Budget Video Card

[BaltoWolf]

I'm not a serious gamer, but when I do game I need something that will work! I've been stuck with a Voodoo 3 2000 PCI for too long. It's a fine card, but the lack new drivers and the fact new games just ignore 3dfx make it obsolite.

For a relatively cheap, but powerful card around the price range of $50 I have been looking at things like SiS 315, Kyro II, and the Geforce 2 MX-400.

I just came across something I didn't know existed (hopefully the link will work for you guys) http://pcinfinity.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PCInfinity&Product_Code=VPALGF2128&Product_Count=0&Category_Code=VID

It's an MX-400 with 128 megs of RAM..and passive cooling. So what do you all think...the MX-400 is certainly not the fastest chip available..but do you think 128MBs will give it an extra kick or is it just a waste of cash?

[evalroy]

BaltoWolf,

The Voodoo card mentioned, is PCI. Is your current system equipped for AGP? If so, I recently installed a great, low price card with terrific performance. I like the VISIONTEK Xtasy 5632 GEFORCE2 GTS-V 4X/2X 32MB DDR AGP. It is available from NewEgg for $45. I use it for moderate gaming and graphic layout design at home and it is very capable.

Good luck,
ER http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=48&manufactory=1180&DEPA=1

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I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there.
- Richard Feynman

[BaltoWolf]

Yes I most certainly do have AGP. That card you showed me looks like a great deal and I've even bought from newegg before. Just so you know..my system is a Thunderbird 850 with no plans to upgrade or any desire to.

Also..what's the difference between a GTS and a GTS-V??

[This message has been edited by BaltoWolf (edited 06-10-2002).]

[saphalline]

I believe the GTS-V is clocked slightly slower than a GTS, but even so will be much more powerful than the other options you mentioned. As for that mutant GF2 MX-400, no I don't think 128MB of RAM will help it in any way. Only the newest DX8-intensive games benefit from that much video RAM, and the MX-400 doesn't have DX8 hardware so it's probably a waste. The KyroII is a decent option, but has some compatability problems with a few games (tho nothing like 3dfx hardware http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif). The SiS 315 is also pretty decent for the right price (somewhere around $30), but moving up to a $100 budget opens up a whole lot more performance options.

Overall, I'd go with the GTS-V.

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"No, we do not gnaw on our kitty." - Dr. Evil