Video card advice needed

[YaBaBom]

I'm looking to replace my crappy SiS 6326 4 meg video card with something a bit newer. I'm not looking for a advanced gaming option--just something that will keep my monitor well supplied (19 inch).
I am thinking of something like a STB Velocity 100 or one of the TNT2 cards since these fit my budget of $50-$70. However, I'm wondering if these cards have any known compatability probs with the VIA MVP3 chipset, or with my Epox MVP3C2 m/b.
I'd also like to do more with Linux, but the SiS 6326 chipset has never worked well in that situation.

Any advice would be appreciated...

 

[Chuffmaster2k]

If you've got a little bit extra, the GeForce2 MX for about $100 is a great card from all the reviews I have seen. Good Luck.

 

[RussianSpy]

I agree, spend a little more and get a Geforce MX. Otherwise, a Voodoo3 2000 can be picked up for less. $70 or 80. They give good performance and can overclock very well.

 

[duragezic]

Since you are in the $50-70 range, a V3 2000 would be ok. It should work good in Linux since there is beta drivers for that and the banshee I believe. It's not the fastet but since you aren't really into gaming, it should be okay.

 

[jimmybobob35]

I have a tnt2 ultra and I have been very satisfied with it. prolly comparable to a voodoo3 2000 or 3000

 

[RoboTECH]

for your needs, grab a V3-2000. Seems like the best bet. They have good 2d image quality for a 19" monitor (the TNT2's really bite in higher resolutions). The V3 also is a very compatible card, WRT various motherboard/chipset combos, and does linux just fine.

 

[YaBaBom]

Thanks for the advice, guys. As far as the matchup between the Velocity 100 and the Voodoo3 2000, which is better: 8 megs of sgram on the velocity or 16 megs of sdram on the 2000? It looks like they're only about five bucks apart, so wouldn't the Voodoo3 2000 be the better bet for high resolutions?

 

[Sunner]

I agree on a Voodoo card, the TNT line has had some issues with via chipsets while the Voodoo cards have worked fine generally.

The V3-2000 looks like a winner in this case, if the difference is so small.

 

[Goi]

You mention you have a VIA MVP3 based mobo, I assume you're using a K6-X CPU? If so, the V3 would definitely perform better than the TNT2, since it has much better 3DNow! driver optimizations. Go for the V3 2000.

 

[Mem]

I agree tight budget go with V3 2000 ,but if you can afford a little more the Geforce2 MX is a great buy & would last longer then the V3 2000 before you had to upgrade again.

 

[john433i]

Actually, most of the newer Voodoo3 2000 cards do come with SGRAM. So the Voodoo3 2000 is a much better deal. I have one of those and they work and overclock great.

 

[EvilDonnyboy]

ATI XPERT98. 8mb, good image quality, damn cheap, though extra $hitty 3D. Beat that.

The guy wasn't asking for a cheap 3D videocard card. He was asking for a cheap videocard. And this card performs just as well as those others in areas other than 3D.

 

[AMB]

If you can get the GeForce 2 MX, otherwise, the V3-2000 is still a good card

 

[bozack]

For what you want/need the v3-2000 is great, especially for how cheap you can get it. I am still using mine and will continue to untill I get a new cpu then I will get a ge mx but for you and what your doing the v3 2k would be a good choice. I wouldn't even consider the velocity since the v3 is so inexpensive.

then again that is just my 2c

forgot to add, my v3 2k does great on my 19in optiquest, I run at 1024x768 but it can run a little higher than that if need be

 

[ET]

About the XPERT 98, I'd agree only if it's one based on the Rage XL. The Rage Pro's 2D quality at 1280x1024 and higher is not very good. The XL's is considerably better.

I'd say V3-2000, too. Although a Matrox card could be a good alternative. Find a friend to give you a G200, like Srikanth has.