Graphics card for the budget gamer?

T

Tmaxxer

I don't want to spend a ton of cash on a graphics card but would like to run the games at higher specs. So what would be a good choice for the budget gamer.

currently i have a ATi radeon 7500 64 meg

budget UNDER 200.

(this is why pc gaming sucks, cost more for a video card than a console)
 
Back when I was shopping around for a new graphics card the Radeon 9600 Pro was the budget card to get. I'm pretty positive it was under $200 and its easily up near the top of the list as far as performance is concerned. That was a couple months ago though, so don't just take my word for it but definitely check it out.
 
Right now it's the Radeon 9800 Pro (pick 256mb for more future-proofing than you would have with the 128mb version, which was my mistake) which is available for around $200 on http://www.newegg.com. Check for the XT as well.

I picked the Sapphire Atlantis 128mb one, and it works like a charm.  Get decent framerates on FarCry and Doom 3 (by decent I mean over 30, but less than about 45.  I always prefer 60, but I also always have AA and AT almost as high as they go, so that usually kills framerate.  I'm a freak when it comes to graphics :p)
 
here's a good one :D
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-394&depa=0

:lol

is that the best card they have? Or what is the best card they have?

†B†V† :hat
 
Bluevoodu said:
here's a good one :D
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-394&depa=0

:lol

is that the best card they have? Or what is the best card they have?

†B†V† :hat
Click to expand...
That's one of the best, but the Sapphire X800 XT Platinum (or whatever) edition is better.
 
trkorecky said:
That's one of the best, but the Sapphire X800 XT Platinum (or whatever) edition is better.
Click to expand...

I don't see it there anymore...

I want the X800 but the ATI version.... I would get the sapphire... but... I don't know, I am not sure how it would compare with the ATI quality wise..etc.

Heck, it could be better for all I know.


HEY... there is a Radeon 9550 256 meg card at Best Buy right now for $100 (with rebates)
Go get that... that would do wouldn't it?


†B†V† :hat
 
trkorecky said:
Can't imagine a 9550 being all that speedy...

I personally would take my own route and buy the 9800 Pro.
Click to expand...
well... its $100 cheaper too and its better than what you have, right?

†B†V† :hat
 
Radeon 9550 is a lot less than what I have. Basically, the higher the number with Radeons, the faster/better they are (with the exception of x3/6/800 though)
 
trkorecky said:
Radeon 9550 is a lot less than what I have.  Basically, the higher the number with Radeons, the faster/better they are (with the exception of x3/6/800 though)
Click to expand...
you have a 7500... right?

that is less than a 9550

awww crap... tmaxxer does..... I got you 2 confused.

†B†V† :hat
 
trkorecky said:
That's one of the best, but the Sapphire X800 XT Platinum (or whatever) edition is better.
Click to expand...

where is that card again?

are you sure its a bit faster?

not to question, but does the "platinum" status give it some extra features?

†B†V† :hat
 
Yes, it's slightly faster (about 20 MHz in GPU and mem, I believe) and it supports a newer version of OpenGL (thereby increasing graphics performance in OpenGL games).

Not sure where it went...
 
tmaxxer said:
can i get some direct links guys?   :)
Click to expand...

you know what.. I just looked and I cannot find a direct link :-\

It might be a sale for our store only.... sorry about that.

†B†V† :hat
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top