core
1gb of ram
80GB SATA
x300 w/128mb

in a Dell E520


Been playing CS for a while never had a problem, recently went to CS:S and well i've gotten 20fps at max settings and 40-60fps on low. I would like to get a better video card since that is probaly the bottleneck of my system at the moment. with a budget of $150 to spend on this.

I've been looking at these video cards online and well i dont really understand the terms " XT , GS, GT, PRO" is there a guideline? I assume these are kinda like how cars are with the "GT and stuff like that". according to price its like. PRO> GT> GS > XT

whats the recommendation a video card for my needs ? I would like about 3-5 cards as i might get one from the FST section.

 

[myocardia]

The more expensive one is the faster one, with video cards, like everything else. With ATI, Pro is slower than XT. With nVidia, nothing (vanilla) is slower than GS, GT is faster, GTS is faster still, and GTX is the fastest.

 

[0roo0roo]

$150 will work, that video card is definetly the bottleneck

 

[T2urtle]

so the series and lettering is understood what about these other makers? PNY, eVGA MSI. does it really make a big diffrence as to speed and design.

I'm looking at a 7600GS PCI-E but all the diffrent makers make it range from 75$-125.


I still need a couple recommendations on buying a new one and some used options @ $150.

 

[cheesygoldfish]

Originally posted by: T2urtle
so the series and lettering is understood what about these other makers? PNY, eVGA MSI. does it really make a big diffrence as to speed and design.

I'm looking at a 7600GS PCI-E but all the diffrent makers make it range from 75$-125.


I still need a couple recommendations on buying a new one and some used options @ $150.

I had a 7600GS and it was made by BFG. Pretty good.

IMO, EVGA is the best though.

 

[Heller]

Originally posted by: cheesygoldfish

Originally posted by: T2urtle
so the series and lettering is understood what about these other makers? PNY, eVGA MSI. does it really make a big diffrence as to speed and design.

I'm looking at a 7600GS PCI-E but all the diffrent makers make it range from 75$-125.


I still need a couple recommendations on buying a new one and some used options @ $150.

I had a 7600GS and it was made by BFG. Pretty good.

IMO, EVGA customer service is the best though.

fixed

 

[imported_Nacelle]

This is right on budget.

 

[loafbred]

Originally posted by: Nacelle
This is right on budget.

I second that suggestion. Here's another higher clocked 7900 GS for a little more. I played CS:S with this XFX card and an A64 4000+ a few days ago. With the latest Source updates and nvidia's 94.20 beta driver... it looks amazing and ran unbelievably smooth at 1280x960. I wish I could try it on a comparable ATI card, as they're known for running Source games better than nvidia (at least on the high-end models).

 

[StopSign]

My 7900GS is also buttery smooth on CS:S at 1280x1024 and all settings maxed. I don't think I've ever dropped below 90 FPS.