Please Help Me Choose A New Video Card

[imported_kenchar]

I need some advice please. I am building a new computer.

Asus A8N-e
AMD 64 3200+
1MB Ram
200gb HD (ATA 133)

I use it mostly for editing photo's and digital video but also use it to play Flight Simulator.

After reviewing performance charts, reviews etc I am now totally lost.

The board has a PCIe slot and I need some advice on which video card to get.

I have considered the Gigabyte Fanless X800 256mb as well as the similar 6600gt.

Are these cards more than I would ever use?

Suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,

Ken.

 

[Munky]

Either the 6600gt or the x800 are good cards for <$200, although the x800 is better and costs the same. Any cheap video card for $50 is gonna be adequate for editing photos and videos, so don't overpay if you don't have to.

 

[imported_kenchar]

Thanks for the reply....what about playing Flight Simulator?

Is a X600 or GeForce 6200 enough?

Ken.

 

[hans030390]

i'd get a 6600gt over an x800 because of sm3.

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: hans030390
i'd get a 6600gt over an x800 because of sm3.

I'd get the x800 because it will rape the 6600gt with or without sm3. Lets see the specs, shall we?

6600gt ........vs .........x800:
128bit memory..........256bit memory
8 pixel shaders..........12 pixel shaders
3 vertex shaders........6 vertex shaders
128mb mem..............128 or 256 mb mem
$150+.......................$150 or $170

The x800 gets 4100 in 3dmark05 at stock settings. You'd have to Oc the 6600gt pretty far to get that score. But then I could OC the x800 and reach 4800, which a 6600gt will never get.

 

[imported_kenchar]

Thanks Munky for the reply. In your opinion is this overkill for FS 4.0?

Ken

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: kenchar
Thanks for the reply....what about playing Flight Simulator?

Is a X600 or GeForce 6200 enough?

Ken.

Those should be enough to play at medium resolutions, but when the gf6200 is going for $100 and the 3-4x faster x800 is going for $150, the x800 is a way better deal than the 6200.

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: kenchar
Thanks Munky for the reply. In your opinion is this overkill for FS 4.0?

Ken

Is FS4.0 the early 90's version? If it is, then any modern card will be enough, even the $50 ones.

 

[imported_kenchar]

I have obviously taken my stupid pill....I meant FS 2004...at least I think that's what it is. Hardly play it because my current system is so slow.

 

[Munky]

In that case, take a look at this page:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/2004-27gpu2_26.html

For the cards that are missing from the test, the x800 will fall somewhere between the x700pro and the x800xl. The 6200 is somewhere between the x300se and the x600xt. Assuming you'd want to play at least at 1024x768, with AA and AF, you need at least a 6600gt, or better yet a x800.

 

[imported_kenchar]

Munky...thanks so much. That was exactly the info I was trying to find.

Going to go with the Gigabyte Fanless X800 256mb for $170 after rebate and shipping.


Ken.