Geforce3 Ti500?

[SWirth86]

Hi, I'm looking into getting a new video card, which will replace my ATI All-In-Wonder 128 Pro. I'm interested in UT2003, but it's pretty much unplayable on my video card. The new video card will be mainly for UT2003, but also for other new games, maybe Battlefield 1942 or Jedi Knight.

System Specs:
Athlon 1.2Ghz
ECS K7S5A Motherboard
256 MB PC2100 DDR
ATI All-In-Wonder 128 Pro
Samsung 955DF

I was interested in one of the Geforce4 Ti4200's, but theyre a little too expensive for me (150-175, looking to spend under 125). I decided to check the Hot Deals forum, and found this deal, which has a Geforce3 Ti500 w/ Battlefield 1942 for only 100, no rebates. The card is a MSI MS-8853. Is there any reason I shouldn't go with this deal? From Anand's UT2003 shootout, the Geforce3 Ti500 is a fairly good competitor. Although, that was the demo being tested. It's in my budget, and has a cool game I would probably get anyway...

Any input on my situation? Thanks

 

[ctk1981]

I was told the MSI's GeForce3 had pretty bad 2D. Not sure if thats important to you or not. I picked up a PNY GeForce3 Ti500 from tigerdirect.com for around 120 or something, plus it has a 45 dollar mail in rebate. Lifetime warranty on PNY Graphics cards.

I used this in a PIII dual processor machine, 512MB SDRAM, 80GB WD 8MB cache drive, etc. Even with the dual processor overhead, UT2003 is very playable with a GeForce3.

 

[mityfowl]

I've got that same PNY card from Tiger but I have a little problem. I can not make it recognize the TV out. XP pro Athlon 1800+.

Have you tried TV out with this card? Always greyed out for me, analog or digital. Suggestions?

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: mityfowl
I've got that same PNY card from Tiger but I have a little problem. I can not make it recognize the TV out. XP pro Athlon 1800+.

Have you tried TV out with this card? Always greyed out for me, analog or digital. Suggestions?

This happens often with nVidia cards because TV out usually isn't supported in GF3's with the generic nVidia Detonator drivers. It should work fine with the manufacturer's official drivers (which are usually old and outdated, however). You should look into getting a utility that does tv-out. Search for a program called "TV-tool". This program does what you're looking for.

 

[MadTom]

Hi,

regarding the TV out try the newest Nvidia Detonators from Nvidia (40.71 now available for XP/2000 and 9x/ME). It has much better features then the older drivers.

Regarding the Ti500 - go for it; or whatever combination you think is cheaper/better for you. For instance I have a GeForce 3 Ti200 from PINE and it works just fine (finished Mafia at 1024x768, 32 bit, playing Jedi Knight 2 at 1152x864 without any problems).

 

[thaioneon]

I have a Geforce3 Msi 200ti and it runs great @ 250/500. On a duron 1gig at 1.375 I get 100 fps sec @ 1280x1024. good card all around

 

[bcmind]

i'm using the MSI GF3 Ti500 and have no problem playing UT2k3...

only problem is the internet connections have too high of ping for me... dammit

 

[AnAndAustin]

Rad8500 cards are much better than GF3. They suck at AA and their Aniso though faster is lower quality. However for 3D perf Rad8500LE (10% slower than Rad8500) tends to be easily as good as GF3TI500 so that means even a highly o/c'ed GF3TI200 too. Rad8500 cards are also much better for image quality, dual display, TVout and DVD playback. GF3 are fine cards but it shouldn't be too diff to find a Rad8500 card with 128MB for under that price. GF4TI4200 are better cards and many of the GF3 shortfalls have been addressed, but with an Athlon 1.2 and a tighter budget you'd be better off with a GF3 or more pref a Rad8500. If the GF3TI500 in question is 64MB you really should avoid it, otherwise it's a fine deal depending upon how much you want/like Battlefield 1942 although do consider the other options before buying.

 

[mityfowl]

I'm going to start a new thread because none of these fixes have worked. Hopefully its not me and/or someone will suggest something else.

Thanks.

 

[Ash2Dust]

Sounds like a good deal.
After having dealt 3 weeks to get an RMA for a mainboard with MSI's almost non-existant customer service, just dont plan on RMAing it.