Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: angelsandair on August 05, 2008, 12:39:39 AM

Title: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: angelsandair on August 05, 2008, 12:39:39 AM
:rock

I got a PCI Express Slot with an Intergrated ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 video card. What can I get that'll do better for AHII? :rock :rock

I might just bust my butt for a couple more weeks and get a new comp... I'm debating on it though.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: sethipus on August 05, 2008, 03:59:08 AM
For in the ~$100 range you should be looking for a Geforce 9600gt.  For Aces High it'll set you up pretty well.

If you were willing to spend closer to $200 I'd say go for the ATI 4850, or the Geforce 8800gt.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Fulmar on August 05, 2008, 08:18:19 AM
For in the ~$100 range you should be looking for a Geforce 9600gt.  For Aces High it'll set you up pretty well.

If you were willing to spend closer to $200 I'd say go for the ATI 4850, or the Geforce 8800gt.
We need to know what the power wattage/amps of his PSU is.  Otherwise you're going to have a computer that shuts off on you when you're trying to fly.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Getback on August 05, 2008, 12:05:30 PM
You may be able to get a ATI 3850 or 3870. But lets just get it out there; anything is better than onboard video. Remember to remove the old drivers first and then use Driver cleaner or some such program to clean out any remnants. Then disable On board video in the BIOS.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: humble on August 05, 2008, 01:39:48 PM
DO NOT BUY AN NVIDIA CARD WITH ONBOARD ATI EXPRESS

It's just that simple, there are potentially unsolvable driver incombatabilities since the onboard chipset is invariably OEM and does not have updated drivers for the MB etc. Stick with an ATI card. newegg has the 3870 gigabyte for $99 with a zalman fan. Thats your best bet...
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Denholm on August 05, 2008, 02:12:57 PM
We still need to know the max wattage on his PSU.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Fulmar on August 05, 2008, 02:19:32 PM
I'm guessing his PSU is in the 300-350W range.  He'll be hard pressed to find anything that doesn't require at least 400W.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Denholm on August 05, 2008, 02:23:27 PM
If that's true, another $25 - $50 will fix that.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: humble on August 05, 2008, 02:31:12 PM
I' assume he's got the standard 300W box PSU. The compaq 300W PS is actually not that bad, its got an 18@ 12V rail. If he's only got stock components then he might be ok...

some other options

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102704 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102704) $15

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121259 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121259) $20

Neither of these requires a seperate 6 pin 12v power lead so both should be fine...but both are marginal cards {but better then what he has by a lot}.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Getback on August 05, 2008, 02:35:33 PM
I'm guessing his PSU is in the 300-350W range.  He'll be hard pressed to find anything that doesn't require at least 400W.

I know you can get a 450 watt PS pretty reasonable. Now the particulars of that I don't know. I used one for my Mom's build and it is working beautifully. However, she does not play online games.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Fulmar on August 05, 2008, 03:20:46 PM
I know you can get a 450 watt PS pretty reasonable. Now the particulars of that I don't know. I used one for my Mom's build and it is working beautifully. However, she does not play online games.
But we have to consider that he's never done any of this before.  Replacing a PSU can be quite the challenge for someone that has just learned to take the side of the case off.  We all know it's really simple, but for the novice, it's a whole different scenario.

I believe humble's video card suggestions should be ideal for this situation without a real need at a larger PSU (thus replacing it).
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Getback on August 05, 2008, 03:25:12 PM
But we have to consider that he's never done any of this before.  Replacing a PSU can be quite the challenge for someone that has just learned to take the side of the case off.  We all know it's really simple, but for the novice, it's a whole different scenario.

I believe humble's video card suggestions should be ideal for this situation without a real need at a larger PSU (thus replacing it).

Ditto Fulmar.

Pesonally I am still learning about Power Supplies. I've gained a little knowledge in the last couple of weeks. Nothing to right home about though.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Fulmar on August 05, 2008, 03:28:30 PM
I mean I'm referring to unplugging everything and then plugging it all back in.  It's possible for a novice.  Draw a map of where every connection went etc., but when it comes to recommending actions to someone who I can't help in person with this....I choose the safer route.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Getback on August 05, 2008, 10:11:22 PM
I've had he PS in and out so often in the last few months I can put them in blind folded.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: 1701E on August 05, 2008, 10:14:44 PM
I've had he PS in and out so often in the last few months I can put them in blind folded.

