AGP speed - compatibility info needed

[rh71]

I've been so out of the loop since the Voodoo3 days ... haven't been following the scene at all.

I am in the market for a new video card since I'm returning the GF3 ti200 I borrowed from someone who wasn't using it.

I have an ASUS A7V mobo and I believe it supports up to 4X AGP. Since I want a new video card, would it be okay to get something that runs at whatever the latest is? I'm assuming it's backwards compatible, but just wanted to be sure. What is the latest anyway?

And I guess while I'm here, what's the best bang-for-the-buck card in the $150 range, while still keeping with the near future technology. HL2 is looking good and I hear Nvidia cards will have a bug with it.. ? Does ATI have the lead on Nvidia because of the DX9 support - and is it worth the price difference for the latest/greatest ?

[jmebonner]

Yes, it is backwards compatible, at least to 4x, I'm not sure about 2x. Nvidia also has DX9 cards, they're the FX series. They are power hungry though, so plan on compensating for that. In the $150 range should can get a good Ti4200 or maybe all of the way up to 4600 if you look around. If you're set on DX9 you can get an fx 5600 for <$150.

hth

[tony_j15]

In the 150 range, if it aint an ATI, its junk.(thats saying a lot, im an nvidia fan boy usually.) They have much better quality than the FX's. I would get a Radeon 9500 or 9600. Both are DX9 compatible, 4xagp compat, best bang for the buck. I have never heard of nvidia cards having a bug with HL2, thats bogus IMO. Even if they do, it'll be worked out by the time the game is on the market.

[Urban_Squrill]

I vote 9500 or 9600.

[rh71]

I think I'm pretty sold on the 9500 / 9600, but it looks like others are manufacturing ATI chipsets now... (like all those brands for Nvidia cards in the past). How's the Saphire stuff ? Is there any other better for the same price range? ATI branded is more expensive.

Are there any game incompatibilities with the ATI cards? I heard about Freelancer having problems with it... any other big ones you guys know of ?