what card should i get with a sony 2.0 ghz?

[MrScott81]

My dad just bought a computer and unfortunately it has integrated graphics...this is not acceptable
So I'm lookin to spend around $100 and wondering what you think the best bang for my buck is?
My brothers and I are gamers so we want something that will do us pretty good, but at the same time we don't need top of the line stuff here. I was thinking about the GF3 Ti500 that I could get for $108. Also the Radeon 8500, but I really don't have much of a clue as to the best price or best kind to get. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Scott

 

[Actaeon]

Well, usually intergrated video means no AGP slot... does it have one?

If so, the best deal for under $100 is a Radeon8500...

As for which kind of Radeon8500... You'd want to stick with the "Built By ATi" cards first, then try to get a normal 8500 over the LE.

I do recall newegg.com having a BBA Radeon8500LE for $95...

If you want to use a Nvidia card, I'd suggest getting a Ti200, OC it to Ti500 speeds, and use that as a filler until Doom3, or whatever game you're awaiting to come out, then purchase the latest and greatest then. Ti200s are incredibly cheap now, I got mine for $69 shipped, and it performs very well.

If you have the extra money, I would suggest spending a bit more for a Geforce4Ti4200, as those are around 130-150, and perform a whole lot better than the Ti200, or the R8500.

Yes, I gave too many options, but overall, I'd go with the GF4Ti4200... just save a few extra bucks, the performance over any of those cards is worth it.

 

[MrScott81]

thank you very much for the replay..i appreciate it...
ok it was that easy to persuade me to get the 4200...
now im looking on pricewatch. but b4 i buy, does it matter what brand of gf4 ti4200 i get?
i see eVGA, gainward, prolink, visiontek, chaintech, msi, etc...
should i worry or just go for the cheapest one?

 

[Pothead]

stay away from Visiontek since they are out of business...

 

[Varun]

With the 4200 you have to make the decision to get the 64MB or the 128MB... the 64 has faster RAM but less of it. Newer games are starting to need the 128MB of RAM on the card for textures so I would spend the little bit extra for that card instead of the 64.

Good luck and enjoy the new card!

 

[Actaeon]

Originally posted by: Varun
With the 4200 you have to make the decision to get the 64MB or the 128MB... the 64 has faster RAM but less of it. Newer games are starting to need the 128MB of RAM on the card for textures so I would spend the little bit extra for that card instead of the 64.

Good luck and enjoy the new card!

Haha, at that rate, hes gonna end up spending twice as much as he planned.

But Yes, I'd agree, the 128mb would be more "future proof", but if you're on a budget, get the 64mb.

Want to know which Ti4200 to get? Just what you need.... Anandtech's Ti4200 Roundup...

There is Anandtech's UT2K3 Roundup, just to show you a little comparsion of what you're getting over the Radeon8500, and other cards in the market for future games.