Which video card to buy on budget?

[BehindEnemyLines]

I'm a budget so I'm looking for the best video card available mostly for gaming w/ a little of video capture using my tv tuner and imaging for around $75 or less? Used video card is okay.

My mobo is ECS K7S5A Pro (ver. 5.0) that supports 4x AGP with Athlon XP +1800 and 256 MB PC2100 at 133/133. I am currently using a Chaintech TNT2 M64 32mb.

Features that I would really really like to have (more of a must) is quality TV out on the board. A tv tuner is not necessary but it'll be a plus.

My list is (you can suggest others as well):

Radeon:
1. The 9000 family esp. the all-in-wonder pro (has tv tuner which is a plus)
3. The 8500 family
2. The 7500 family

Nvidia:
1. GeForce4 MX 440 (128mb)
2. GeForce3 ???
3. GeForce2 GTS (64mb)

Or should I just save up and get a ati 9500 or 9600 pro when it's a little cheaper?

The above is just my list. Please feel free to add any other suggestions.

 

[rogue1979]

You should be able to pick up a used GF4 Ti4200 64MB version with TV-out for $75.

 

[NYHoustonman]

Double post.

 

[NYHoustonman]

I agree, a ti4200 64MB is probably your best bet. Shop around (pricewatch.com, ebay) and you should be able to find something. Maybe not even used ...

 

[JammingJay]

I agree with the others that getting a Geforce 4 Ti4200 is your best bet. Another option to find a place to purchase a card in your price range is newegg.com. I've purchased a couple from them with no problems. You got to be fast with the trigger because they sell out rather quick. Keep your eyes open for $69-$79 Tis from them. (Free Fed-Ex shipping too.).

Drawback is the warranty, and you want to make sure you got the refresh button ready around 5:50 p.m. pacific time daily....

 

[Blastman]

I would recommend a Sapphire 9100 64MB ~ $70 ? ? ncix


mloots review of pci 9100

 

[JJSuperman]

I hate Nvidia!

There that is said Of course I would recommend the ATI Product, if you can get a used Radeon 8500 (64 or 128) then that would be your best bet. The card is faster than the Radeon 8500LE, 9000, or 9100. It has OUTSTANDING video out quality, and still very respectable performance in 3D games. Its image quality is better than 4200 ( I have seen this in person) and its tv out is better ( I have also seen this in person) but I am not sure how it performs next to a 4200 (in fps), though I imagine they are somewhat close.

Other than the 4200, which I have seen and played with, I have no clue about Nvidia products. But from an ATI perspective the 8500 used can't be beat. And kaizersozei is selling one right now (new on a RMA) for $60.00. Just a plug for a nice guy.

Good luck.

Jared

 

[Mingon]

i hate Nvidia!

Other than the 4200, which I have seen and played with, I have no clue about Nvidia products

 

[JJSuperman]

Don't point out the errors in my logic, I am an ATI FANBOY! Please don't expect too much.

I am giving a perspective based solely on my knowledge of ATI products (with love), and my one experience with a 4200.

Jared

p.s. My hate for Nvidia is directed at the company and its practices (don't ask, too long a story) not at the individual products. At least I admitted my prejudice, and lack of knowledge. I am honest!

 

[gtd2000]

My ECS K7S5A and Sapphire Radeon 8500LE had issues - they both work fine separately but just not together.

So if you do get a Sapphire Radeon don't bother troubleshooting when a problem arises - just send the card back and get a new one! I spent weeks trying to solve a 3D problem with it.

The Radeon works fine in other systems though and other (nvidia) cards work fine in the ECS

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

So far 2 for Ti 4200 and 1 for ATI 8500. I went and did some searching. The cheapest for Ti 4200 at PriceWatch is $96. Also used ones at $80 (OEM & 64mb) and one $85 (64mb).

What would be second best?

 

[rogue1979]

Originally posted by: JJSuperman
I hate Nvidia! I have no clue

[/i]


Selective quoting comes in handy

 

[VirginiaDonkey]

well, if the $96 4200 is out of the question, then definately te 8500. Like JJsuperman posted before, there is one for sale in this forum for a good price and its a brand new card.

I have owned both the 4200 and the 8500. The 4200 is faster by far, it will scream when overclocked, but the Radeon has better IQ and still maintains acceptable framerates. of course this is jusy my opinion, and you know the saying about that.

 

[slikk]

How does the ATI 9000 Pro compare to the 8500?

I just bought the FIC AT009, was wondering if I should keep it or get the 8500 instead.

 

[Blastman]

The Sapphire 9100 64MB 250/230 is $69, it is faster than the 9000pro. 9100 is re-badged 8500LE.

ncix 9100

review ? of 9100 ?

http://www.italian3d.com/articoli/9100/9100vs9000pro.html

 

[GenerationYscorpio]

nothing touches the Radeon 9500 serious, although I wouldnt settle anything less than a 9500pro but, thats your choice. If money is still tighter than 9500 np then geforce4 9200 nothing less.

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

I found this one Palit Daytona GeForce4 Ti4200, TV-out, & DVI for $55 (currently out of stock). How good is the video card since it was priced at $55? Here's the link to the product: Palit Daytona GeForce4 Ti4200

Some people suggest the Radeon 8500 and 9000 NP & Pro??, 9100 NP & Pro, and pretty much confused as to which is better among the three. Which one of these performs better? Should I get the GeForce4 Ti4200 over the three Radeon I listed above if I'm willing to spend a little more?

Thank everyone for the help.

 

[Whitersx29]

where did u find that geforce 4 for 55?

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

I found it from newegg. Do a search using these keywords "Palit Microsystems". The GeForce4 is the last item on the list (at least that's where I found it).

It's currently out of stock thou. I'm keeping my eyes on it everyday for now, but hoping the price won't get higher when it's in stock.

 

[dguy6789]

9000 pro is at the most 10% slower then the best 8500, but normally it is just as fast, and sometimes faster. really depends on what your using, the 9000 pro has a more powerful geometry engine, so games with high poly counts will excel on 9000 pro, while 8500 has faster fill rate, so texture intensive games will be faster on that.