What's the best sub-$100 video card out there

[redly]

What's out there? I have never been much of a follower of video card stats, and have only recently started gaming. One of my buddies here keeps giving me crap about needing to get a better video card, and I'm starting to cave in 🙂

That said, I don't want to go overboard. What's the best value in the ~$100 range???

BTW, I have a SHuttle MN31L mobo

 

[Insidious]

$100 isn't much for a video card. That's probably going to have you looking at something from ATI for the most bang.... a 9600 pro maybe?

With the limiited budget, FS:FT is going to be a good place to be looking. but do NOT go to egay!!!!! That is where the teenie-boppers unload the cards they fried trying to get an overclock that would impress.

I know a guy that just sold two FX5900, TIVO cards for $125 on FS:FT.... Too bad you missed out on that one. 😛 😉

edit: I recommend saving your pennies a little longer and blowing about $200 on an Nvidia 6600 GT. Best bang for the buck out there right now.... (IMHO)

 

[gwag]

a 40-50$ used 4200ti is a good upgrade.

 

[Insidious]

Originally posted by: gwag
a 40-50$ used 4200ti is a good upgrade.

yeah, the Ti series would be good if you can find one. check the FS:FT forum

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

There's a 9700 pro at FS/FT forum for $110 shipped

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
There's a 9700 pro at FS/FT forum for $110 shipped

 

[Insidious]

Originally posted by: nick1985

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
There's a 9700 pro at FS/FT forum for $110 shipped

 

[redly]

how about a 9800pro 128mb for $125?

 

[RibSpreader]

That would be a huge upgrade from what you're working with now.

 

[perillo34]

go with a 9600 or higher radeon, or a ti4200 or higher in the geforce series, and dont mess with anything less than a 5700 in the fx series.

 

[MDE]

9700\9800 Pro

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: redly
how about a 9800pro 128mb for $125?

If you can get a 9800pro for that much, go for it. Nice find. Are you sure it's a 9800 pro and not a 9800SE? You don't want the SE.

 

[cubby1223]

I wouldn't buy anything less than a 9800 non-pro nowadays for a gaming card. Probably not going to find it for under $100 though. My feelings have always been it's not worth spending the money on upgrades that are still going to be sluggish. I'd say live with what you've got, save up & get something worth buying.

 

[Philippine Mango]

Look online for the ATI 9800SE cards and do some research about the bios flashes to a 9800pro/XT... To help you get started, here is a VERY GOOD guide on what type of cards. http://www.techpowerup.com/softmod/faq.php I have not been able to verify it but other sites have. So, have fun.

 

[Philippine Mango]

*bump

 

[BigDaddyVa]

I bought a refurbed ATI 9600 Pro for $81 at Newegg