Need advice on a new video card

[starwarsdad]

I am an occasional gamer. Nothing too serious. I want to be able to play DVD's on the big screen. I would like to convert some old VHS tapes to VCD's for archiving. My system is:

P3 650
ASUS P2B-VT HP OEM mobo
384MB PC100 RAM
soon to be open AGP slot
Rhythmic Edge Sound Card

I am considering a Radeon AIW. Is that too much? Is it enough? When will be the best time to buy?

 

[KennyTheGreat]

wait a couple more months

 

[starwarsdad]

bump for more input

 

[hnsn82]

AIW radeon 8500 best bet
I want one but no $$$

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Get a AIW Radeon, you can find em for $150 or so. You may not benefit from the 8500's potential performance because your processor will most likely bind you down. Plus you would have to spend an extra $250 for an AIW 8500. Besides with the money you save, you can buy a regular 8500, or use it to pay for other future upgrades.

newegg has an OEM AIW Radeon 32MB DDR for just under $150 and a retail for just over $150.

 

[starwarsdad]

I saw the deal on Newegg. I think that may be my leaning. I am going to check a place here in town that has stuff dirt cheap. If they have it, I should be able to pick it up for $100. I will, of course, pick up extras if they have 'em.

Thanks!

 

[Dizzytired]

Is anyone selling the AIW 8500 (DV?) right now?

 

[Freewolf]

The radeon 64 meg vivo is also a good card and they are coming down in price with the new 8500's coming out.

 

[starwarsdad]

Will the VIVO do video capture and the tuner, etc. I am looking at the AIW for the extra features moreso than the gaming performance. Are there any other cards that have this many features?

Thanks

 

[Freewolf]

It doesn't have the tv tuner.