video card suggestions

[xtreemman]

hey all im lookin for a new video card to replace my 64mb, but the thing is i can only spend about $200 on it. i was hoping to get one that is 256mb and also with a tv tuner on it but, the tv tuner isnt that big of a deal, i just kinda really want one with 256mb so i can play all the new games that are coming out thanks

just in case u need to know im running an XP machine, with a p4 1.7ghz, 512mb ram, and its goin into and 4x agp slot

[Poppa_Meth]

Leaktek 6600GT runs $185 on Newegg. Its 128MB but the amount of memory doesn't make as much difference as you think. Performace may be a bit reduced running in a 4X slot but you'll run into that with any newer card designed for 8X slots.

[glockjs]

if you want a tv tuner you could pick up a aiw 9600xt for under that price range. but i would go with 6600 for performance without a doubt

[waheed]

6600GT all the way. A great mid-range card at an affordable price.

[smearbrick1]

I'll agree with Poppa_meth. On board RAM isn't all that. I have 256mb ATI PCI Xpress card and it can't handle half the new stuff out unless the graphics are set to the lowest res. At medium res, Doom 3 crawls.

[xtreemman]

so with a 4x agp slot will i still be able to play some of the new games like doom 3 with the 6600GT?

[rallynavvie]

Yes, I don't think the current gen of video cards is utilizing 8x AGP bandwidth, let alone 16x PCI-E. You'll be able to play them, but I think your 4x slot may limit the card's ability just slightly. For that reason I'd push the mid- to entry-level cards like the 6600 or X600. 128MB of VRAM is just fine, usually it isn't games that utilizes the large amounts on GPU memory.