Video Card recommendations

[HunkofMeat]

There's such a big selection of video cards out there with many different numbers and specifications. I play games, and pretty soon will be playing games that require a better video card. Right now I only have the integrated Intel Extreme graphics card that came with my HP Pavillion a340n. When I play CS: Source it tells me that my video card is out of date, and lags when I play. I'm thinking about getting a video card, but only want to spend around $100 on it. I know that the higher number is better (128 vs. 512), but when you get into the 9250, 9550, 9600, I get confused. What would be a good viedo card for around $100? Id on't really care about all the TV out because I will never be hooking a tv up to my computer. I also have an LCD monitor if that makes any difference.

[pentachris]

You've got an 8x AGP port. The 9600XT (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Manufactory=&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A9541&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&description=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=48&Submit=Property) is a pretty good choice starting right at $100. If you can swing a little bit more, the 9800 Pro (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Manufactory=&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A9545&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&description=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=48&Submit=Property) is a better performer, and it's better bang-for-the-buck.

[gAM_69]

Yeh for $360 auzzie bux i got 9800 pro and it works a treat and it will plays anything u throw @ it such as Doom3 at ultra high quality and 4 $270 american $u can have something that gives u excellent value and it play pretty much anything apart from hl2 @ 1600x1200 with 8x anistalisin good luk(in live in Australia and im 13)