Opinions on Gainward FX5200

[jrossi]

I'm putting together a system for the first time (I have a really old, really crappy setup right now - try K6 300, 64MB, 4GB all integrated proprietary) and I'm going through a local company that's pretty close to newegg on their prices. I am reusing this monitor, a 15" Compaq with speakers to view until we can locate a nice 17-19" CRT for cheap. We also have a 15" no-name from my wife's old HP that is available. Dual display would be awesome, but not necessary. I had decided on this Gainward GF FX5200, 128MB DDR AGP TVOut Dual Display Dx9 Open1.4, because it looked like a decent deal. I also have the option of a Radeon 9200 128MB Dx8.1 Open1.3, DVI for $10 more, or a Gainward GF FX5600, everything else same as the 5200 for $50 more than the 5200. I'm not planning on playing current games except for Flight Sim 2004. Other current games don't really interest me on a PC platform. Just wondering what would work best for me out of those three (I'm going through this guy because he is giving me a deal on something else). I would appreciate the feedback.

BTW: System specs when I finish next month: A7V600, Barton 2500+, 512MB of PC3200, 80GB SATA Seagate, no DVD for the time being (but later next year), and plenty of juice to run it. Thanks.

 

[Corporate Thug]

5200 = garbage

 

[jrossi]

I appreciate the wealth of intelligence you just imposed upon me.:light:

 

[Corporate Thug]

quite welcome

5200 is like a geforce 4mx, its not gonna run games very well

if you can spend around ~$90 a ti4200 is by far the best card to get (assuming the store has it and that it is comparable to neweggs price)

if not, i guess the 5600 would give you the best performance...

 

[modedepe]

The 9200 and fx5200 are both very poor for playing games. A ti4200 would be much better if you could get it. If I recall correctly though, ati cards are better in flight sim 2004 than nvidia's.

 

[MDE]

I wouldn't go with anything lower than a 9600 Pro or 5600 Ultra v2. That said, if you can scrounge up the cash, go for a FX5900nu or 9800np for around $200 for the best bang for the buck.

 

[jrossi]

Originally posted by: MonkeyDriveExpress
I wouldn't go with anything lower than a 9600 Pro or 5600 Ultra v2. That said, if you can scrounge up the cash, go for a FX5900nu or 9800np for around $200 for the best bang for the buck.

About all I can spring for is $125-$130, unless I get something in the short term to get me to a big card (which I really don't like that idea). It'd be nice to spend more than I am for the mobo and CPU combined, but I don't have that kind of cash.

I can definetly afford the TI4200 (even the OTES version if I thought it was worth it) at newegg's prices, I'll have to see what this guy can do for me when I go buy the cpu/mobo/memory.

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: jrossi

Originally posted by: MonkeyDriveExpress
I wouldn't go with anything lower than a 9600 Pro or 5600 Ultra v2. That said, if you can scrounge up the cash, go for a FX5900nu or 9800np for around $200 for the best bang for the buck.

About all I can spring for is $125-$130, unless I get something in the short term to get me to a big card (which I really don't like that idea). It'd be nice to spend more than I am for the mobo and CPU combined, but I don't have that kind of cash.

I can definetly afford the TI4200 (even the OTES version if I thought it was worth it) at newegg's prices, I'll have to see what this guy can do for me when I go buy the cpu/mobo/memory.

I'd say the Ti4200 or a 4400 would be your best bet.

 

[dguy6789]

fx5200 would be a HUGE upgrade from your current system, but there is better deals. I think if you look hard enough, 9600 pro could be found for around 130. If you can find one, then that would be the best deal for you. 9600 pro is better then any of the GF4s and on level with fx5700 ultra. And ati performs better in flight simulater 2004 i believe.

 

[CraigRT]

5200 is a glorified 2d card

 

[The Green Bean]

Id say get the ti4200. Al the other cards within the same price range "SUK"

 

[McArra]

Originally posted by: dguy6789
fx5200 would be a HUGE upgrade from your current system, but there is better deals. I think if you look hard enough, 9600 pro could be found for around 130. If you can find one, then that would be the best deal for you. 9600 pro is better then any of the GF4s and on level with fx5700 ultra. And ati performs better in flight simulater 2004 i believe.

That or 4200Ti

 

[TheAudit]

Everyone who knows anything about video cards is going to know the FX 5200 is a pretty bad card and, yeah, it does suck, but it will be a huge upgrade over integrated graphics. It's not bad as long as you don't compare it to anything else. You say that you are not a gamer so it should suit you just fine.

Personally, if it were up to me, I'd get a 4200 TI for around the same price, it will perform a lot better for you.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Read the budget cards article on the main Anandtech site, then get a ti4200.

If shady06's first response seemed a bit abrupt, note that there are 20+ other threads asking this same question, so the topic has been beaten to death, dug up and beaten some more. It's a good idea to learn to use the search box at the top of the page.

It's also courteous to take a minute and check the main Anantech site before asking simple questions like "how much better is the 9600xt than the 9600" or "how is the fx5200" since there may be an article like this that answers your question in exhaustive detail.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

if u would like to play FS2004 at 640x480 with less detail than an etch-a-sketch then the 5200 will be fine..before it melts

 

[SneakyStuff]

get a 9500 pro if you can find one, very VERY nice card.

 

[Schadenfroh]

4200

 

[Keysplayr]

Inspires to one day become garbage.

 

[jrossi]

I ended up going with a 9600 XT.