Which video card for under $100

[Mark]

Iv'e got this TNT2 M64 POS in my system right now which I bought when my old Voodoo3 3000 crapped out on me. Anyhow I am looking to replace it with something under the $100 price range. I am also looking to upgrade the processor(it's a 750 T-Bird) but I don't know how high I can go in terms if cpu speed because I don't know what the limit is on this mobo(MSI 6330 K7T Turbo Ver 3) since the MSI site is a little confusing. Any help is appreciated.




Thanks

 

[clicknext]

Under $100, I think the best would be the Radeon8500LE 128MB.

 

[Frodolives]

My thoughts exactly. Take note that apparently some manufacturers are dumping cheap memory into some of these though, so if you can, find out a specific model number or otherwise get assurance of memory speed. OTOH, even with the cheaper ram you might be getting a decent value if the price is right.

 

[Mark]

Just went to NewEgg and noticed these are manufactured by a company called Sapphire. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

 

[Frodolives]

Heh, if you've read the user reviews for those cards a lot of people gave them very nice ratings, but you'll also see one of the more recent buyers was quite upset with the memory on his. That still doesn't tell me it's not good for the money I guess. Here is a thread from a guy with comments on Sapphire.

And this recent thread (which a fellow user was kind enough to put together) seems very pertinent to the subject also. Those numbers might say to one person that slower memory is a deal breaker, but I dunno, those numbers are still pretty good for that money, tough call.

If a guy could hold out a little longer maybe these promises of cheaper faster dx9 supporting cards will factor in, but heh, always something bigger better coming down the pike

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Mark
Just went to NewEgg and noticed these are manufactured by a company called Sapphire. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

just got one of those very cards, the 64mb version
mine is 250/250 core/mem
but oc's to retail speeds of 275/275
even if yours wont happen to oc, its still a good card, the extra speed doesnt make an enourmous difference really

then again, theres always the "wait!" idea, considering both ATI and Nvidia are coming out with new lines of cards in (i think) april
and i believe nvidia was going to put out a dx9 capable card for just 99 bucks, maybe wait a few weeks if you can stand to and get somethin new for 100 bucks, or get a radeon 8500le for perhaps a few dollars less

just a thought

 

[Peter D]

you could wait for the geforce fx 5200 lol

but right now id say go for the 8500's which ppl are recommending, or a nice gf3 if you can find one, good luck!

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

lol, I'd just wait because the newer cards will be selling soon and you may be able to get a 9200 for the same price.