Need suggestions for sub-$100 video card

[jrstevan]

I have $60 worth of Best Buy gift cards, and would like to use them to purchase a video card. I would like the card to be less than $100, which would only force me to pay $40 or less out of my own pocket. For $87 there is the GeForce FX 5500, for $80 there is the ATI Radeon 9550, and the cheapest at $63 is the GeForce MX 4000. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Here is the link for Best Buy's video cards if you're interested: BB Graphics Cards

 

[blckgrffn]

What are you going to be using the video card for?

Nat

 

[PingSpike]

Can you some how turn the gift card into cash...because I don't think I've ever seen a remotely good deal on a video card at best buy. It seems like their prices on those items are almost as bad as their ram prices.

 

[jrstevan]

I want the card for gaming. I know BB has bad deals when it comes to video cards, but there is nothing else I really want right now.

 

[secretanchitman]

either the 9550 or the 5500. i think the 5500 is just a higher clocked 5200. 9550 isnt that bad, so i would stick with that.

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

out of the three choices you presented, i'd say go for the 9550...i think IIRC, it can possibly unlock into a 9600xt.

you understand that by doing this you'd basically be wasting all $60 worth of gift cards, right?

You can get a the MX4000 on newegg for $24 AR, the 9550 for $38, and the 5500 for $57.99

Basically, if you only want to spend ~$40, i'd say save your $60 of gift cards and just spend the $40 at newegg for the same card.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Get the 9550, hands down.

Really though: sell the gift cards or something and buy online. You can get SO MUCH BETTER GRAPHICS CARDS ONLINE. I've seen 6600GT's near $100 and those will SUPER SMOKE anything in that price range @ BBY.

Please don't waste your money...

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Get the 9550, hands down.

Really though: sell the gift cards or something and buy online. You can get SO MUCH BETTER GRAPHICS CARDS ONLINE. I've seen 6600GT's near $100 and those will SUPER SMOKE anything in that price range @ BBY.

Please don't waste your money...

QFT

Also i'm not sure if what I was trying to say was clear.

Basically, for $100 at bestbuy, you are getting a ~$40 card. So if you buy the same card you were planning to buy at bestbuy some place else, then you pay the same amount of money in cash but you get to keep your $60 of gift cards.

 

[gac009]

I agree with unfalliblekrutch.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814166004

keep your giftcards.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: unfalliblekrutch
out of the three choices you presented, i'd say go for the 9550...i think IIRC, it can possibly unlock into a 9600xt.

iirc, the 9550 is a 9300, not even the same core as the 9600.



can you sell the gift cards?

are the gift cards still american expresses which can be used anywhere if you get the numbers off the back?

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

Originally posted by: gac009
I agree with unfalliblekrutch.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814166004

keep your giftcards.

other choices:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814153028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814166003

 

[jrstevan]

I can't sell the cards back. I have to use it in the store. Even if I return an item bought with the card, they just put the balance back on the card. Oh well, maybe I'll just wait for a deal on something else. I would like to get the 6600GT anyway.. thanks for all the help so far guys....