Help me pick a new Video Card and Monitor

[plaidfro]

I think my Video Card just bit the big one. It was a 6600GT and died while in mid game of BF2. I am no expert at determining if the video card is dead.. but I will assume it is since the graphics on load up now look similar to my old 386 and by the time it gets to the desktop the monitor acts like no signal is being transmitted and the monitor shuts off.

Anyways its about time for a better video card anyways and an LCD monitor. I am not interested in running 2 video cards.. just one. I have read many posts about the 8600GT .. that is about the range of card I am looking for.. It needs to be PCi-E x16, I like Gaming.. obviously I wont be able to play HIGH settings on most newer games. Good thing I play older games like BF2 and NeverWinter Nights mostly. I am open to the best card for my system and price. I am looking to spend $95 ? $115 on a vid card and about $200 on an LCD monitor? bout a 20inch? 19? 21? Whatever will work best for my current system. I like to get my items from NewEgg? I will most likely buy whatever the majority of Anandtech members agree on in this post.

Thanks.

My important system info:

Win XP
Antec SP-450W PSU
AMD 1.8Ghz CPU
Epox 9-NPA Ultra MoBo
1Ghz Ram
80GB HD

 

[AVP]

The newest generation of videocards sacrifice performance for features, so if gaming is your desire, I would grab a 1950pro, at worst a 7900gs or something better used. The 1950pro would be much faster than the 8600gt. Since your budget is low, I would stick with a resolution of 1440x9?? (widescreen) or 1280x1024. In other words, I would get a 19" widescreen or below, especially since a videocard in your budget would be heavily taxed at higher resolutions.


Also check the open box newegg items such as this

 

[plaidfro]

A lot of posts push towards the 1950Pro... however lots of people complain about how hot the card gets.. they all suggest getting an aftermarket fan/cooler which would add another $20 to the price...

I figure I will get a 19" LCD Monitor to accompany the Video Card. Still looking for suggestions.

 

[simkuriakose]

hey buddy !

First of all congratulations on your build. If you are going to play games in the 20" monitor you should seriously consider the 8800 series. Since you are on budget, go for the 8800 GTS version. You could OC the card if you wanted. This card will not give you increased heat levels since its stock cooler is great.

Dont go for the lower cards because you are having this 20" monitor.

Regards

 

[bryanW1995]

try reading posts before offering up useless info, simkuriakose.

OP, that link that AVP send is probably your best bet with the info that you've given us. It's reasonably priced and it doesn't need a new fan since it is a 2-slot solution. As long as you have room for the 2-slot card then I would strongly recommend that one. Just make sure that you test it immediately upon receipt since it's open box, run 3dmark 06, play your favorite games for a few hrs, etc.

edit, if you don't mind waiting for a $40 MIR, this is a single slot solution and is brand new: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161060

 

[plaidfro]

Originally posted by: bryanW1995

edit, if you don't mind waiting for a $40 MIR, this is a single slot solution and is brand new: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161060

SOLD!!!!! Right card.. right price... thanks for that one.. now how bout please suggesting a LCD monitor for that card? from NewEgg too..

WOuld a 20" like this work fine? http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824116075

 

[NamelessMC]

You don't have to put link tags, it automatically puts them, correct link-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824116075

That's a very nice monitor. 1680x1050 is a 1080p compatible resolution if you decide to use an Xbox 360 or something in the future.

Don't listen to people that tell you to get a lower resolution or smaller monitor because of the performance of your system.

I would much rather use a lower resolution on a larger monitor to get better performance, than get a smaller monitor with the native resolution. In the future, if you upgrade your PC's components like the processor/ram/video, you'll have a bigger monitor to display all the eye candy on it.

1680x1050 on a 20" monitor is also incredibly high detailed. That resolution is normally a 22" resolution, but on a 20" screen it means smaller pixels, which means it looks MUCH better. Good monitor, good brand, good specs. I say pull the trigger!

 

[bryanW1995]

read xtknight's lcd thread at the top of this forum before making a purchse. I'm not looking right now b/c my 19" is great, but I've read a little bit of it and it was very informative!