New video card... Comments?

[Terr]

Now, I know this has popped up previously, but never quite the same question I wanted to ask. (Such as here )

Here's my scenario. I want a new graphics card, and I'm not one of those folks who absolutely needs everything to look photorealistic.

Base system:
512mb RAM (PC2100)
AMD 2100+ XP processor
AN78X mobo (AGP slot.)

This happened to me the last time I wanted a video card, getting caught up in the great battl of very-many-choices. I'm looking for something AGP between $100 to $145 or so, and my main concern right now is future-proofing---My Geforce2 GTS doesn't support some of the pixel shaders etc. some games require now.

Dual-headed/dual-display support is something I'd like to have as well.

Right now I'm leaning towards an ATI solution, hearing better things from them in the DX support department. Maybe a ATI 9800 SE 128mb. I'm not sure how that stacks up to a 9700 Pro, however.

Anybody have any suggestions? I don't plan to run very much in full AA/AF in max resolution--If I can get a tradeoff towards better performance in more utilitarian modes, I'd probably take it.

[nihil]

If you do not mind me being "blunt" and to the point................the memory is a bit ancient?...........I would look for DDR, and faster?

AMD 2100+ XP processor

OK, this is a 1900+, but I do not use it for anything serious..................

I guess you need a new computer mate.................but you know that,. don't you?



EDIT:

I am using 1024 of PC 2100 on this...PC2700 would give you a noticeable difference if the MoBo can handle it

[SDK]

There is so much video card out that getting lost is just easy. You should go with Ati over Nvidia because the 5*** card of Nvidia just pain suck compare to the 9*** card of ATI. And with your budget, you won't be able to afford you one of the latest generations of video card (They run on PCI-Express anyway).

Personally, I suggest more an ATI Radeon 9600. I don't know the prices in US but it should match your budget.

[yourdeadin]

pick up the hercules 3d prophet game card

http://gear.ign.com/articles/424/424414p1.html
http://www.ocprices.com/index.php?re...iews&cat_id=64

it can crunch quite a impressive number.

and O ,nihil is rite get a new computer too.
(i've a 64mb ram, amd k6 ,i cannot afford a new one, but i bet you can)

[Danielsd]

[i]

Personally, I suggest more an ATI Radeon 9600. I don't know the prices in US but it should match your budget. [/B]

I agree ATI Radeon 9600 is a very good video card and it is just matching you budget! 9600 PRO is a very good choice, you will not make a mistake with it!

[Terr]

I found some 9800 PRO cards in my budget range, but they're all refurbished from NewEgg. Which means probably no warranty beyond a 15-day return--I'm not going to risk it.

Right now I'm thinking a 9600 XT 128mb for around $140 or so. I *appears* that it may outbench the 9800SE. Adding to that it appears that there are four 9800 lines, the XT, Pro, SE, and the 'blank'--I was assuming "SE" was default. But at any rate, it seems nobody sells the blank version on pricewatch

[Danielsd]

Hm I don't understand very well, but here in Bulgaria I find GB RADEON 9600PRO for 121$ and you have 2 years warranty. Whare is the problem?

[Terr]

About the refurbished thing, I found a 9800 PRO. For a 9600 PRO, I also see similar prices.

[CXGJarrod]

Terr: I Have a 9800 Pro 128 MB and it seems to work well in all the cases that I have put it through.

My setup is similar to yours except I have and AMD XP 2500.

Morrowind
CounterStrike Original and Source
Doom 3
Halo
Final Fantasy XI

I spent a little over $200 for one with a bigger fan and heatsink since I had problems with my old Geforce 2 and heat.

[Terr]

Right now I'm thinking of a Sapphire 9600 XT 128mb for around $140, or spending $15 more for the 256mb version. My impression is that 128mb is fine for the significant future...?

And I'll get a Half Life 2 voucher, it seems

The fan on my current GF2 started to fail or sound odd, so I removed it---but it was sort of just-the-right-size-and-shape to work with the heatsink... So I got a 45mm fan--which is being held on with a mix of well-insulated bent wire. Definitely no resale value anymore