Need <$100 PCIe Graphics Card

[Henny]

I'm not a avid gamer and don't want to spend big bucks on a graphics card. Im looking for the sweet spot in the <$100 PCIe cards.

Good solid performance and problem free drivers is top priority. (I don't need the latest and greatest GPU technology). I'd also like passive cooling.

Which GPU's should I be looking at? Any specific cards or hot deals you'd recommend?

TIA

 

[slackwarelinux]

I would look into this, a plain GeForce 6800 for under $100.

If you are set on passive cooling, I would look into a GeForce 6600. You just have to be carful to get good airflow over it, a lot of the reviews complain of crashing, likely due to heat problems.
Edit: Nevermind, the 7300 is better for passive.

This benchmark should show the relative preformance between all the options, execpt the 7300.

 

[Wreckage]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125014

7300GS $69.99. Passive + HDTV out.

 

[potato28]

Originally posted by: Wreckage
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125014

7300GS $69.99. Passive + HDTV out.

qft, good find

 

[slackwarelinux]

Originally posted by: potato28

Originally posted by: Wreckage
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125014

7300GS $69.99. Passive + HDTV out.

qft, good find

I am not so sure about that, it struggles a bit in gaming benchmarks, likely due to its 64 bit bus.

 

[secretanchitman]

Originally posted by: slackwarelinux

Originally posted by: potato28

Originally posted by: Wreckage
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125014

7300GS $69.99. Passive + HDTV out.

qft, good find

I am not so sure about that, it struggles a bit in gaming benchmarks, likely due to its 64 bit bus.

apparently, he isnt an avid gamer, i so i think that is fine for him.

 

[firewolfsm]

this pssive x1300 for $69 after rebate is probably better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102001

 

[keeleysam]

Originally posted by: Wreckage
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125014

7300GS $69.99. Passive + HDTV out.

128MB 64-bit GDDR2 == :thumbsdown:

 

[Cookie Monster]

6600GT $109 after rebate

6800nu $99 after rebate

Your other choice could be X1300pros or 7300GS.

edit - i would get that passively cooled gigabyte 7300GS.

 

[Henny]

The Evga GeForce 6800 looks pretty compelling. ($99 AR w/free freight, decent performance, and decent reviews).

Just how bad if the fan though?? Does it sound like a leaf blower or does it blend in with normal system noise?

I have a Sonata case with twin 120 cc fans and a Prescott OC'd to 4 ghz. It's not silent but it very subtle background noise 95% of the time and the BIOS kicks up the fans only when needed.

 

[slackwarelinux]

Originally posted by: Henny
The Evga GeForce 6800 looks pretty compelling. ($99 AR w/free freight, decent performance, and decent reviews).

Just how bad if the fan though?? Does it sound like a leaf blower or does it blend in with normal system noise?

I have a Sonata case with twin 120 cc fans and a Prescott OC'd to 4 ghz. It's not silent but it very subtle background noise 95% of the time and the BIOS kicks up the fans only when needed.

I have never used that card myself, so I don't know what the noise will be like, but some of the reviewers said it was a tad loud. If the fan is too loud, you can always replace it.

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: Henny
I'm not a avid gamer and don't want to spend big bucks on a graphics card. Im looking for the sweet spot in the <$100 PCIe cards.

IMO, it's still the 128 Bit, 128 MB Geforce 6200. The problem is that the cheaper 64-Bit and TC-type 6200's are so much less expensive, the good one has been driven into hiding.


:thumbsup:

 

[LiquidImpulse]

so....im guessing 2 7900GTX's are out of the question.......

 

[kmmatney]

The $69 (after $15 rebate) X1300 looks to be a good card for your needs.