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[Orin GA]

Limit $200

Do your worst

 

[hukasmokincaterpillar]

6600 GT seems to be the best bang for buck at that price at the moment. Slightly better than the 9800pro. Although if you have PCI-e instead of AGP it might be worth saving an extra hundred and getting an X800XL.

 

[Uncle Dukey]

If you aren't willing to budge from 200, then I agree with the 6600 GT suggestion.

 

[hukasmokincaterpillar]

I forgot to mention the 6600 GT is SLI compatible (two cards combined) if your motherboard supports it. But I dunno, I think SLI is a bit of a waste of dough. By the time you get around to getting that second card to "scale up", either of the Big Two should have a single card solution around the same price that'll trump the SLI setup. And it wont be such a drain on your PSU either.

 

[Pimpbaa]

6600 GT seems to be the best bang for buck at that price at the moment. Slightly better than the 9800pro. Although if you have PCI-e instead of AGP it might be worth saving an extra hundred and getting an X800XL.

Actually the 6600 GT is quite a bit better than the 9800pro (I just upgraded to a new system with a 6600 GT from a system with a 9800pro). My 3dmarks in 3dmark05 (not including the cpu test) went from 2156 to 3639. Granted my new system is a whole hell of a lot faster, but 3dmark05's 3d tests seem to only stress the GPU.

 

[lexi]

Actually the 6600 GT is quite a bit better than the 9800pro (I just upgraded to a new system with a 6600 GT from a system with a 9800pro). My 3dmarks in 3dmark05 (not including the cpu test) went from 2156 to 3639. Granted my new system is a whole hell of a lot faster, but 3dmark05's 3d tests seem to only stress the GPU.

You are correct, the 6600 is a lot more than slightly better than a 9800. I'd go with the 6600 without a second thought.

 

[hukasmokincaterpillar]

Eh, Im not fond of the synthetic benchies. Tell me of games my man!

 

[Ecrofirt]

I could use recommendations for a system that will not be used to play games (aside from NES and Genesis emulators).

Right now, she currently uses onboard video, but it's really eating into her low 256MB of shared RAM. I'd like to get her on a graphics card to free up some of that RAM. She needs a very barebones thing.

Maybe a $60 limit? I don't even know if they make acceptable cards for that cheap. I've honestly got no idea, but I need the best really cheap card I can get her.

 

[Pimpbaa]

Eh, Im not fond of the synthetic benchies. Tell me of games my man!

Well I'm able to run all my games with max settings (couldn't before). Really hard to compare game performance of 2 vid cards on completely different systems tho. 3dmark05 was the only thing I could think of that only stresses the GPU.

 

[lexi]

I could use recommendations for a system that will not be used to play games (aside from NES and Genesis emulators).

Right now, she currently uses onboard video, but it's really eating into her low 256MB of shared RAM. I'd like to get her on a graphics card to free up some of that RAM. She needs a very barebones thing.

Maybe a $60 limit? I don't even know if they make acceptable cards for that cheap. I've honestly got no idea, but I need the best really cheap card I can get her.

You could get a cheap PCI card to do the job, perhaps a GeForce2 MX.

 

[teh_pwn]

System specs?

Generally 6600 GT, but if you're like on a P3 or something, forget it.

 

[Orin GA]

System Specs

Intel Pentium 4 2.80 GHz HT
512 MB DDR SDRAM
350 Watt Power Supply


http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-130-220&depa=1

$185.00

Thx everyone. Will order tommorow just incase the forum magically changes its mind

 

[Uncle Dukey]

I could use recommendations for a system that will not be used to play games (aside from NES and Genesis emulators).

GeForce 2 MX would work fine. Other options could be ATI Radeon 7000 or 9250... None of these cards go over 40$ (except for 9250 depending on the model).. If she has an LCD (assuming she doesn't), then get one with DVI out. I used to have a GeForce 2 MX and a Radeon 8500. Both of them worked fine for me. I don't think they're offering Radeon 8500s anymore though.

 

[plik]

just bought 2 Geforce 4 MX 4000 agp cards from Newegg ( i needed something cheap with TV out) they were $33 a piece.. can't go wrong with that. they were even AGP 8x. it's worth a look.

 

[marsomega]

nevermind.

 

[Bigfoot]

You are correct, the 6600 is a lot more than slightly better than a 9800. I'd go with the 6600 without a second thought.

I hope you mean the 6600 GT. The 6600 isn't better than the 9800, but the 6600 GT is the best bang for your buck video card out right now.

 

[EGM92]

I could use recommendations for a system that will not be used to play games (aside from NES and Genesis emulators).

Right now, she currently uses onboard video, but it's really eating into her low 256MB of shared RAM. I'd like to get her on a graphics card to free up some of that RAM. She needs a very barebones thing.

Maybe a $60 limit? I don't even know if they make acceptable cards for that cheap. I've honestly got no idea, but I need the best really cheap card I can get her.

Hey for 100$CAD I have a ATI 9600PRO 256MB DDR sitting aronud (bought a Asus 6800Ultra) been sitting in it's baggy for the last 2 months

 

[marsomega]

I hope you mean the 6600 GT. The 6600 isn't better than the 9800, but the 6600 GT is the best bang for your buck video card out right now.

Orin is buying the GT version. ATI is stupid to have not brought out an AGP R430 fast. The standard X800 R430 at 199.99 retail would of been a slaughter in the AGP but it is for PCI-E only. Least now the X800 XL's are popping up in AGP flavor at 305 USD. They won't bring the RV410, which I understand is to rid of the 9800 PRO stock.

 

[NohWun]

>Do your worst.

S3 Virge. You could get a dozen of them.

(Okay, that's not the worst, but it's close.)

