Help with a video card recommendation for some one else

[Broncho]

I've told my girlfriends Dad I would advise him on components for a computer he is putting together. While I know more than he does, I haven't really been keeping up with stuff because I'm too broke to upgrade or build from scratch. He is looking for a video card around $100 and the most intensive game I've ever seen them use is the Sims or Roller Coaster Tycoon. I think they do have one or two older 3D games so it does need to be 3D capable. I was figuring something from ATI would be the best because last time I was paying attention ATI had better 2D quality. That might have changed by now. So what do yall recommend? Right now I'm leaning toward either an 8500LE or a 9000 just because of cost. I wouldn't be opposed to recommending something else so let me know what you think.

 

[modedepe]

lol, the sims..i have a nice tnt2 that i'll sell you, which should suit your needs nicely


Really, if you're all you're going to do is play sims and other old games--and don't plan to buy any newer ones, a $100 video card is overkill. 8500le would be plenty of power.

 

[DaveSimmons]

gf4 ti4200 is a good choice in case they ever do need some decent 3D power.

 

[Schadenfroh]

i would get a 9000 or something very cheap

 

[McArra]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
i would get a 9000 or something very cheap

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
gf4 ti4200 is a good choice in case they ever do need some decent 3D power.

The 64 MB model will do find for about $70 I think.

 

[SuperPickle]

Originally posted by: modedepe
lol, the sims..i have a nice tnt2 that i'll sell you, which should suit your needs nicely


Really, if you're all you're going to do is play sims and other old games--and don't plan to buy any newer ones, a $100 video card is overkill. 8500le would be plenty of power.

Whereas I agree with mostly, my roommate plays the newest 'SimsUpYourAss' or whatever the newest expansion pack is called and the TNT2 that I upgraded her to (yeah, you heard me....upgraded) still dogs a little. Another coworker is also a Sims crackhead and is doing just fine with a G3Ti200 although I think the 8500 is a better overall choice for the cash.

 

[modedepe]

Originally posted by: basilisk420

Originally posted by: modedepe
lol, the sims..i have a nice tnt2 that i'll sell you, which should suit your needs nicely


Really, if you're all you're going to do is play sims and other old games--and don't plan to buy any newer ones, a $100 video card is overkill. 8500le would be plenty of power.

Whereas I agree with mostly, my roommate plays the newest 'SimsUpYourAss' or whatever the newest expansion pack is called and the TNT2 that I upgraded her to (yeah, you heard me....upgraded) still dogs a little. Another coworker is also a Sims crackhead and is doing just fine with a G3Ti200 although I think the 8500 is a better overall choice for the cash.

Never dogged for me with a tnt2. Doesn't even run bad on an old system I have that's running i810 11mb integrated video. But, yeah, 8500 I think.

 

[Corporate Thug]

ti4200

 

[Broncho]

Thanks for all the help guys. I do know it needs to have some 3D power. Once upon a time one of the daughters would play the Harry Potter 3D games so they need to have some power. I've never looked at one of the games to find out how much though. It does sound like an 8500le or a 9000 would be the best bet. I think the ti4200 would be too much overkill as well as introducing more heat into the case than is really necessary. Besides all that the guy isn't in a big hurry so it might be two months before he gets it all. Again, thanks for all the input. If anyone else has any ideas feel free to chime in.

 

[tenoc]

It's been said many times but it's worth repeating - the 8500le/9100 is superior to the 9000/9200.

A Ti4200 may be faster than any of them in 3D, but depending on who made it, the 2D may not be as good.

Recommend the 8500le/9100 for his needs.

 

[Broncho]

Thanks tenoc. I'd done some more digging and found out the 8500le was better than the 9000. Once again Anandtechers helped out. Thanks guys for all the help!