Most bang for my buck ($150)

[jimmyz989]

Ok people, currently I have a Matrox G400 32MB AGP card in my system (http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?id=15328) It is starting to show it's age. I am just wondering what you all think would be my best choice for a new card under $150? I was looking at the ATI Radeon 7500, but supposedly that is about right on par with Geforce 2 cards. I want to get the most I can for my $150.

Thanks,
jz989

 

[merlocka]

You are just below the price for a Radeon 8500 OEM or a PNY Geforce3 Ti 200.

 

[maap]

GF3 Ti 200! (see sig)

 

[AntaresVI]

Second on the Ti 200!

 

[epod]

3rd on the radeon 8500 =)

 

[Freewolf]

I would try to pick up a used GF3 on the fs/t forum myself.

 

[Innoka]

Most bang for your buck is GF3 Ti 200 for a few more dollars. That is a very big step up however from what you have. You might be content with a GF2 for much cheaper if you're used to the G400? Just a thought.

 

[jimmyz989]

Hmm, looks like the Geforce 3 Ti200 is the more popular card. Thanks a ton people, you all are always very helpful. Now I've got to sort through the many Ti200 cards out there to find the best one.

Thanks,
jz989

 

[JeremiahTheGreat]

Radeon 8500 OEM!!!!!!!

 

[xero940]

Get you a Geforce 3 Ti200, or a vanilla Geforce 3 card, and you are in business...now, if you're not a most hardcore gamer, than a Geforce 2 Ti will be just fine...

 

[Darius]

I have both (Leadtek Ti 200 and ATI Radeon 8500 OEM), I would have to say go for the Radeon 8500 OEM.

 

[moocat]

I also recommend the 8500. Paid $170 for mine.

 

[jimmyz989]

Hold the presses! I've been doing a little research and I've come to the conclusion that for the money I am willing to pay, the Radeon 8500 OEM is actually a better performer than the Geforce3 Ti200. But I have a few questions... Most of the benchmarking and comparisons against the Ti200 were probably done with a Radeon 8500 retail right? So how much slower would an OEM 8500 be compared to the retail version? I've also read that the OEM can actually be flashed to get the retail speeds, but you need the 250MHz/500MHz card to do so. Where can I find the 8500 OEM that is clocked at 250/500 instead of 230/460 because most retailers only state that the card is an OEM or white box with no mention of the speed. Moocat, what is the clock speed on your's and where did you get it for $170?

thanks,
jz989

 

[kwatson1]

I went with a 1 month old GF3 ti200... $145 shipped. It's within your budget..

 

[moocat]

Mine is 250/500 and I picked it up new right here on the forum. Someone else just sold one for $160. I'm not sure what mainstream vendors are selling them for.

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

Radeon 8500 - I like it a lot better than the GF3 I had.