Regarding Video Cards

[LordGorzul]

I am planning an upgrade from my Ati Radeon 128mb to something substancially better but I have a budget of 200$ max.
First I'd love any recommendations.
Second, I'd like to know if there's a difference in performance between a PCI express video card and its AGP counterpart?
I have a AGP mobo that's no more than 7months old, I'd rather not have to buy a new one.

Thanks.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

At this point there's not much difference between an AGP and PCI-e card, all other things equal. What's the rest of your system like? In your price range you could get something like a 6800, 6600GT or X800.

 

[spikespiegal]

What he said. Right now there's a glut of PCI express cards on the market and not enough AGP ones.

6800 GS - nuff said. Grear card. Installed two for friends who were happily relieved to dump their ATI's and driver hell.

 

[Geomagick]

6800GS sounds good here.

It may be nit picking but PCI express is PCIe
PCIX is a server level interface that just extends the bandwidth and frequency of PCI - mainly used by SCSI adapters and the like.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Just FYI, PCIX is NOT PCI Express. They are totally different technologies. As far as the performance dif, its nothing too major, but cards going forward are going to be pci express so if you want to upgrade then you will do good to make the jump

 

[Ipno]

7800 GS

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: Ipno
7800 GS

Isn't that retailing for like $300 and only available for AGP? Or have things changed?

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: PingSpike

Originally posted by: Ipno
7800 GS

Isn't that retailing for like $300 and only available for AGP? Or have things changed?

The OP asked about AGP cards, although he set a $200 budget. The 7800GS is probably the best AGP card you can get. But it costs more like $300-350.

At ~$200 in AGP, look for a 6800GS/6800GT, or an X800XL/X850Pro/X800XT/X850XT if you can find them on sale.