buying a new computer ...video card selection... ALL INPUT WELCOME

[lefty31199]

Im looking into Media Center PCs, and by far the best site ive seen that has the most options for your customizations is the Cyberpower Media Center 9000 at www.cyberpowersystems.com

You can even do those wacky case mods, such as LCDS, neons, temp displays, etc.

My question is this.

I was not sure what to choose for my video card. They have a 'ton' of choices, and although some are 'pricey' (350-400.00)

I want something that is 256mb....ATI, Nvidia...ive had both in the past. I have 2 ATI cards in my system now...I just need some feedback from people who know this kinda stuff. Here are the choices I have narrowed it down to:



nVidia GeForce-FX 5600XT 256MB DDR W/ TV OUT & DVI

nVidia GeForce FX 5700 256MB 8x AGP w/ TVO, & DVI

ATI RADEON 9200 128MB DDR W/ TV-OUT & DVI

ATI RADEON 9600 256MB DDR AGP 8X W/ TV-OUT & DVI

ATI RADEON 9600 PRO 256MB DDR AGP 8X W/ TV-OUT & DVI



Thanks for the help, ALL

[slinky]

http://www.gameve.com/gve/store/prod...sku=VC-BFG-002 (bundled with free Call of Duty)

and with BFG's true lifetime warranty you might be able to get a NV50 if anything happens.

[lefty31199]

is there a big (other than 128) NOTICABLE difference in gameplay for 128->256MB cards?

Ive read contradictory reviews.

[slinky]

Unless you get a 5900 Ultra or 9800 Pro, the card will probably come with 256MB of slow, cheap memory.

[lefty31199]

not to sound too 'newbie-ish' when it comes to the REALLY technical things... or to sound stupid....but

what do you mean it will come with slow memory? what does this depend on?

The card is an OEM card.. ive read those specs... but there is nothing else listed as to what 'kind' of memory is on the card.

what about the 9600Pro 265mb? it says retail box


thanks Slinky

[slinky]

With lower end cards, Nvidia and Ati relax their limits over what type of memory and such can be used.. this way some unsuspecting buyer will look at 256MB and immediately assume the more the merrier, but it will be slower. Putting lots of fast ram on the card would raise the price too high for the budget/mainstream buyers.

I'd go with a 128MB 9600 Pro (avoid the "EZ" versions).

[Omardeth]

the 9600pro or xt or the fx5700 ultra are what you want to go with . either of the 2 brands will work great for you .

as far as 256 mb goes like slinky said it is a marketing ploy . NOTHING will take advantage of the added memory at this time . it is really hard to use 128 at the moment . so i would just get a 128 card .

[Starfury_2260]

it would probably be a good idea to get the cheapest card in the system and get a really good card from somewhere else. of course supposedly in a few months PCI express is coming which could mean a big drop in agp based GC prices.

[lefty31199]

what is PCI Express?

[thegladiatorgy]

Originally posted by lefty31199
what is PCI Express?

http://www.intel.com/technology/pcie...PCIExpress.pdf