Building PC- Video Cards etc.

[diefnbaker]

Okay, I've got a toughie for ya. I am building a new PC. I've never built one before but that is only because I didnt have the money, I take PC's apart and upgrade all the time. Anyway, I have a budget of $80 MAX for a video card and I've picked two different possabilities. They are listed below, and I need some suggestions or advice on my selections. I will be using this new computer for 3D modeling, drafting, maybe some minor 3D animation in the future as well as some newly released games every now and then http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif (when I say newly released, I mean games that take quite a bit of resources)

ATI Radeon VE with 32MB video RAM $77 http://direct.mwave.com/mwave/doc/262099.html

ATI Rage Fury Pro with 32MB video RAM $69 http://direct.mwave.com/mwave/doc/888346.html


I've picked out a DDR Ram supportive motherboard with 256MB DDR Ram and a 900MhZ AMD T-Bird Processor so I should be able to handle most of the very new games. But, as I have seen in the past, video cards are the key to smooth preformance.

------------------
- If it's broken, fix it... if it's not broken, I haven't touched it yet.

[This message has been edited by diefnbaker (edited 10-14-2001).]

[diurnal]

tried this secret web site my personal favorite newegg.com
I would go with the Radeon VE, over the rage.
But a geforce wouldnt hurt either.

------------------
Sledgehammer will save the day!

[mjc]

Geforce2 Mx400 64MB...not the latest but still a rather capable card. Ocie.com (http://www.ocie.com/metacart/product.asp?intProdID=124)...I think you'll be surprised....

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[ranchdog]

Give me a GeForce2 over an ATI unit anyday.

And my "old" Voodoo 3 does a pretty good job of getting by also.

Welcome to pcguide.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
......Indecision may or may not be my problem......
...... Kickin' A Rock....

[This message has been edited by ranchdog (edited 10-14-2001).]

[diefnbaker]

Wow. Thanks. This helps more than you realise. heh. Now if only I can sell this hunk a junk. Grrr. Everything costs so! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif

------------------
- If it's broken, fix it... if it's not broken, I haven't touched it yet.

[kenja]

The Radeon VE has a 64 bit memory bus; a gamer would want the 128 bit bus of a GeForce2 Mx400.

Newegg is a fine vendor. I've had good luck buying their "refurbs" (actually returns, it seems): two motherboards, a video card, a sound card, and a CD-ROM.

[diurnal]

Hey kenya howd you know about my secret website, thats only for me. Jk http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------
Sledgehammer will save the day!

[kenja]

I first heard of Newegg at Pricewatch, then saw a positive reference to them in these forums. Newegg keeps adding inventory; they are now my favorite online vendor.

The secret is out, diurnal; Newegg is constantly showing up in the Hot Deals forum at Anandtech. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

[diurnal]

Yeah they have great prices , i knew it wouldnt be long be4 my secret would be revealed. I found them at resellersratings.com. I check it periodical and they came out of no where. But i like the refurb section great deals there.Also you dont have to call them bout a rma, just fill it out on there site. pretty cool.

------------------
Sledgehammer will save the day!

[ranchdog]

Did ya know Newegg went bankrupt about two months ago and sold out to Fry's. Another secret.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hey deifnbaker..... Which Mboard you have picked out?

------------------
......Indecision may or may not be my problem......
...... Kickin' A Rock....

[This message has been edited by ranchdog (edited 10-17-2001).]

[ranchdog]

Some interesting reading about Newegg and those who are not satisfied.

Go to amdmb.com (http://amdmb.com) click of Forums. Click on Hot Deals. Then on the front page... Click on the thread... Warning.

Shabby.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

[kenja]

Yeah, interesting...maybe they've outgrown their usefulness.