OT: buying a new video card.

[judicial clerk]

I've recently been informed that my GeForce2 MX/MX 400 sucks. Does anyone have any recommendations for aninexpensive, reliable video card that will give me better performance than my old card? I probably cannot afford top of the line, but any suggestions are welcome.

[Philliesfan980]

How much are you willing to spend?

[Dutch]

I think this is the same damned card I have and I bought it brand new for like 400 bucks like a dumbass just a year or so ago. :)

PowerColor ATI RADEON 9800SE Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Bundle Free Hitman Contracts Game Model "R98-SC3" -OEM
$119.00

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?DEPA=0&description=14-131-249&CMP=OTC-pr1c3watch&ATT=Video+Cards

[gstelmack]

For low-end (around $100), try the GeForce FX 5200 or Radeon 9200 cards. For middle of the road (around $200), try the FX 5600 or Radeon 9600. Depends on your budget.

[jeff061]

Depends on the budget, i think for $200 a Radeon 9800 pro will serve you well for a good amount of time.

[Easy Mac]

you can get a fx 5200 or radeon 9200 for around $50, and a 5600 or 9600 for about 100-120.

I'd go with middle of the road Radeon 9600, just because if you have a mx400, chances are the processor and other components aren't too hot.

[sterlingice]

I was just looking at video cards when I put my girlfriend's computer together. I settled on a Radeon 9600 SE but it's the one thing that if we had budgeted more money, it would have gone towards (also, if it had been my computer and not hers). Right now, the sweet spot for performance vs price is hanging out at the Radeon 9600 Pro or XT. Those give double the performance of the 9200's and 9600 SE's for roughly twice the price. Doesn't sound like a bargain, but it will allow you to play most recent games whereas the SE will struggle mightily. I got the Sapphire SE for about $70 from Newegg but a 9800 XT from Sapphire runs $138 right now. Also, the 9600's go for about $100 each so there's your middle ground. I'd avoid the SE's if you want to play anything that came out in the last year or so. The 9600's give slightly less bang for the buck but they'll play most anything out there. And the XTs are probably the best deal going if you can shell out the extra cash.

SI

[Dutch]

Hmmmm, maybe I didn't get that card. I have a 9800 Radeon Pro. What the heck is an SE?

[judicial clerk]

Thanks you guys for the great suggestions.

The guy at Fry's told me that the Radeon 9800pro 128mb for $180 was a good deal.

I would like to spend $100.00 but I would spend up to 200 if it makes the most sense.

My computer is 1.7 GHz cpu and 512 mb ram

[sterlingice]

Cheaper than any of the Radeon 9800 Pro's on newegg so I fail to see how that can be a bad thing. Go for it, if you can afford it.

SI