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Good budget graphics card?

~D~

~D~

~D~

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20 Jan 2007
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Hi, I'm looking for a budget graphics card for my new build as a stopgap for a proper next-gen card, and so far I've been eyeing a X1950pro/XT or a 1900XT/XTX on an auction site. These seem to go for about ~£60 minimum (price inc. postage). I've noticed that OCuk are selling a 8600GT for £56.39 and I'm wondering if this would be a good purchase?

I'm guessing it's not as good as a X1950pro as OCuk's one is ~£90, and that in turn means it is not as good a X1900XT/XTX and I also know the 8600GT is generally looked down upon compared to the other cards and for it's original price point, but at this price and for my needs would it be adequate?

I wouldn't be playing anything too hardcore by modern standards, just things like Farcry, HL2, Quake4. Though I might consider COD4 and UT3 if I finish the former games. I just want the cheapest solution possible for now.

What are your views?

Many thanks
 
Is this for the system in your sig. ? That motherboard is AGP not PCI-E. If this is the case i would try to get a 2nd hand 7600gt. Your CPU probably won't make the most of it but for the price they usually go for, it's not really worth getting anything less. Should be able to get one for ~£30
 
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:eek: Slight upgrade then. I would really try to stretch to a 3850, Much better than anything cheaper. Otherwise you would be spending ~£60 on a card thats half the speed of one that ~£90
 
The cheapest 512Mb 3850 is £111.61 and the cheapest 256Mb one is £93.99, I find that a bit too much to spend on a 'stop-gap' card, all I want to play are the games mentioned in my original post. Surely my considerations would suffice for these games?

Yea, slight upgrade :) Much looking forward to it
 
The cards you mentioned would be ok for the games you mentioned with the exception of COD4
 
hmm, I've definately read that a X1950 and cards thereabouts would handle COD4 well enough.

Though back to the original point, what is the cheapest solution which will meet my needs?
 
CoD4 will run with the 7600GT. I used the card as a stop gap before my upgrade to C2D and an 8800GTS. So long as your not expecting quality setting's the card should suffice.
 
As long as the games are playable (including during busy scenes) and can be played on meduim settings then I'll be happy.

I''ll probably be very impressed anyway given I'm upgrading from a Radeon 9600XT :p

Can anyone else second a 7600GT or any of the other cards in my OP?
 
Leadtek GeForce 8400 GS 256MB DDR2 HDTV/DVI (PCI-E) - Retail £25.84
HIS ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO 1024MB DDR2 HDTV/DVI (PCI-E) - Retail - £27.01
Point of View GeForce 8500 GT "Ratatouille Edition" 256MB DDR2 HDTV/DVI (PCI-E) - Retail - £29.36

These seem very cheap, how do they line up?

Or should I only be looking at 512Mb cards?
 
~D~ said:
Leadtek GeForce 8400 GS 256MB DDR2 HDTV/DVI (PCI-E) - Retail £25.84
HIS ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO 1024MB DDR2 HDTV/DVI (PCI-E) - Retail - £27.01
Point of View GeForce 8500 GT "Ratatouille Edition" 256MB DDR2 HDTV/DVI (PCI-E) - Retail - £29.36

These seem very cheap, how do they line up?

Or should I only be looking at 512Mb cards?
Click to expand...

You can pretty much forget playing the games you mention in your original post with the 8400 or the HD2400 tbh

Not sure about the 8500GT but i wouldnt have thought it would be great.
 
~D~ said:
These seem very cheap, how do they line up?

Or should I only be looking at 512Mb cards?
Click to expand...
Not good TBH.

I would consider a fast 256mb card rather than a slow 512mb card as your budgeting is very tight.

Something like a 7600gt @ £42.77p HERE

or if you can stretch a little further -

an 8600gts 256mb @ £64.61p HERE

That card comes with Moto GP and a three year warranty too.

However, as others have said, the 3850 decimates these cards and is comparable to double their performance. Also consider the upcoming 8800GS and 9600GT.

Question ultimately comes down to this - will you be completely happy playing these games @ medium or would you rather have all your eye candy on.

Medium - choose the two i've listed.

Full - stretch to a 3850, 8800GS or 9600GT.

gt
 
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