Lotronex

I finally got a little cash to play around with, and desperately need to upgrade my video card. My systems as it stands right now is a :
AMD 64 3000+
1 gig Geil value pc3200 Ram
abit kv8-max3
geforce2-gts 32mb <---The bottleneck

I've been seeing everyone play far cry, and really want to get that, problem is, I only have ~$70 to spend on a card.

Anyone have any suggestions for a solid 128mb card that runs directx 9?

Gotenks

I'd wait until you can muster up some cash for a 9600xt(150ish) or 9800pro(200ish). I wouldnt waste money on a budget dx9 card.

Lotronex

that would be the ideal thing for me to do, but i wont be able to work this summer, because im taking another semester. teh money I got now is only going to go down as time goes on.

shakran

Gotenks is right. If you can't pony up the cash for a good card, why waste money on a crappy one? Take the $70 and do something else with it, because you won't like the result if you get a $70 vidcard.

Lotronex

I understand that Im getting crap now, instead of waiting a year and getting a decent card. The problem is, there are games out now that I want to play, even if they run like crap, so that it will hold me over until next year when i can buy a proper card. After working a good 3 months next year I plan to buy a high end card, but until then, I'm stuck with 70 dollars for a video card, so I'm just looking for the most bang for my buck, even thoug I realize that it wont be top of the line, and even below the average.

MahlerIsGod

Check Pricewatch.com. I think I saw a 5200 w/256RAM for around $70. You can't get any crappier than that so check it out.

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Lasereth

If you absolutely must buy a videocard for $70, I'd try to find a GeForce 4 TI4200. They're around $80-$90. DO NOT buy a DirectX 9 videocard for $70...I'm not exaggerating when I say that they will not even play games at the lowest setting. These cards are for non-gamers. If you buy one of the $70 DirectX 9 cards, it will be a very, very bad decision. You need to find a GeForce 4 TI4200. I'm also not exaggerating when I say that a DirectX 8.1 TI4200 with 64 MB of RAM will perform 200% better than the cards you're thinking about. Twice as good is a lot in the videocard industry. Those cards are incredible pieces of shit.

Any GeForce 4 TI4200 will do. If you use Pricewatch, check the company on www.resellerratings.com first. Good luck!

-Lasereth

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Jolt

Another possibility...find an early adopter who's about to get a new x800 or 6800 and offer to buy his old card.

Wyodiver33

I'm thinking of selling my ATI Radeon 9500 Pro. Make me an offer.

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Lasereth

Hit it up, Lotronex. The Radeon 9500 Pro is one of ATI's best cards. With its 8-pipeline design, it performs as well as DirectX 9 cards even without true DirectX 9 support. ATI discontinued it because of lack of sales...which is really odd, since it's better than any of the GeForce 4 series.

-Lasereth

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"A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

hu-man

Take that offer, or buy a GeForce 4 Ti4200.
I have a GF4Ti4200, and it plays Far Cry, Hitman: Contracts, Manhunt, and anything else I throw at it. You would be able to as well.
And I bet you can find one for $70, especially used. Recommended!

Dilbert1234567

you dont want a 9600, it only has 4 pipes, you want a 9500, 9700, or 9800

defenatly go pro, you'll kick your self later if you dont.

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cheesemoney

I just bought a TI4200 for 50 bucks shipped on Newegg. It kills the Radeon 9500. It beats the 9600 Pro in most things too, but doesn't support DirectX 9. It also kills the "replacement models", the GforceFX 5200 and 5600 lines...
If you aren't afraid of refurbs, you can get great deals at Newegg. I also found a TI4600 for 80 bucks...

jdjammer

I have a TI4200 I am going to want to sell in a week or so, if anyone is interested in it, let me know..

cheesemoney

I'll give ya 40 bucks for it...