video card, budget = $80

[stevevt]

What's the best 8X AGP video card I can get for around $80?

I think I can settle for 64MB in order to get DVI (which I can't currently use, but would be a nice hedge for a future monitor).

Some options at GoogleGear:
* http://www.googlegear.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=321824 (review) (http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1242)
MSI G4MX440-VTD8X GeForce4 MX400 AGP 8X 64MB DDR Video Card w/DVI & VIVO Retail
$87.99

* http://www.googlegear.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=320437
Asus V9180TD GeForce4 MX440-8X AGP 8X 64MB DDR Video Card w/TV-Out, DVI & Dual VGA Retail
$76.99

* http://www.googlegear.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=322643
eVGA e-GeForce4 MX440-8X AGP 8X 64MB DDR Video Card w/TV-Out, DVI & S-Video Retail
$68

I just want something relatively current that will be able to, say, let me play GTA3 with decent FPS and resolution.

Thoughts?

My slacker friend is advising me on focusing on the MX400 chipset, but I'd certainly be willing to entertain other ideas.

Thanks.


In case you're worried that the motherboard (http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=288869) I got isn't compatible with 8X AGP, I ended up with a different one than I: 1) mentioned in the thread; 2) ordered. Long story.

[navajo]

Look at PCWorld.com, they have the best budget Video cards.

[gcribbs]

http://www.newegg.com

for that price instead of the MX440 try the FX 5200

I would buy the Leadtek one for $79.00 shipped

[fumanstan]

Or i'd strongly consider the Radeon 8500 or 9200. The GF4 MX lacks even DX8 support. Out of all the cards mentioned, the Radeons should be faster. If you don't like ATI, then the Geforce FX 5200 would be your best bet.

[Ranger]

The GFX5200 does look nice. At newegg, Abit has one w/ s-video and DVI and 128MB RAM for $86 and free shipping - sounds good to me.

[gcribbs]

Originally posted by fumanstan
Or i'd strongly consider the Radeon 8500 or 9200. The GF4 MX lacks even DX8 support. Out of all the cards mentioned, the Radeons should be faster. If you don't like ATI, then the Geforce FX 5200 would be your best bet.

The 9200 is more than his budget of $80 and it does not have DX9 support although it is a faster video card. The 8500 lacks both 8x agp and DX9 support and it might be faster than the FX5200.

For the budget I would go with the FX5200. If he wants to pay more I might have him look at some DX 9 ati cards.

[stevevt]

Thanks for all the advice so far.

Just out of curiosity, why can I get a FX5200 with 128MB or RAM, DX9 support, etc. for the same price as some 64MB MX440s?

Am I giving up anything?

[Eeyore]

i know it says "3" instead of "4" or "FX", but i think this Geforce3 ti-200 (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=&submit=Go&description=geforce3) for $79 shipped will kick the pants off of a neutered MX card or a non-ultra FX. (i'm not suggesting this is the best benchmark link, but this (http://www.tomshardware.com/graphic/20021218/vgacharts-04.html) will at least give you a taste of how craptacular those geforce4 mx cards are compared to the ti cards.)

[stevevt]

Ordered me a this (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=14-130-136&depa=0).

Busted the budget. Whoops. -wink-

Thanks everybody.

[Eeyore]

excellent choice :>

[gcribbs]

Originally posted by stevevt
Ordered me a this (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=14-130-136&depa=0).

Busted the budget. Whoops. -wink-

Thanks everybody.

I would have got the gainward with 3.5 ns memory but the card you got is a nice card.

[stevevt]

Originally posted by gcribbs
I would have got the gainward with 3.5 ns memory but the card you got is a nice card.

No DVI on the Gainward. For my needs, it's more likely I'll need that than the extra speed down the road.

[gcribbs]

Originally posted by stevevt
No DVI on the Gainward. For my needs, it's more likely I'll need that than the extra speed down the road.

you are right at that.

enjoy the new card :)