Budget Video Card

[ViperVin2]

What budget video card (under $110) should I buy? MX, RadeonLE, etc... I will be running Win98SE.

 

[VogonJeltz]

I'd recommend anything but the MX. From all I've heard, it bites the big one.

 

[ViolentP0tato]

i am running 98se too, and i had a radeon le got the cracks etc. and it rolled along pretty nicely. however, i play a lot of CS and the the card seems to struggle somewhat with the new higher poly models and smoke, however, it never droped under 20fps in the most crowded situtations i cant vouch for the MX as i have no experience with it, but you can get a LE for so cheap that you just cant lose. newegg.com is doing some huge deal with referbished ones now too.

 

[BFG10K]

I'd recommend a Radeon LE. You also might be able to squeeze in a Kyro2 for a little bit more. Both are good cards.

 

[Dan]

Gainward's GeForce2 MX is a great value for the money. If you can live without TV out you can find them for about $65.

 

[DJediMaster]

The radeon LE is a nice card.

 

[Teasy]

You can now get the INNO3D Kyro II 64mb for $105 on pricewatch.com so it does come into your price range and its certainly allot faster then both the MX or LE. There's also the Hercules Kyro 1 (Prophet 400XT) which is in the speed range of the Geforce 2 MX but faster at high res 32bit and FSAA and thats now only $55 with free delivery at newegg.com.

 

[Parn]

Radeon LE would be a good choice. It's pretty cheap, and can be overclocked to perform like the Radeon 32MB DDR with identical performance. You can even hack the bios if you are inclined to do so (no need to run a program to overclock)

 

[PotNoodle]

You may want to check out this 'Budget Card Roundup' to get some bencmarks. Heres the conclusion though:

"The Radeon VE has by far the best features/price ratio. Dualhead, DVI and TV out, all the cables and convertors you need, decent 2D and 3D performance; it's all there. However, if you use your machine primarily for gaming, and you are short on cash, it's hard to beat the Guillemot 4000XT, which is an incredible deal for the money and offers excellent 3D gaming performance.

If you can afford to spend a few bucks more, Videologic's Vivid!XS Kyro II offers the best gaming value of all, on the condition that your gaming rig has a strong CPU. To get the best out of this price/performance wonder, you will need to install a small fan on the heatsink and overclock."

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I'm surprised you have all missed the obvious reply on this:

For $110, you can buy either a V5 or GeForce 2 32MB DDR brand new, off pricewatch.

Either one has substantial advantages over the cards listed so far- I'd note the GTS is waaaaaayyyyyy faster than an LE or MX.

I would buy a GeForce 2 GTS with $110..

 

[Teasy]

<<<Either one has substantial advantages over the cards listed so far- I'd note the GTS is waaaaaayyyyyy faster than an LE or MX.>>>

They don't have substantial advantages over Kyro II and Kyro II is cheaper to, the 64mb INNOD3D Kyro II is $105 on pricewatch, the 64mb GTS is $137 and the Voodoo5 really isn't in the same speed class as the GTS and Kyro II.

 

[dave5317]

Get a Tornado Inno3D Geforce 2 GTS 32MB would be nice for ya!

 

[Ironduke]

There can be only one choice!

KYRO2!!!!!

ITS THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!

 

[jobberd]

teasy: do remember that there are other places you can order the Geforce2 GTS from. micropro has a geforce2 GTS for $109

 

[jamesbond007]

I'd suggest you spend a tad more and get the ATi Radeon 64MB VIVO. It's in the area of $150 now and that's a great performing card! You won't kick yourself in the long run for spending a little more for something A LOT better.

My $0.02