Graphics card for 100 bucks?

[lasersailor184]

Hi AHers!

I'm currently on a decent computer.  I'm not looking to slam a 500 dollar card in here.  I was looking at about 100 bucks.

I was going to buy from New Egg, and I'm pretty sure I have PCI Express. 

First, what card would you recommend, and how do I check to make sure I have PCI Express?

[Fulmar]

What is your current computer set up?  As in, current video card/processor/ram.  I take it this is a store bought brand as well?

You can use SiSoftware Sandra to get your computer specs.
http://www.download.com/SiSoftware-Sandra/3000-2086_4-10556571.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10834499

Or another one is Everest
http://www.download.com/Everest-Ultimate-Edition/3000-2086_4-10499291.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10832752

I'm sure there are other programs out there too...

[humble]

Best deal by far is a 256M 8800GT for $99. It's currently out of stock however....

There is a 3870 for $99 as well with a zalman fan....

For $100 the 3870 is your best bet unless the other card restocks (it was a closeout so no clue if it will).

I just bought a 512M 8800GT for $130 after rebate.

If your open to going to about $160 there are 3-4 4850 cards with free shipping...

The 4850 is the best value by far. Since I only play AH and was worried about the catalyst drivers etc I went with the 8800 since I think its a better card for AH "compatability"...I'm sure as the drivers catch up the 4850 will prove to be a better value long term.

[Getback]

I have the 3870 and the 3850. Both good cards. but wow, if only I had waited.

[lasersailor184]

I'm beginning to rethink this.  If I replace the video card, I'd have to replace the power supply.  Then the motherboard is old and only has one PCI 16. 


And on and on.



How much would it cost to home build a decent system?

[Getback]

I'm beginning to rethink this.  If I replace the video card, I'd have to replace the power supply.  Then the motherboard is old and only has one PCI 16. 


And on and on.



How much would it cost to home build a decent system?

Depends, here is just an idea:

Mainboard ABit IP35                           140

CPU:  e8400                                     175

Video Card:    ATI 3850                      100

Power Supply: Cooler Master                 80

Sound card:      SB or Xonar                 90

Case:     Antec 900                             80

RAM:OCZ Reaper 4 gig                         98

So that comes to:                            733

This assumes you have an OS and will reuse your Monitor and console. Sound card is actually not really needed but lets your CPU work much more efficiently.

Now I'm no expert on some of these things especially power supplies, video card, and sound cards. I've used the ATI 3850 and it seems to do the job. I've heard that PC Power and Cooling is a great unit. More expensive. I don't think anyone will criticize the E8400 or the case. Many think well of those components.

Keep in mind that not all 3850s or probably any other version whether Nvidia or ATI are created equal. Skuzzy had a post on power supplies. Wish I knew where it was but it has excellent commentary about what to look for. Some PS manufacturers are misleading. The PS I listed may be one of those for all I know.

Just post what you decide and we will be all to happy to critique. 

[1701E]

I'm beginning to rethink this.  If I replace the video card, I'd have to replace the power supply.  Then the motherboard is old and only has one PCI 16. 


And on and on.



How much would it cost to home build a decent system?

Heck if you have a small budget, it's not hard.  I have one for under $300 or so and it runs AH maxed at 60-75FR.

Motherboard: $50  Biostar AM2 socket
CPU: $60   AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.3GHz Dual
RAM: $40  2GB Kingston
PSU: $30  630 Watt 18Amp on 12V rail
GPU: $90  Nvidia GeForce 7900GS

$220 total

[Getback]

Heck if you have a small budget, it's not hard.  I have one for under $300 or so and it runs AH maxed at 60-75FR.

Motherboard: $50  Biostar AM2 socket
CPU: $60   AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.3GHz Dual
RAM: $40  2GB Kingston
PSU: $30  630 Watt 18Amp on 12V rail
GPU: $90  Nvidia GeForce 7900GS

$220 total

Nice 1700E, I admire that (I'm being serious)

[1701E]

Nice 1700E, I admire that (I'm being serious)

Not sure what there is to admire, but thanks it's a nice little PC

[BoilerDown]

Heck if you have a small budget, it's not hard.  I have one for under $300 or so and it runs AH maxed at 60-75FR.

Motherboard: $50  Biostar AM2 socket
CPU: $60   AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.3GHz Dual
RAM: $40  2GB Kingston
PSU: $30  630 Watt 18Amp on 12V rail
GPU: $90  Nvidia GeForce 7900GS

$220 total

That's $270 though!

[1701E]

well i'll be, i forgot to ad the Motherboard in that price! thanks Boiler!

[Getback]

Not sure what there is to admire, but thanks it's a nice little PC

The price my son!

[lasersailor184]

Now I'm wavering.  Are all power supplies the same size?  I have a HP Media Center PC m7350n if that helps in finding out.

[Fulmar]

You have a Pentium D 920 2.8 GHz and 2gb of ram.  It's an older CPU, but not too old.  I would say spending over $150 on a video card is going to be a waste as your CPU wouldn't be able to keep up with it.

This is what you currently have as a video card.  A 6200 is low end/entry level.  A $100 card should give you a nice improvement without breaking the bank.  You may have to open up the side of your computer to see how many Watts your power supply is before you move any further.  As it stands, I wouldn't go the whole new computer route.
Graphics Controller
Type
    PCI Express x16 - Plug-in card
Graphics Processor / Vendor
    NVIDIA GeForce 6200SE TurboCache supporting 256MB TurboCache supporting 256MB

[lasersailor184]

I can't remember exactly, but I don't think the wattage cracks 300.  I opened it up yesterday.