I wish mine was that easy, even after 6 times it still is annoying.  The way that is said to be the way to remove it, is in fact not how it is done, take more complex work :cry
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: angelsandair on August 06, 2008, 03:01:49 AM
Can I get any of these at WalMart, Best Buy, or Circuit City? :D

Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: sethipus on August 06, 2008, 05:33:53 AM
Can I get any of these at WalMart, Best Buy, or Circuit City? :D
Could, but I don't know why you'd want to.

Look at newegg.com.  Newegg is your friend.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Denholm on August 06, 2008, 08:52:04 AM
If you get it at any of those stores you will pay a lot more than at newegg. Simple fact, newegg spanks the electronic store competition with low prices and quality products.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Fulmar on August 06, 2008, 09:02:30 AM
Example:
Best Buy X1650 Pro: $130 + tax
Newegg: $45-$60 + $7 s/h

Best Buy 3450 512mb: $90 + tax
Newegg:  $47 + $7 s/h
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: BaldEagl on August 06, 2008, 09:08:48 AM
If you get it at any of those stores you will pay a lot more than at newegg. Simple fact, newegg spanks the electronic store competition with low prices and quality products.

And great customer service.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Denholm on August 06, 2008, 09:12:29 AM
Couldn't vouch for that since I never had to complain. :D
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: 1701E on August 06, 2008, 01:01:15 PM
Heck Wal-mart is so overpriced they still want $100 for an Nvidia GeForce 6200 (or was it 6800...) either way, last time i check that is not $100, even an 8800 is only $50 more online!
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: BaldEagl on August 06, 2008, 07:12:40 PM
Couldn't vouch for that since I never had to complain. :D

I bought a Saitek ST290 Pro when I built my new machine which died in 3 months.  They told me to keep it or throw it away and shipped me a new one within 3 days.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Getback on August 06, 2008, 10:27:50 PM
I wish mine was that easy, even after 6 times it still is annoying.  The way that is said to be the way to remove it, is in fact not how it is done, take more complex work :cry

Oh yeah, I switched PS a week ago as discussed in another thread. But they take some time. I really need to get in there and organize the connections.

BTW 3.59 right now. (Inside stuff all)
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Denholm on August 07, 2008, 09:17:27 AM
I bought a Saitek ST290 Pro when I built my new machine which died in 3 months.  They told me to keep it or throw it away and shipped me a new one within 3 days.
That's incredible! :O
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: angelsandair on August 11, 2008, 12:07:52 AM
Well, now I got 225$$. I'm not sure now. I'm definately looking into it though.

My friend got a brand new computer that runs AHII very very fast and well for like 300$$. I might just do that. :)


Edit: Cant find the NVDIA 8800 or whatever it's called, I think thats what I'm gonna buy :(
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: 1701E on August 11, 2008, 02:34:20 AM
Aces High can be ran at great Frame rates, on cheaper PCs quite well.

Biostar NF61S-M2 TE Motherboard      $50
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.3GHz         $60
2GB DDR2-800MHz Dual channel RAM   $40
Nvidia GeForce 7900GS 256MB            $90
630 Watt PSU / 18A on 12V rail          $30

Will run AH at full settings FR 60-75, with V-sync on of course.
Unless you play other games that are demanding nothing more fancy is really needed, although the GPU can easily be upgraded for about $60 to something much better.  No point spending a lot more of a system that is not needed for high end gaming.

Also the Nvidia GeForce 8800 you are talking about getting is a great card to get if you have a $100-200 budget, and that card is still more than ever needed in AH (unless we get a major graphics upgrade) :aok.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: angelsandair on August 11, 2008, 08:40:43 AM
Well, no I'm in a bind. :noid

I need a new joystick, and I need a new Video Card. Damn, and I may get an XBox 360. (Damn, I think the Video Card can wait, I'm not sure yet though  :cry :cry



This is a tough choice. I can get any one of those, but not BOTH (except joystick and Video card)
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Fulmar on August 11, 2008, 09:20:18 AM
If Aces High is the only game you're going to play for the next two to three years, then I guess I can warrant building (if you have the skills/desire to do so) or buying a cheap PC.  If you want to play other games (more graphically intense), I say don't waste your money on a new PC.  Because in 6 months you'll be wanting to upgrade to play that new game, but you low end PC is going to need another overall to achieve that.

