Which budget video card?

Terzo

Platinum Member
Dec 13, 2005
2,589
27
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I have a computer that doesn't have a video card or integrated graphics. All I want is a cheap pci-e video card. The cheaper the better, but I really don't want to spend more than $30 after rebates. This is for basic use (at most for compiz and non HD movies, no games).

Because the computer is running ubuntu, I want to get an Nvidia graphics card. I've come across two options,

First is an BFG 6200 from buy.com, coming in at $13.59 after rebate.
http://www.buy.com/prod/bfg-te...loc/101/202540649.html

The other option is the MSI 7300 LE from newegg, coming in at $25.83 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127273

Benefits of the BFG:
-Nearly half the price of the MSI

Benefits of the MSI:
-Fanless solution, which means I don't have to worry about a cheaply made fan
-I assume it has better performance than the BFG

I would order the BFG because it's so cheap, except I'm afraid that it might not be able to handle comipz and it's fan quality might cause it to die within the year.
Because of that, I'm thinking it would be safer to order the MSI card.

Am I right? Is the MSI card all around better than the BFG? Or is the BFG capable and durable enough for me?
 

BernardP

Golden Member
Jan 10, 2006
1,315
0
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Searching on the web, it seems that comipz is some kind of Linux graphical interface/manager/not-so-sure :D It's almost certain that both cards can handle it, as they can handle Vista Aero.

I would go with the 7300LE because of the fanless heatsink and somewhat higher/up-to-date performance. The price difference is negligible when you amortize it over the time you are going to use the videocard.