video card under 100?

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by Nissan101, Aug 15, 2006.

  1. Nissan101

    Nissan101 Regular member

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    I was wondering, is there any good video card under $100.

    these are my specs:

    Mobo: P4g533-la
    Processor: Intel Celeron D 2.6 GHz
    Ram: 1 GB
    Video: Intel i845G(L)
    Hard Drive: Wester Digital 80GB
    Windows XP Pro SP2

    Bad thing is i only have three PCI slots so thats bad

    Games I wana play:

    Need for speed most wanted
    Battlefield 2
    ghost recon advanced warfighter
    Age of empires 3

    Any help would be appreciated

    THNX
     
    Nissan101, Aug 15, 2006
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  2. rulisky

    rulisky Regular member

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    There are always 'good cards' out there. What are the requirements for the games? Pick the most stringent requirement in terms of video card.

    Go to Newegg and search for PCI video cards. See if there are any under (or near) $100 that meet the game requirements. Pick the best you can afford. There will be reviews available online for each card listed on Newegg to help you decide.

    I updated my old GF FX5600 to a GF6200 recently. Sold the old card on eBay for almost what I paid for the new card. There was nothing wrong with the old card. Now I'm happy and so is the other guy! You can make back some money on the deal if the old card is still working good.
     
    rulisky, Aug 15, 2006
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  3. a7xsoad

    a7xsoad Regular member

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    Last edited: Aug 15, 2006
    a7xsoad, Aug 15, 2006
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  4. Nissan101

    Nissan101 Regular member

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    But i still dont know which one is better

    NVIDIA GEFORCE FX 5200
    NVIDIA GEFORCE FX 5500
    NVIDIA GEFORCE FX 5600
    NVIDIA GEFORCE 6200
    ATI RADEON 9250

    they are all in the same price range
     
    Nissan101, Aug 16, 2006
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  5. rulisky

    rulisky Regular member

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    I think you will need to read the info on Newegg again.

    When you select PCI and nVidia cards the GF FX5600 and GF 6200 series cards are not even available in PCI form. Also, pay attention to the DirectX info. You will want DX 9.0 support. Only the FX5200 or FX5500 cards support DX 9.0 - the lesser model numbers only support DX 7 or 8. Unless you are willing to do this. I would recommend the choices with DX 9.0 support and 256mb memory over 128mb memory on the card.

    When you select PCI and ATI cards there is only one choice of the 9250 series by various mfgrs that with DX 9.0 support and 256mb memory on the card. The other card with DX 9.0 support has a piddly 64mb memory on the card.

    You will find both ATI supporters and nVidia supporters. Both make decent cards. I prefer nVidia myself. But, read the individual card reveiews to see what actual users of the cards have to say.

    As a7xsoad said, you may want to upgrade your motherboard in order to move up to a much better card that will perform beyond a few new games. Upgrading will cost some money. Maybe more than you want to spend. Then, you might be better off just buying an all new, more modern system. One thing just keeps leading to another . . .
     
    rulisky, Aug 16, 2006
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