My opinion is, if you're an avid gamer and enjoy playing games outside of Aces High, then don't waste your money on a cheap build.  I game about 90% on my PC and 10% on my Wii.  I spend about 98% of my time on my PC and 2% of my time on my Wii.  So I spend a lot more money on my PC than games for my Wii.  Every time I build a new computer, I spend at least $1000.  I reuse what parts I can, but gnerally I get my PC to go about 3-4 years.  I do minor upgrades during those 3-4 years.  That is add another/new hard drive, new sound card, new fans.  Sub $200 parts.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Kuhn on August 11, 2008, 03:46:44 PM
For in the ~$100 range you should be looking for a Geforce 9600gt.  For Aces High it'll set you up pretty well.

If you were willing to spend closer to $200 I'd say go for the ATI 4850, or the Geforce 8800gt.

Isn't the 9600 more than the 8800?

I have been thinking about upgrading from my NVIDIA G Force 8600. It does a good job at holding the frame rate to 75 but I want more.   :D
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Fulmar on August 11, 2008, 06:39:28 PM
Isn't the 9600 more than the 8800?

I have been thinking about upgrading from my NVIDIA G Force 8600. It does a good job at holding the frame rate to 75 but I want more.   :D
Depends on the price range your looking at.  The 4xxx series ATI cards are best bang for the buck in most respects.  But again it depends on your budget.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: BaldEagl on August 11, 2008, 06:52:14 PM
Edit: Cant find the NVDIA 8800 or whatever it's called, I think thats what I'm gonna buy :(

That's because NVidia is the chip manufacturer.  The cards are made by EVGA, BFG and other manufacturers.
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Anodizer on August 11, 2008, 07:49:53 PM
Isn't the 9600 more than the 8800?

I have been thinking about upgrading from my NVIDIA G Force 8600. It does a good job at holding the frame rate to 75 but I want more.   :D

I have a Geforce 9800GT and my wife's system has a Geforce 9600GT..  I upgraded my system from an 8800GT..  I see no difference in performance between my wife's 9600GT and the 8800GT I had..  And the 9600GT was cheaper when I bought it..  Heck, it's probably even cheaper now! 
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: angelsandair on August 11, 2008, 07:50:16 PM
If Aces High is the only game you're going to play for the next two to three years, then I guess I can warrant building (if you have the skills/desire to do so) or buying a cheap PC.  If you want to play other games (more graphically intense), I say don't waste your money on a new PC.  Because in 6 months you'll be wanting to upgrade to play that new game, but you low end PC is going to need another overall to achieve that.

My opinion is, if you're an avid gamer and enjoy playing games outside of Aces High, then don't waste your money on a cheap build.  I game about 90% on my PC and 10% on my Wii.  I spend about 98% of my time on my PC and 2% of my time on my Wii.  So I spend a lot more money on my PC than games for my Wii.  Every time I build a new computer, I spend at least $1000.  I reuse what parts I can, but gnerally I get my PC to go about 3-4 years.  I do minor upgrades during those 3-4 years.  That is add another/new hard drive, new sound card, new fans.  Sub $200 parts.

My friend bought an EMachine computer that gets like 60 FPS during huge battles. For only like $$300.

I'd like to get one of those (I bought the monitor we already have, so my dad is short a monitor :D )  :noid
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Denholm on August 12, 2008, 08:20:18 AM
You could piss him off by buying it at half price from newegg. :D
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Kuhn on August 12, 2008, 12:28:55 PM
Depends on the price range your looking at.  The 4xxx series ATI cards are best bang for the buck in most respects.  But again it depends on your budget.

No budget. I just don't want to spend $500.00 or more on a vid card.

Thanks
Title: Re: 105$$ to spend on a Vid Card
Post by: Kuhn on August 12, 2008, 12:30:03 PM
I have a Geforce 9800GT and my wife's system has a Geforce 9600GT..  I upgraded my system from an 8800GT..  I see no difference in performance between my wife's 9600GT and the 8800GT I had..  And the 9600GT was cheaper when I bought it..  Heck, it's probably even cheaper now! 

Hows the 9800 compare to your 8800?