Video Card...Which to get?

[Johnny]

Ok, as most of you should be aware, Christmas is fast approacing.  I would love a new Video Card from my Dad, but I'm not sure which one to get.  I know there are hundreds of options, which is why I am so confused.  I have done some poking around, and so far I havent had much luck.  Here are my "parameters"

Of course, my Dad doesn't have endless pockets, so there are some price restrictions.  Under $200 is a must.

The reason I want a new card is so I can play Half-Life 2 and CS:S without my current lag.  There are no other features I am looking for.  Just a kickass gaming card.

I found a card on Newegg.com and it seems like a pretty good buy, but it seems almost too good.  I have learned that when it comes to technology, you always get what you pay for.  The card is $162.50... so I dont know whether it is any good or not.  Here is a link to the card.  If you could please let me know if that is a good card to buy, that would be really really nice.  And I need to know kind of soon so I can tell my Dad thats what I want.

[Pnazz]

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4293444   .. This seems like a better card.. A little more money.. but a better card that should do the trick.. If you don't get alot of help here then hop over to our forums.. I got a few guys there that can probably give you more info then I can.

[blue]

johnny if i were you, id get the real ati radeon

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000T70TU/ref%3Dpd%5Fecc%5Frvi%5F1/002-4899688-6036042

ati radeon 9600xt 128mb ddr

should be good enough $160




BTW if i were you id wait for this card to come in stock

ati radeon 9800 pro 128mb ddr - MONSTER

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/3628345?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

$180 for a normally $250 product

[n3wgins]

I need a damned video card, but no cash, someone mind buying me a PCI card?  Eh eh, 30 bucks!

[Johnny]

thanks guys, gunner helped me in IRC.  Hey pnazz, link me to your forums, id like to say hey to the OW fellas.  Also as soon as christmas rolls around ill be playing CS:S as much as I can, and ill be sure to pub in the OW server when i do.

[n3wgins]

And Johnny, unless you have a PCI Express Mobo, you can't use that.  A 5700LE 256MB will do it for you, but if you want FPS in HL2 and CS:S (HLDeathmatch owns your noodles!) then get a 9800 Pro 128MB.  My friend gets 40 FPS locked with the 256MB version, but he payed $400 for his.

[n3wgins]

And you don't want to get that video card.  If it's for 160 bucks, then pick another one.  160 for a X600?  Nah, isn't working for you.

[Johnny]

i think im getting a 9600XT 256mb.  if my dad decides to be gay, then i wont be getting that card, but hopefully i will get that...

[n3wgins]

Alright cool, you got a card in your mobo now?

[WidowMaker]

Johnny watch out. Not sure if you cought this or not , but that card was a PCI express. Won't work with your motherboard. read the descriptions carefully bro.

/Widow

[Johnny]

yeah, gunner pointed that out, and so did n3w.  i looked like a good buy, but apparently not.  My dad found the 9600XT 256mb for around $120, so thats pretty sweet.  seems like a nice card.  thanks for all the help guys

[bdot]

http://hardforum.com/

Buy smart, do some research first.  

[Pnazz]

I have a 9800 XT 256mb .. that was about $400 .. the 9800 PRO should not be that expensive... And our forums are located here... http://ourworld.xgshosting.com/phpBB2/index.php

[Windex]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=716809&Sku=P450-8511

XFX geforce 5700

Specifications
     GPU/VPU    nVidia GeForce FX 5700 LE
     Maximum Resolution    2048 x 1536 @ 85Hz
     Video Memory    256MB
     Memory Type    DDR
     Memory Bandwidth    6.4GB/sec.
     Interface Type    AGP
     Interface Speed    8X
     Connector(s)    DVI
     TV/S-Video
     VGA

[T3H]

dude the saphire wouldn't b bad but thats only if ur mobo takes pcie, i'd say go with the 5700  its a good card.

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