Video Card help

[nzafi]

Im busy building a computer and I need to select a video card. I have been looking at the ATI AIW 8500DV, 9000pro, and 9700. I do not play video games. However, I do intend on using my computer for tv,dvd,vhs. I will be burning dvds, vhs, and using my computer like tivo. Of these video cards which should i go with? I know that the 9700 is the best, but I would rather not spend the extra $$$ on it. Will the 8500 or 9000 satisfy my needs? Also, are there any other video card company products you recommend me looking at?

 

[mrzed]

If you really do not play video games then just about any ATI AIW should do the trick. There are still a bunch of AIW 7500 Radeon cards around, you should be able to save a fair bit compared to the 8500. There are also PCI versions of these cards called the Radeon AIW VE. Same core and features, different interface. To complicate matters further, there is now a AIW 9000Pro, but I imagine being newer, these are going to be at least a similar price to the 8500DV or AIW - Expensive.

There are some feature additions in the 9700 AIW from what I remember, but I doubt it would add much to your needs.

This review at Tom's gives a good overview of the AIW 7500. From what it sounds like, I think this would be the best bet for you.

 

[HumbleFish]

Get a 128MB Gainward Geforce3 Ti200/Ti450 Golden Sample at Newegg for $93.00 Shipped. Click Here!

 

[HumbleFish]

Also, the 8500 and the 9100 are the same... And besure to check the memory clock speeds, some of the OEM models come at a lower clock speed.

 

[mrzed]

HumbleFish: Did you read the original post at all? Maybe you accidentally thought you were responding to something else.

I'm not trying to diss you, but this has nothing to do with what nzafi is looking for (VIVO capacity and good software bundle).

nzafi: Ignore the post above. It has nothing to do with what you are looking for. The half-done link refers to a card without video in. ATI's software bundle is superior for what you are trying to do. There is no AIW version of the 9100, so don't worry about that.

The primary difference between the AIW card range is in gaming performance.

 

[HumbleFish]

Ok, I get it now... AIW = All In Wonder... Sorry.