Question on Graphics Cards

[ER_Chaser]

again ...

Brian, you taught quite a bit last time when I was thinking about buying a new machine. --- well, that time I ended up only upgrading my memory for $69.... (and it worked fine)

Yet, time comes to think about getting a new system again... ...
Now I am looking at a few major graphics cards:
GeForce 5200 128M and ATI Radean 9200 128M ... seem to be quite the most expensive ones to my search (am I right?) ... which one is better anyway?
Also, GeForce4 MX440 128M is considerably cheaper (only at $69 or so), but what is teh big difference among them? (the others are at around $200 tag..) --- how long will this card last into the future?

Anyone's help is appreciated

[Jim H. Moreno]

Need some more info, ER:

What do you currently have installed?

Do you have a specific need that you want your card to meet?

What brand/type of PC do you own?

What's your budget?

Yes, I'm a former salesman, if it sounds that way to you.

[Siberian HEAT]

I use Tom's Hardware Guide to study video cards...and then I usually pick the one that is in the sweet spot of price.

Video Card Guide

[ER_Chaser]

Thank you, Jim and Brian

I will take a look at the reviews soon ... here are the answers to Jim's questions:
Right now I have a GeForce2 MX200 64M.

I do not have an immediate request for the card. Since right now the GF2 can handle everything I have and expecting to buy (in the short future). But I am upgrading my other machine anyway --- (it is an old P2 350MHz, with some old settings.) for my gf's current use. She does not need any fancy setups because basically she surfs the web. However, I am thinking about maybe after a while, I can switch my current machine with this new one to satisfy my next generation need. Sounds a bit complex, but that is the idea

I do not buy brand boxes. I bought my current one from Ebay. And right now I am also searching on Ebay --- it is still much cheaper than the deals I can find on dell or gateway etc.. My monitors are good though.

basically, I go for the performance/price ratio. i.e., if a $1000 system runs way much better than a $300 system, I will go for that $1000, but if it is just moderately better, I will go with the $300. The maximum I am willing to pay is around $1000 for the box.

Thanks again

[ER_Chaser]

Originally posted by Brian King
I use Tom's Hardware Guide to study video cards...and then I usually pick the one that is in the sweet spot of price.

Video Card Guide

LoL ... that chart is really helpful knowledge-wise ... Learned quite a lot .... but it seems to make my decision even harder now .... too many nice things!!

However, I notice the price labelled there for GF4 MX400 is less than 40 ---- I am wondering if Ican buy from them

[Igotmilk]

Something to get you started:

Motherboard: Abit NF7 (AGP 8X) $79.99
Processor: AMD ATHLON XP 2500+ "Barton" 333 FSB CPU- RETAIL $90.00
RAM: Crucial 512MB PC3200 DDR (1 stick so you can upgrade to 1024)
$96.00
HD: Western Digital Special Edition 80GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model
WD800JB, OEM Drive Only $74.00
Total without case and Power Supply: $339.99

Complete system proposal with GOOD memory, Great Case and Great Power
Supply:

Motherboard Abit NF7-S $104.99
CPU AMD ATHLON XP 2500+ "Barton" 333 FSB PROCESSOR CPU- RETAIL
$90.00
RAM: 2 X Mushkin DDR 512MB PC3200 222 - Black Hi Perf Level II
$278.30
Video Card ATI RADEON 9600 PRO 128MB 8X AGP DVI/TV RETAIL $170.00
HDD MAXTOR 160GB 7200RPM Serial ATA Hard Drive Model 6Y160M0 8MB OEM
$131.00
Case CHIEFTEC Server Chasis (Aluminum Workstation Tower with Plastic
Front Cover) $72.00
Power Supply ENERMAX EG465P-VE(FM). 460W Power supply for AMD K7, K8 &
Pentium4 $78.99
Total: $925.28

All prices from NewEgg.com though you can price the stuff other places. ZipZoomFly.com may help.


For just a Vid card try the 5700ultra or the 5900.

[ER_Chaser]

That is surely fast handy info, thanks a lot, Milk

I will continue my search today ... hopefully report something later this afternoon

[Igotmilk]

Originally posted by ER Chaser
That is surely fast handy info, thanks a lot, Milk

I will continue my search today ... hopefully report something later this afternoon

Computers are really cheap now. One thing I have left out is the OS. WinXP Pro can run about $140, home can be had for around $100. I pimp XP. 95 stinks on ice.