 

[NohWun]

I could use recommendations for a system that will not be used to play games (aside from NES and Genesis emulators).

Right now, she currently uses onboard video, but it's really eating into her low 256MB of shared RAM. I'd like to get her on a graphics card to free up some of that RAM. She needs a very barebones thing.

Maybe a $60 limit? I don't even know if they make acceptable cards for that cheap. I've honestly got no idea, but I need the best really cheap card I can get her.

You'd do her a much bigger favor if you get a stick of RAM instead.

Built-in video is fine for web-surfing, but 256MB isn't.

 

[Ecrofirt]

You'd do her a much bigger favor if you get a stick of RAM instead.

Built-in video is fine for web-surfing, but 256MB isn't.

We're getting both. We're trying to spend around $70 or so total.

How do these video cards look? Which is the best, as they'll all end up being around the same price after shipping?
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-164-045&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-139-150&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-318&depa=1

And her PC takes PC2100 and PC2700 ram. I'm thinking of getting her another 256 stick (although I'm not positive what she's got in there now. It could be two PC2100 128MB sticks). Are any of these good?
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-223-005&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-168&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-161-612&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-507&depa=1

Thanks for any help!

 

[AntoneM]

--edit--
I saw my recommendation to ecrofirt was already taken to heart.

 

[NohWun]

We're getting both. We're trying to spend around $70 or so total.

How do these video cards look? Which is the best, as they'll all end up being around the same price after shipping?
...
And her PC takes PC2100 and PC2700 ram. I'm thinking of getting her another 256 stick (although I'm not positive what she's got in there now. It could be two PC2100 128MB sticks). Are any of these good?
...
Thanks for any help!

The 3rd video card's the winner. (Multiple output options.)
(I have no ideas about RAM brands.)

Still, I'd suggest getting a bigger stick of RAM if she's happy with the video she has now.

 

[marsomega]

We're getting both. We're trying to spend around $70 or so total.

How do these video cards look? Which is the best, as they'll all end up being around the same price after shipping?
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-164-045&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-139-150&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-318&depa=1

And her PC takes PC2100 and PC2700 ram. I'm thinking of getting her another 256 stick (although I'm not positive what she's got in there now. It could be two PC2100 128MB sticks). Are any of these good?
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-223-005&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-168&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-161-612&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-507&depa=1

Thanks for any help!

Instead of worrying if a generic memory brand is good or not just go to crucial. Best place to buy ram I think. They list their memory by what is compatible with your mobo. Seriously give them a look. www.crucial.com

 

[Ecrofirt]

Instead of worrying if a generic memory brand is good or not just go to crucial. Best place to buy ram I think. They list their memory by what is compatible with your mobo. Seriously give them a look. www.crucial.com

She doesn't have the money for crucial ram.

The 3rd video card's the winner. (Multiple output options.)

She's never going to output to more than her monitor, so that's out as a qualifying factor.

 

[HokieJoe]

We're getting both. We're trying to spend around $70 or so total.

How do these video cards look? Which is the best, as they'll all end up being around the same price after shipping?
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-164-045&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-139-150&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-318&depa=1

And her PC takes PC2100 and PC2700 ram. I'm thinking of getting her another 256 stick (although I'm not positive what she's got in there now. It could be two PC2100 128MB sticks). Are any of these good?
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-223-005&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-168&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-161-612&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-507&depa=1

Thanks for any help!

Ecro,

I would go with one of these sticks, not the ones you listed:

Corsair 184-Pin 128MB DDR PC-2100 - Retail

Kingston ValueRAM 184 Pin 128MB DDR PC-2100 - OEM

Crucial 184 Pin 128MB DDR PC-2100 4T - OEM


Some mainboards are VERY picky about the memory you use. It’s always better to play it safe and stick with a good name memory supplier. Besides that, it won't do her any good to buy a stick of PC2700. When you mix memory speeds, the board will default to the slower memory speed. PC2100 = 133MHz X 2, or 266MHz DDR; and PC2700 = 166MHz X 2, or 333MHz DDR.


As far as the video card goes, I’d pick one of these (Newegg):

MSI ATI RADEON 9250 Video Card, 128MB DDR, 64-bit, TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "RX9250-T128" -RETAIL

eVGA nVIDIA GeForce MX4000 Video Card, 64MB DDR, 32-bit, TV-Out, PCI, Model "064-P1-NV91-LX" -RETAIL

GIGABYTE nVIDIA GeForce MX4000 Video Card, 128MB DDR, 64-bit, TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "GV-N40128TE" -RETAIL


All three of those are better than the cards you linked. Any one of the above memory/video card combos I mentioned shouldn't cost you more than $65. Shipping will add another $6 - $7 depending upon where you live.

BTW, if anyone ever has a question about which card is faster than which, blah, blah, blah, a good place to start is Toms Hardware. Look for his VGA Charts in the Graphics Cards Guide.

See the following links:

http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20030120/vgacharts-04.html

http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20031229/vga-charts-03.html#unreal_tournament_2003

http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20041004/vga_charts-05.html


Good luck!!!

 

[HokieJoe]

Orin, the 6600GT is definitely the best bang for the buck right now. BTW, what video card are you currently running? I ask because it's much easier to upgrade to a video card based upon the same chipset.

If you switch, from ATI to Nvidia, or vice versa, then you have to be careful to clean up all of the little registry turds that their drivers leave behind. Otherwise, you could have problems when installing the new other chipset-based card.

Anyway, just food for thought.

 

[Orin GA]

On Board Intel Extreme Graphics 2

 

[Zelda-Bitch]

I just bought the 6600 GT. Awesome piece of hardware I must say.

 

[teh_pwn]

LOL, onboard Intel -> 6600GT is going to be like jumping from N64 to 10times Xbox. You'll notice a huge difference.