Need Nvidia graphics card for 3D modeling/gaming

[imported_andro]

Hi,
I am looking to buy a NVidia Graphics card for my rig. The config is below,
AMD 2600+ , ASUS A7V8x Motherboard, with a free AGP 8x slot.
I need a card for doing some 3D modeling with MAYA 6.0, dont need a really high end Quadro series., but looking for some lower end version as I just want to learn the software... no professional 3D development.
And of course I do some gaming too.
Basically I have a budget of something within 125 bucks... if you guys can suggest something for my requirements.. it will make my day a lot easier. I know the Maya website recommends going with quadro series, but I dont have the budget to go that far.
Thanks,

 

[rbV5]

ti4200 128MB would be a good value and works great in Maya. You should be able to find one considerably cheaper than your budget.

 

[sandorski]

A radeon, Geforce, basically any ATI/Nvidia card in that price range will run Maya. Nvidia cards generally run it better, but I'm using a Radeon 9600Pro with Maya 5 PLE and it works fine. If you want to game with the card, just find the best gaming card in your budget.

Modeling game content?

 

[imported_andro]

Thanks for the suggestions,
I was thinking of the geforce5200 or 5700 ... but I am not sure about buying an ULTRA series or not. Is there any noticeable difference?
Is the TI4200 better than the 5000 series? Getting confused by the choices I have here :-(

 

[sandorski]

Don't ge the 5200 if you want to game, the 5700 (preferably Ultra) is decent though.

The 4200 is definitely better than the 5200, not sure how it compares with the 5700 though(probably about even?)

 

[imported_andro]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions...I will search more on this... and try to find a better price/performance ratio.