Which Video card is right for me

[Bones]

Here's my system!

AMD Athlon 1100 mgz
256 MB Ram
40 Mb HD
ATI AIW Pro 32 mb Vid card (It's not 3D)

Windows XP Pro

I need to upgrade my video card an have about $200 USD to spend. I hate
getting advise from the guy I'm handing my money over to. Mostly I want the
upgrade for Gaming purposes. It renders Photo's just fine, but the gaming
sucks on new gmes like Halo, C&C Generals, and pretty much everything else
out there that's new in 2004

suggestions please?

 

[sheer]

Here's my system!

AMD Athlon 1100 mgz
256 MB Ram
40 Mb HD
ATI AIW Pro 32 mb Vid card (It's not 3D)

Windows XP Pro

I need to upgrade my video card an have about $200 USD to spend. I hate
getting advise from the guy I'm handing my money over to. Mostly I want the
upgrade for Gaming purposes. It renders Photo's just fine, but the gaming
sucks on new gmes like Halo, C&C Generals, and pretty much everything else
out there that's new in 2004

suggestions please?

double your ram to 512 and with what's left over get the best ATI 9800 for
the money which you can then move later to a newer system, PLEASE CHECK YOUR
CURRENT MOTHERBOARD (AGP) WILL HANDLE NEW CARD BEFORE BUYING!

 

[Mangyrat]

thats some good advice get more ram. 256megs for aorund $25
then get a 9800pro 128 meg card for around $150
the cpu and the ram will hold the 9800pro back but it will still be a good
gaming card that you can transfer to a new rig later on.

 

[Berti Ferranti]

ATI AIW Pro 32 mb Vid card (It's not 3D)

Oh, but it is! But nowhere near what recent games require.

Apart from the things mentioned already, I'd also advise you to check
whether you power supply has at least 350 Watts. Because if it doesen't you
might as well take your $200 dollars to a strip club. But the 9800 Pro or
9600 XT is definitely the right card for you - I'd recommend you buy the
latter, because you'll get a new one for the same price or less than a used
9800, and if your system (either Mobo or Power supply) can't support it you
can take it back. The speed difference will be neglible on your system.

If there is any way you can get your hands on more money in the near future,
I'd advise you to postpone the upgrade until you have about $400 - there
should be a new mobo+CPU+extra Ram+9600 XT+ a decent power supply in there.
That would give you a proper gaming system which can handle recent games at
a proper speed - a new video card and a little extra ram won't.

regards, Berti

 

[Bones]

Thanks for your feedback everyone. I've not made up my mind yet, but time
will tell.

Dave