Video Card Advice

[probe47]

Looking to upgrade my 2nd box. I have a MSI geforce 4600 on the main box but want to get a good video card for the second box. I was thinking maybe Radeon but am looking for the best value for about $100 or less. Something for all around use that gives me the best longevity and all around performance since I will not be upgrading again for awhile. TIA

 

[KidChaos]

For that price range, ATi 8500 LE 128MB or Geforce4 Ti 4200 64MB. Check pricewatch for the cheapest price.

 

[Serp86]

Maybe 9000pro 128Mb?

 

[ScrewFace]

No, you don't want a RADEON 9000 Pro as it only has 1 texture unit per pixel pipeline. A RADEON 8500 LE or a GeForce4-Ti4200 are your best bets.

 

[nick1985]

4200

 

[XCLAN]

4200

 

[dannybek]

The 8500LE 64Mb go around 50.00 these days. You will have a fast card plus save a lot of cash. Please buy the 8500LE with the hynix ram I think its either 3.3 or 3.6ns its better for overclocking.

 

[XRdirtHead]

I asked a similer question not long ago and it seemed the 8500 was the most popular advice I got...good luck

 

[nick1985]

4200 = way better than 8500

 

[Bovinicus]

4200 = way better than 8500

This depends on what settings you like to use in games. For FSAA, the Ti4200 is definitely the card to get. If you prefer AF, then the Radeon 8500 will demolish the 4200. If you play with both, then it is debateable. However, ATi's latest drivers boosted FSAA performance quite a bit. I am running both CS and Neverwinter Nights in 1024x768x32 with 16x AF and 2x Quality FSAA. Neverwinter Nights isn't what I would call smooth, but it is definitely acceptable for a game that doesn't require lightning fast reflexes. I get 40-85 FPS in CS with VSync on. It only drops to 40 in heavy smoke and lots of players. Also, I have the retail 64MB version of the card.