Video card <$100

[dreamliner77]

I'm looking for a suggestion for a video card less than $100. PCI-E. I don't game. I'm partial to ATI (I don't know why?).

This is probably going to be matched with a FX60 and MSI mobo.

 

[ShepsCrook]

Looks like the Ati X1650Pro is your best bet.

 

[dreamliner77]

I assume the X1650 will have no problems running Aero in Vista?

I was looking more at something like the X1300's but will spend a few extra bucks if necessary.

 

[gonaads]

How about this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161040

Or this...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814142082

Only problem is they all look like they will only do DirectX 9. Don't you need DirectX 10 for Vista and the Aero goodies?

 

[Shamus MacNoob]

No you dont need a DX10 card for that in Vista it runs fine on a 7300GT

The X1600pro 512mb is a fine card for the price I just sold the one I had with a 3800X2 was a nice little setup

 

[dreamliner77]

How about this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161040

Or this...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814142082

Only problem is they all look like they will only do DirectX 9. Don't you need DirectX 10 for Vista and the Aero goodies?

AFAIK, ATI won't have a DX10 card out for a few more months.

That first card is 128MB of onboard ram... Would 128 be sufficient? I don't like eating into system memory; if I did, I'd just get a mobo with onboard video.

The second looks cool except that the review about the loud fan worries me. This PC will most likely be in a bedroom and on 24x7

 

[Shamus MacNoob]

Find a X1600 pro 512mb I had one

 

[LeeJend]

Either is fine. Texture memory is used predominantly for gaming textures. If you don't game and don't do 3D graphics rendering work you don't need a large on board texture memory.

PS 1600 PRO is the way to go for a decent speed ATI board under $100. But are you sure you want to buy something now with DX10 on the horizon? Just nagging.

 

[dreamliner77]

Either is fine. Texture memory is used predominantly for gaming textures. If you don't game and don't do 3D graphics rendering work you don't need a large on board texture memory.

PS 1600 PRO is the way to go for a decent speed ATI board under $100. But are you sure you want to buy something now with DX10 on the horizon? Just nagging.

Yeah. I'm putting together a new system for my studio on the cheap. I need a PCI-E card for it.

 

[Petros]

A 7600GT is probably the most powerful thing you can get for about that price. It's not ATI, but it's a swell performer.

 

[Shamus MacNoob]

But if your not a gamer I would say ATI for other reasons that being its multimedia capabilities.

 

[gonaads]

And this? Although it only has 256MB.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102033


Now this might work. But the one review listed said it overheated after an amount of gaming. You did say you weren't gonna be gaming.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161042

And most if not all the ones I posted have mail in rebates.

 

[dreamliner77]

That Sapphire looks good. I like the quiet fan idea.

 

[dreamliner77]

What about this card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814121056

 

[epk]

that one is good and a great price... 256mb gddr2 is enough

 

[Shamus MacNoob]

What about this card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814121056

Asus make great products .

 

[dreamliner77]

Good. I ordered it. I like the fanless design.

 

[LeeJend]

Make sure the case has good airflow. The fanless design depends on the incidental airflow across the fins from the CPU and case fans for cooling.

On the other hand unless the cards are doing 3D work (which includes the fancy VISTA desktops now) they don't generate much heat.

 

[dreamliner77]

I'm throwing it in a Coolermaster Centurian case with 120mm fans front and back and a 120 in the psu.

 

[LeeJend]

Whoosh, that should do it.