Wanting some advice on sub $150.00 video cards

[sunnibuns]

I currently have a Geforce 2 64mg card, so as you can see my video card need to be updated! I would like to get the most for my money... We are tight on money so DH wants me to keep it close to 100.00 and no more than about $150. What are my options? What is best for me?

My computer is an AMD 1800+ on an Albatron board, I use my computer to get online and for gaming... mainly Stratagy and Roleplaying but that is not to say that I *never* play a First person shooter. I also do some picture editing on my computer.

I used to be soo up to date on everything, but since having two children (a two yr old and a 4 month old) I just can't keep up!

 

[sunnibuns]

Oh, one other thing... I don't tend to overclock, at least not video cards (mainly because I have never done it before).

 

[Schadenfroh]

if you absolutely cannot spend anymore than 150, then you would have to go with the geforce4 TI line

 

[sunnibuns]

Well, I could probably go to $160 but with shipping it will start getting up there so I need to keep it as close as possible. I have seen a few 7600 128mg on pricewatch for under $150... are they not worth it?

With the G4 Ti line, which one is better and why? Or is it just the higher the number the better.

 

[Blastman]

The OEM version of the Sapphire 9600pro can be had around $150. The memory doesn?t overclock well because its 3.3ns but that?s not an issue.

The Gigacube 9600pro is $147.

Don?t get the PowerColor 9600pro EZ as it is clocked 400/200 with slow memory like the regular 9600.

http://www.pricewatch.com/1/37/5162-1.htm

 

[Blastman]

Just checked and that Gigacube 9600pro is a lite version too clocked 400/200.


I would go for the Sapphire 9600pro as it is clocked 400/300.

 

[Pete]

If you're willing to stretch your budget a bit for a card that will deliver 1024x768 AA+AF all-the-time gaming, go for a ~$165 9600 Pro (make sure it's 400/300MHz core/memory, not the Lites that are 400/200). This will make a very, very noticeable upgrade, and I doubt you'll be unhappy with this card. It should hold its value well, too, as ATi's 9500-9800 cards have strong DX9 performance (compared to current GeForce FX cards, at least).

Alternatively, a ~$110 128MB GF4Ti 4200 is comparable to a 9600P without AA or AF.

Or you can get the $50 64MB Vtek 9100 @ CompUSA, if you're on an extreme budget. Or look for a 128MB version for around $80 (TigerVE sells it for $70 + shipping--great price, if you're willing to take the risk with Tiger). These cards are nice if you'll run with AF enabled all the time, which you will, as ATi's AF greatly increases IQ at only a minimal cost in framerate (maybe 10% tops). The GF4Ti will take a much bigger hit enabling AF (30-50%), bringing them essentially level with the 9100. Just make sure you get a 250/250MHz core/mem 9100, which both of those Visionteks are. The lifetime warranty is nice insurance, too. Plus, you're guaranteed good 2D quality and DVD playback with an ATi card; 2D is more of a gamble with GF4Ti's, and DVD won't be as nice.

Definitely check out some benchmarks if you're not going to go for the 9600P.

 

[sunnibuns]

Pete,

Where did you find this card? How do you know which Pros have 200/300mgh? I found a few for a little less on MWave but I'm not sure if they have 200/300mgh and there is the Sapphire on newegg (not the EZ).

My DH gave me the go ahead to get it!!

 

[Pete]

Which card, sunni? The 9600P? Allstarshop sells the Sapphire for ~$167 shipped, and I'm sure NewEgg is close in price. Both stores are very well-reviewed at ResellerRatings. You can find the ATi 9600P, with a longer (3 vs 1-yr) warranty for a bit more, but I don't think it includes as many cables as the Sapphire.

Avoid the Sapphire 9600P "Lite" or the Powercolor 9600P "EZ." If you can, look for the Sapphire Fireblade edition or the Powercolor Ultra, which have slightly faster memory (330-340MHz) for the same price or a few bucks more.