Help me buy a video card...

[fastfed]

I just got a new computer but it has onboard video.

I am looking to get a PCI express card.

Not SLI just 1 card.

The computer is actually pretty good specs. here are the specs

# AMD Athlon 64 X2 Processor 4200+ (2.2GHz)
# 2 x 512KB L2 Cache
and 2 gigs of ram


I want to spend at max, 160.00 bucks..

What's really the best card these days at that price?

THANKS!

[DoNKeY]

Oh... I was just getting out my wallet, but never mind.







 :)donkey

[mna78]

I have a similar spec'd pc (Athlon 64 X2 Processor 6000+)

I've just installed a GeForce 8600GT card which was £75 (approx $150), not sure what prices are like over there but you maybe able to get the 8600GTS which are approx £90 over here.

[Widewing]

How about a GeForce 8600GT card for $50 at New Egg...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085

My regards,

Widewing

[blkmgc]

8800GT.

Just make sure you have the PSU for it...or any GPU upgrade for that matter.

[blkmgc]

In the spirit of this thread I just ordered another one of those ^ to go along with the one I already have in there.



My wife's going to kill me when it gets here.....but I reserve the anticipation for now.

[Speed55]

I saw an 8800 gts for $114 after rebate on newegg yesterday.

[fastfed]

What about the 9600??

[angelsandair]

Just a real stupid question, since I dont know jack about computers.


How do you install those things? Could you like get Geek Squad to do this stuff?

[blkmgc]

Uninstall your old driver reverting to VGA mode. When it asks to reboot click cancel. Shut the system down , crack open the case. Install the card and make sure to attach any extra power cables needed (if needed). attach the VGA (or hdmi) cable) Reboot. When it detects new hardware and wants to look for drivers either select "have disc" and instal from there, or close it and insert the disc and let it autorun. Reboot , and you should be good to go.

 The biggest thing is , if you have a consumer PC (i.e. Dell, HP, ect), is to make sure that you have enough power supply for the card you want to install. Check with your MFR for the specs, or ask on some of the many HW/SW forums that are out there.

[mna78]

Just a real stupid question, since I dont know jack about computers.


How do you install those things? Could you like get Geek Squad to do this stuff?

As long as you buy a card that is compatible card, it should be a simple job.  Switch the cards over and install the drivers from the CD that comes with the card.

[Max]

fastfed you might want to repost this in the Hardware/Software section for more replies though you've already gathered some great info in this thread.

[fastfed]

OK so after much research, I chose this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130334

Over the 8800GT, why? Because for one, this one will fit and many of the 8800gt's won't

Some say the 8800GT is faster/better others say no, in anycase I am sure with this card and my computer I should be able to play this game at least with EVERYTHING MAXED

[BaldEagl]

Well, late to the thread but good choice.  I was going to suggest a 9600 (although, the 8800GT's probably a better value if you had the extra $).  But you got an EVGA card so if you don't like it you can always send it in to EVGA (within 90 days) and upgrade to the 8800 paying only the difference.

[Max]

OK so after much research, I chose this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130334

Over the 8800GT, why? Because for one, this one will fit and many of the 8800gt's won't

Some say the 8800GT is faster/better others say no, in anycase I am sure with this card and my computer I should be able to play this game at least with EVERYTHING MAXED

Don't mean to throw you off your choice BUT........ I slapped a Egva 7600GT (Newegg - $69 after rebate) into my new homebuilt and I'm more than happy with it. You might want to check this card out in Tom's Hardware vs the 9600 and see what you get for the extra $100