Low-Medium end card recommendations?

[Vertimus]

My geforce MX 440 has lasted me 3 years, and it's time to get a new video card.

There are a couple problems with obtaining a new video card though. I've outlined my needs in the following:

1. My parents are very anal about gaming (as I'm a junior in high school) and I need to give a good excuse to buying a video card.

2. I don't have much funds to begin with, so cost will be a big problem.

3. I need workable support under linux, so I'm tempted to go nvidia over ATI. However, if the prices are significantly different, this qualifier might become moot.

4. I won't be doing much FPS gaming; most of the usage will be spent on Civ4, black + white, etc. where sporadic lag is acceptable even in multiplayer. So an X800 is probably not needed.

5. I'd like to keep the cost under $100, although the speed/cost ratio is more important.

6. I can obtain the following from Black Friday (which also provides an excuse for my parents)

ATI Radeon 9550 AGP Graphics Card (AR) $59.99
ATI Radeon 9600 256MB AGP Video Card $79.99
PNY Geforce 6200GT 256MB AGP Video Card (AR) $99.99
Geforce FX 5500 128MB Video Card (AR) $49.99

Out of these (and maybe other) choices, what card should I buy?

Thanks!

 

[lavaheadache]

If I were you I would be searching the FS/FT for a used 9800 Pro. It would be under $100 and demolish everyone of those cards listed

 

[Eureka]

Not good prices, you can get a 9600XT 128mb for 70 and 9600XT 256mb for 90 off of Newegg normal price.

And I recommend either the 9600XT 256 or 9800Pro 128mb used.

EDIT: I'm also a junior in high school... dude get a job already. Your parents can't nag you for your own purchases.

Norm

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
Not good prices, you can get a 9600XT 128mb for 70 and 9600XT 256mb for 90 off of Newegg normal price.

And I recommend either the 9600XT 256 or 9800Pro 128mb used.

EDIT: I'm also a junior in high school... dude get a job already. Your parents can't nag you for your own purchases.

Norm

well said
:thumbsup:

the minimum card for any modern game i'd consider is a 9700p . . . i see 9800p's on FS/T for $95 shipped and - even better - a 6800std for $100 . . . just search. Make sure it was not overclocked.

 

[Piuc2020]

If its available in AGP the 6600 DDR 2 would be killer, otherwise a 9600XT 128MB (don't get the 256mb version, you would be an idiot) or 9800Pro should be right on.

 

[vanvock]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
Not good prices, you can get a 9600XT 128mb for 70 and 9600XT 256mb for 90 off of Newegg normal price.

And I recommend either the 9600XT 256 or 9800Pro 128mb used.

EDIT: I'm also a junior in high school... dude get a job already. Your parents can't nag you for your own purchases.

Norm

They can if they care.

 

[Eureka]

Okay, yes they can nag, but you have an argument.

Norm