Choosing a video card

[John Oliver]

I'm considering getting a new video card to replace my old Ti 4200 64MB
The only reason is for newer games like Doom 3, HL2, etc. On the one
hand, I want something that's as "forward compatible" as possible, but
on the other, I just can't see spending more than $200. Even that is an
awful lot just to be able to play games, but ya gotta pay to play.

I'm looking for a site that will give me an overview of stuff like 5200,
5500, 5600, 5700, 5900, ATI 9200, 9600, 9800, etc. There are Pros, GTs,
LEs, XTs, SEs, etc... which is what? Basically, I want the best "bang
for the buck".

 

[Tod]

The new Nvidia 6600 AGP is the best bang for the buck.

 

[John Oliver]

The new Nvidia 6600 AGP is the best bang for the buck.

I've found exactly one 6600GT AGP card for sale so far, for $250 It may
be a little while before there are enough around (or some AMD mobos with
PCI-E) to make that really worthwhile.

My question was intended to be more like "Is there a 5x00 card that is
significantly less than that, like maybe $120-$150 that is significantly
better than my Ti 4200?"

 

[Tod]

Anything with "LE" or "SE" is the slower end of a series.
Usually the card comes with narrow (64 bit) and slower memory (and slower
GPU).
Midrange and faster cards (Ultras and XTs) come with wider (128 bit) and
faster memory.

Your 4200 can give the Nvidia 5X00 series a good run for the money, with
Direct X 8 games

Nvidia 5200 ULTRA $100 mail order, faster then regular 5200.
Better prices ($65) on www.ebay.com

Nvidia 5700 ULTRA $???

Nvidia 5900 $175

I myself am very happy with my ATI 9600 PRO ($140)
A few bucks more for the ATI 9600 XT