Need a good video card for a mid-range price.

[I rule]

New to the forum, so sorry if I infringe on any of the rules set, or repeat a killed topic.

But I am setting up a new computer. I am pretty computer hardware savy but when it comes ot video cards I am well short on knowledge. I am setting up a computer that will play MMORPGS like Worlds of Warcraft, Horizons etc. I am guessing in order for y'all to be able to help me out you may need to know what my plans for building are.

Antec Sonata case with 980W Power supply -Already bought
MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum MoBo socket 939
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ socket 939
Mushkin Blue 184 Pin 512MB(256MBx2) DDR PC-3200
SAMSUNG 160GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive - Already Bought
M-AUDIO 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card
Logitech X-620 6.1 Speaker

And SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP

I looked at the guides for ATI and found that Pro is indeed a midrange performance video card. But does the fact that it isn't 256MB going to affect gaming? And then what does an upgrade in OpenGL from 1.5 to 2.0 really do for me? I am not looking to spend over $125 for a video card. If you can suggest a better video card for the money please do. And if you can save me from buying anything that has a bad history that would be much obliged.

Oh and would any of you buy a refurbished anything? Or is buying OEM worth saving money instead of buying retail?

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: I rule

I looked at the guides for ATI and found that Pro is indeed a midrange performance video card. But does the fact that it isn't 256MB going to affect gaming?

No. Only videocards with 256-bit memory bus and fast memory (ie. 1000+) and fast graphics processor receive a boost from the additional 128mb of ram since they are capable of running the game at higher resolutions in the first place (GPU dependent). Anything below 6800 series will not benefit from 256mb of memory 95% of the time.

And then what does an upgrade in OpenGL from 1.5 to 2.0 really do for me? I am not looking to spend over $125 for a video card. If you can suggest a better video card for the money please do. And if you can save me from buying anything that has a bad history that would be much obliged.

Oh and would any of you buy a refurbished anything? Or is buying OEM worth saving money instead of buying retail?

I am not sure about going from OpenGL 1.5 to 2.0 but you'll get DX9.0 shader effects with the 9600Pro.

OEM is worth saving money if the retail bundle isn't great or the warranty isnt an issue for you.
I'd suggest getting 9800Pro for $150 used.

If you don't upgrade often, it might be a good idea to pick up 6600GT for $200 when it becomes available at that price (maybe in 1 month's time) and that will keep you happy for 2 years since 9600Pro is somewhat lacking.

 

[I rule]

Thank you for your help. That is valuable information. I see I might be having to spend some extra money on a video card if I truly want my system to be a gaming visual dream.