Video Card

[LivedKrad]

I'm very new at buying PC hardware, and I was wondering if this video card was worth it. I'd like one that makes War3 run very smoothly, and one that causes no choppyness when playing Diablo II.

So, I saw this one. If anyone would like to comment on whether this video card will work for me, please let me know.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-102-399&DEPA=1

RAM: 320MB
AMD Motherboard
Current video card: 64MB SiS card. (Possibly getting a GeForce 2 MX)
1.1GHz processor

Thanks again.

[quasi-modo]

bad card. It would run war3 better then what you have, but the se is generally reguarded as meaning sucky edition... or sucks extreme. Its the crappy version of the card. I would say raise your budget to about 120 if you want a really decent card that will get the job done, not just for war 3, but for other games.

these are a bit better
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-301&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-240-020&depa=1

[j0k3r]

Any 128MB card should do you fine for War3 and D2, however I'd recommend atleast a 9600Pro if you're thinking about getting into some newer games. My friend got NHL2005 and a 9600Pro last weekend, and is loving every minute of it.

[quasi-modo]

I am using a ti4200 right now and it does everything I want it to do, but you cant find those much anymore, thats why I linked those 9600's.... they are on about the same level. The ti line is better then any low end card in the fx line...
*the 9600s I linked are ones I picked out because they have a good memory speed, 600mhz.

[j0k3r]

Also, like I always say, if you're going to be playing any sort of MMO game, load up on the RAM before the video card. More than 512 is required for smooth performance.

[quasi-modo]

Well you also need a halfway decent processor too. So you might just say if you want decent performance, pony up for the parts for a decent pc. Because you get what you pay for.

[Maddox]

My GeForce2 MX 400 runs Warcraft III fine. It gets choppy sometimes, but mostly because I play DotA and my computer sucks. (1ghz 256mb ram)

I suggest getting a Radeon 9800 Pro (256mb), $225 at pricewatch.

[LordNevar]

I would have to agree with Maddox, I use a Radeon 7500 128 and it works and runs everything just fine.

[quasi-modo]

My GeForce2 MX 400 runs Warcraft III fine. It gets choppy sometimes, but mostly because I play DotA and my computer sucks. (1ghz 256mb ram)

I suggest getting a Radeon 9800 Pro (256mb), $225 at pricewatch.

Just because it is a 9800 pro with 256 does not mean its good. It could have the slowest ram in the world and be crap. We need more numbers. I would not pay that much and get 9800 pro. I would get a 5900 or a 5950 because they render smoother then ati cards. Have you seen an ati card play starwars galexies?

[j0k3r]

$225 for the 9800 is an amazing price, I would recommend getting one. From my experience playing star wars galaxies on a radeon, they don't do anything wrong.

[quasi-modo]

$225 for the 9800 is an amazing price, I would recommend getting one. From my experience playing star wars galaxies on a radeon, they don't do anything wrong.

I have seen horrid artifacts in that game on the 9800 all in wonder and pro. I would take a high end nvidea card over a high end ati any day. 6800 before x800, so on and so fourth. But still just knowing how much ram and the price does not tell you much. Who makes it? Whats the cas of the ram? What is its speed? I look at more then just ammount of ram when I buy a card.

[Hitmen]

But still just knowing how much ram and the price does not tell you much. Who makes it? Whats the cas of the ram? What is its speed? I look at more then just ammount of ram when I buy a card.

That doesn't tell you shit either, I look at actual performance benchmarks from a few different sources before forming any opinions.

[Stealth]

Here's a very recent Slashdot article that deals with sub-$200 videocards that perform better than last year's top-of-the-line ones.

[quasi-modo]

Here's a very recent Slashdot article that deals with sub-$200 videocards that perform better than last year's top-of-the-line ones.

I have seen stuff like that too. If I got one of those I think I would have to stoop to getting pci express too though. I like my motherboard but if I got a new one i know I would go wild with the pci express and the ddr2. I have not upgraded my system for months, I don't want to, I want to save my money. But this recent wave of new technology is just calling to me... and scaring my wallet.