What Video card would you guys recommend?

[blinkbears]

Hi everyone, I just bought this computer and i'm waiting for it to arrive in the mail. I'm looking to be able to see what video card I would need to be able to play Doom 3 and Half Life 2 fairly well...if at all possible. Preferrably if I could find the card somewhere for under 100$. I'm very new at this so if I could be helped out I would really appreciate it.

Sempron 2200+ system I think it's like 1.6 ghz or something like that
ECS 741-GX motherboard
(Supported CPU: AMD K7 Athlon XP/Athlon/Duron Processors
Chipset: SiS 741GX + SiS 964L
FSB: 333/266MHz
Memory: 2x DIMM for DDR333/266 Max 2GB
IDE: 2x ATA 133 up to 4 Devices
Slots: 1x AGP 8X/4X, 3x PCI, 1x CNR
Ports: 2xPS/2,1xLPT,1xVGA,1x COM,1xLAN,8xUSB2.0(Rear 4),Audio Ports
Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC655 6-Channel Codec
Onboard Video: SiS Real256E 2D/3D Graphics, 32/64MB shared memory
Onboard LAN: Realtek 8201 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet
Form Factor: microATX )
512MB PC3200 DDR
40GB WD 7200RPM HDD
Windows XP installed.

 

[zakee00]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-131-221&depa=0
used to have this card, it did pretty good on Doom III espeically for ~$100.

 

[blinkbears]

thanks. anyone else wit suggestions?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

If you're willing to go used, check out the FS/FT forums. You might be able to get a 9700pro for right around $100. Excellent card for the money.

If new, I think a 9600pto like above would be a good bet.

If you like the idea of softmoding, maybe a 6200 would be up your alley. I'm no expert, but I know some can have their pipelines unlocked to function as a 6600. This would be a really nice performer.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

If you're a first time video card shopper, be extra careful to make sure the card you get is 128 bit and not 64 bit. Some of the card companies like to offer neutered 64 bit cards for a little less than the 128 bit cards.

 

[imported_Kensai]

As everyone else said, the 9600 Pro if you want to buy from a retailer or you could fish around the FS/FT forums for a used 9700 Pro, maybe even a 9800.

 

[carlosd]

Radeon 9700 will be enough, but not under 100.
neat $100 a Radeon 9600PRO 128MB will let you play HL2 with the high settings (you will be limited by the rest of your system) and Doom 3 in medium settings smoohtly (Will be limited by the rest of your system)

 

[blinkbears]

thanks guys...i appreciate all of your help

 

[hans030390]

get a 6200 (nvidia) and no, it isnt crappy. you can unlock pipelines on it an OC it, making it perform like a 6600, and it also has shader model 3.0
(which will be a huge benefit for next generation games, and is highly recommended if you want to play any games made after 2005) which any ati card out currently has only version 2.0

for $100, you really cant go wrong with a 6200

 

[VIAN]

SM3.0 will run like crap on that card.

He'd be better off with a 9600 Pro. An it's not like his 2200 is gonna carry him FAR anyway.

 

[mwmorph]

get a used 9700pro on these forums (or ebay). much faster than 9600pro, and the used price is around $100 now.

 

[Blinkme323]

I got a 9700pro and its great. Look for one of those. Don't get a 6200, a 6600 is the same price anyway.

 

[blinkbears]

looks like I'd be good goin with the 9600 or 9700 pro.
now i am looking to upgrade from my sempron 2200+ because i realize it's gonna limit me. i'm looking to upgrade to an amd athlon xp 3000+ since they are pretty cheap and it's te best one my mobo can handle. would I still be good going wtith the 9600 or 9700? or would there be a better one that is sub 150-ish?

I know I'm difficult, hehe. Thanks for all your help so far guys, i appreciate it

 

[Fenuxx]

Originally posted by: Blinkme323
I got a 9700pro and its great. Look for one of those. Don't get a 6200, a 6600 is the same price anyway.

Yeah, but you're also a lyin' bastard.

Anyway, I agree with the others. A 9600Pro\XT new, or 9700Pro used. Both can be had for about $100. I also agree with hans030390. If you're willing to spend a little extra, get the 6200. Most of the time, you can unlock its extra 4 pipes (turning it into an 8-pipe card), and then overclock the sh*t out of it, for pretty great performance, actually. VIAN, you're somewhat right about the deal with his 2200+, but, if he decides to upgrade soon, then he'll want a better videocard than a 9600Pro, which a 6200 would no doubt do for him. Besides, I would suggest he DOES take a look at some upgrade options, as his [shudder]SiS chipset mobo[/shudder] is really outdated, and on top of that, its an underperformer. His games will thank him

 

[BobDaMenkey]

You know, I'd be really hesitant to bother with upgrading more than the video card on your system. Socket A is pretty much dead. Yeah you can get a 3000+ 333, which would help, but it's only going to carry you so far. Take it from someone who has just about the best you can get as far as Socket A stuff goes, save your money and get a A64 rig.

By all means, go for the video card, as it will give you a good tide me over boost, but after that, save about $500 and go to the 64 bit side the right way. Get a 6600GT(or 6800, or a Radeon x8x0XT), a 3200+ 939, and an nForce 3 or 4 mobo.

 

[daveybrat]

If you do decide to get a 9600Pro card, don't buy the one that Zakee00 recommended up top (no offense zakee!)

Here's a better card that's even cheaper than his suggestion:

MSI Ati 9600Pro AGP

The Powercolor 9600 he linked to only has 400mhz core and 400mhz ram.

The MSI 9600 card has 400mhz core and 600mhz ram.

I'd say go with this card or if you want more power for around $150 price range, then go with this card:

Leaktek 6600 AGP

This card will be much faster in Doom3 than a 9600pro would be and a little faster in HL2 and other games in general.