Help with video cards.

B_4inches

Experimental Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2005
Posts
285
Media
0
Likes
3
Points
161
Age
42
Location
South east Idaho
Sexuality
100% Straight, 0% Gay
Gender
Male
Ok, I'm on an older system I built for gaming. Had a lot of trouble with it and for the last 2 years thought it had died on me from a powere surge due to a brown out, a frequent occurence where I live. Turns out what had actually blown was the monitor, the one thing I didn't check initially, so I basically got my computer back (and bought a very nice 23" 1080P widescreen LCD) and aside from the single AGP slot being a bit odd (will randomly not send a signal to the monitor when I turn it on but not very frequently) I have my machine back.

What I want to do though is upgrade the graphics card but I'm having a lot of trouble picking one out. There is a local PC shop I went to and found an AGP card, a Spahire Radeon X1650 512 for $88 which I have found for cheaper on the net, a lot cheaper. But I've found other cards as well and would just like the most bang for my buck because I want it to be viable for at least a year so anyone who really knows video cards well (for the most part I can't tell the differance anymore) if you could help me find me some options in the $40-80 dollar range I would appreciate it. Just note that $80 would be at the extreme edge of what I'm willing to spend. Heres my system:

AMD Athlon 3000+
Soyo Dragon II MB (I think)
ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 256 Mb (AGP)
430 Watt PSU

If the card is really nice and isn't killing me for price I would consider upgrading the power supply for it if 430 watts isn't enough. I would prefer an ATI card simply cause it's what I'm use to but that's not such a big deal.

Here are links to the two cards I was looking at:
Sapphire ATI Radeon X1650Pro 512MB
SuperBiiz.com - Sapphire ATI Radeon X1650Pro 512MB DVI/HDTV AGP Video Card

And

Sapphire ATI Radeon HD3650 512MB
SuperBiiz.com - Limited Time Special! Sapphire ATI Radeon HD3650 512MB 2DVI AGP Video Card

I am by no means attached to either of these cards they're just what I've run across so far.

Thanks in advance and PM me if you like if you need to ask me something :)
 
Last edited:

Deno

Cherished Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2006
Posts
4,631
Media
1
Likes
407
Points
303
Sexuality
No Response
I swear by GeForce Nvidia I have the 8500gt and it worked fine with all the new vista games but I am afraid it is becoming bottom end. I haven't had an ati card since the all in wonder. I can't believe you can actually spend less for your computer then some video cards.
 

b.c.

Worshipped Member
Verified
Gold
Joined
Nov 7, 2005
Posts
20,540
Media
0
Likes
21,779
Points
468
Location
at home
Verification
View
Gender
Male
I have a 9800 that I haven't put in yet...been sittin' around since
Christmas... but if you want something viable for a year you'll probably have to spend more and undoubtedly will have to buy an upgraded power supply too. You might also wanna check out pcmag online:

Graphics Cards - Reviews and Price Comparisons from PC Magazine
 

Deno

Cherished Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2006
Posts
4,631
Media
1
Likes
407
Points
303
Sexuality
No Response
if your in the states check tigerdirect they have great deals on high end cards