Is the NVidia TNT2 a good card?

[BChico]

I just need a decent cheap card, and i saw these for 50 bucks, "INNO3D Tornado TNT2 M64 32MB AGP Video Card Retail Box", is that a decent card, its not my main computer but will it run alright with unreal and cs?

 

[Passions]

Yeah TNT2 is a good card, but not the M64 version. Try an ultra.

 

[BChico]

HOw much more is the ultra, and how much improvement is there between the cards?

 

[Heretik]

A TNT2 Ultra can be had for around $75. Check PriceWatch...I saw a couple Creative Labs 3-D Blaster TNT2 Ultras for around that price. They are very decent cards. I have one in the kids machine running under WinME with no problems.

 

[BChico]

Hmmm...this is what i found:

TNT2 32mb M64 for 48 bucks or TNT2 32mb Ultra for 75 bucks

I really dont know i would like to save the extra cash....how bad is the M64?

 

[BurntKooshie]

Better yet, a Geforce mx can be had for about 83 from www.ocie.com. It's well over twice as fast as that TNT m64, for less than 2x the cost - usually, it works the other way around (pay twice as much for far less than twice the performance).

 

[Heretik]

Do some searches and compare the two. You can start with this review of the M64 at Maximum3D

So how does this TNT2 M64 compare to the other versions? The features are nearly identical since it uses the same core as the standard TNT2, but the one glaring difference is the frame buffer. The M64 has a 64-bit wide frame buffer, whereas the others use a 128-bit frame buffer, hence the 64 in the name. Remember when reading this, Gainward is not aiming the M64 at the hardcore gamer. This card is out there to combat the low end of the market, with a price well below $100 (usually around $65). The M64 is commonly found in a lot of cheaper computers, as a substitute for the no-name Trident cards. If you want the fastest card in town, then shop elsewhere.

 

[Ranger X]

I would not recommend the M64 card. I know a friend who bought one and he is disappointed in the card. It is better off getting a GeForce MX card.

 

[John]

The M64 is terrible for gaming at a nice resolution. Spend a few bucks more and get a GeForce 256DDR or a 2MX.

 

[josphstalinator]

the tnt2m64 is a good card for its price
sure you could spend $25 more and get a better card
sure you could spend $50 more and get an even better card

duh!

the card is definetely GOOD ENOUGH, and im not sure if theres a better alternative for THAT price

 

[SammyBoy]

get a radeon 32mb ddr from newegg.com for 82 bucks, thats the road i'm taking

 

[Yuckysgf]

SammyBoy got it.

 

[Yzzim]

I've had a Maxi Gamer Xentor TNT2 w/16mb for almost 2 years now and it's still going strong. Granted, I don't play the most up to date games, but it works for TFC and Counter Strike at 800x600x16bit. Bought the card for $110 back then. Check My Rig for full computer specs.

 

[Jeff7]

I also would have to recommend against the TNT2 M64; its performance is about equal to a TNT1. If you'd be willing to spend $75 on an Ultra, you'd be better off spending a few extra dollars and get a Geforce2 MX. The Hardware T&L can really boost performance in some games, and the chip is just plain faster than any TNT2.

 

[BChico]

Believe me i trust your opinions and i would go with a top of the line card, like the one i already have on my main system, gf2 ultra 64mb, but this is for a kid, all i am wondering is it is going to be able to run unreal or cs without looking chunky and grainy?

 

[BChico]

........Did does andyone actually have the TNT2 M64 32mb card and can actually say how bad it performed?

 

[Alfred]

it is slow in 3d games. Period. Get a GeForceMX instead, you will definitely say thank you to me later.

 

[Jhhnn]

I'm going to offer a completely contrary opinion, based on the fact that it will be a kid's computer. My son, 7 years old, has a selection of games that drove me nuts when I tried to use a Nvidia-based TNT2. This game required this driver, that game another, never got some of the DOS games to run at all. Patches, updates, crashes....Maybe the newer cards are better, dunno....

Then I installed a 3DFX Voodoo 3, and all the headaches went away. It will run any game we ever threw at it, no tweaking, no patching, no fussing around. Not the best framerate or resolution, but he doesn't care, it just works.

I dread the day he comes up with some game it won't run, I'm gonna miss 3DFX.

 

[Philly C]

Hey BChico, I have a Diamond Viper V770 TNT2 Ultra that I might wanna get rid of. Check your private messages.

 

[Losty]

the m64 can't be that bad...i used it for a few weeks to play cs...you don't need much to play cs....@1024x720 ...

 

[RossGr]

I have 2 systems with the TNT2 M64, If you will not be going on line and competeing with the top of the line cards in the latest and greated FPS game then this is a great card. You can run ANY of the new 3d games with no trouble. We recently got American Megees Alice and it runs smoothly on both of my 3d cabable systems (TNT2 M64) systems. For the price this is a very good 3d card. Do not let the eliteist top of the line only gamers of this board talk you in to buying something you do not need.