Video card recommendation please!

[rtgbs7k]

Hi, I need you guys help!:)
got this computer 1 year ago:

Dell OPTIPLEX GX280
Intel Pentium 4 CPU 3.40GHz
2.00GB of RAM (don't know which brand)
Sound Blaster Live 24-bit

and play on a lovely 100.0Mbps connection:)

and since, when I ordered, I forgot to check the "upgrade video card" box:wall: I now have the RADEON X300 Series....which forces me to play BF2 on low/medium.

I dont know much about computers, so i require your help. My question to you all are this:

What video card would you recommend me to get that would enable me to play games until it is time to order a new computerwhen this becomes obsolete? Which cards are good and not extremely expensive? Also, please, write a couple of lines and explain why your recommendation would be suitable.

Since I live in Tokyo I can buy pretty much anything:) ...only problem i can't ask them about the products.

thanks a lot for your help!
laters

[Garabaldi]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

eVGA 7800 GT definately. One of the best cards out right now.

Though, if you plan on playing above resolutions like 1200 by 1600, get the GTX.

[Bushers]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

He said, 'not extremely expensive'...

If your on a budget the 6600GT would be the best buy atm. It'll play bf2 nice on medium settings and wont cost you loads. I'm an ATI man but this card is the best priced for performance right now...

If you want something a little more faster and expensive then try one of these, they are listed per perfrmance and price, cheapest and slowest at the top; (There are loads more but this is the higher end)

ATI
X800GT
X800GTO
X800XL
X800XT
X800XT PE
X850XT
X850XT PE
X1800XL
X1800XT

[Sniper_13]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

eVGA 7800 GT definately. One of the best cards out right now.

Though, if you plan on playing above resolutions like 1200 by 1600, get the GTX.

i dont relize why people go automaticly for the most expensive card on the market. have u considered if the buyer has enough money.

anyways i go for like a 6600GT or a X700 pro, cause i can play X700 pro with high settings np

[DakotaDoc64]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

He has enough RAM and CPU power. I say 6800GT or 7800GT. Unless you have a short budget then the 6600GT will work good with this game also.

[NoSoup4You]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

What is your budget? The 6600GT is a very nice card and will greatly improve your performance. The ATI X700 Pro is also a very nice card. Just make sure you get the PCI-Express version as that is what you have.

[Karl]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

iv got a BFG 7800GT oced to a GTX and its amazing :)

[Prince]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

I'd go for the nVidia 6600GT. My cousin has one and he runs the game nicely.

[Eddy01741]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

PLease, budget, that is, converted to american dollars since you live in Japan. Also, is your current X300 an AGP card, or a PCI-e card?

[rtgbs7k]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

Alright, thanks everyone for some really quality replies!:) It is quite difficult to decide what to get but you gave me some good ideas. I think I have to raise my budget a bit...

I checked out some prices of some of the mentioned cards and this is what they go for at newegg.com, haven't checked downtown yet:

x700 pro 256mb
150USD

7600gt
370USD

7800gt (Overclocking easily done?/recommended?)
340USD

7800gtx
460USD!!

6600gt 128mb
140 USD

x850 pro
240USD

x850xt pe
349USD

x1800XL
390 USD

Now, I feel I need a card that will last me throughout university since I'll be a poor gamer when I'm there I don't think a 128mb vcard is gonna last me very long right? So, I'll go for something bigger. The x1800XL is under 400 USD which is good, at first i though 300USD would be sufficient. The ATI cards seems to be good value for my money or what do you say?

My budget will be, eventually , 400 USD(it's gonna hurt), and I want to stick to that card for about 4 years or so. It looks like I'll have to buy one devil of a card now no?

If I do get something like the x1800XL(or any other you guys recommend) how long will my machine last before I need to get more ram, upgrade CPU etc...??

In conclusion, what should I get for about 400USD that will fit my machine and make gaming fun for about 3-4years? Also, what do I eventually need to upgrade when, for example, CoD 3 & Battlefield 3, Age of Empires 4 etc comes out?

Eddy01741 - Sorry, but i dont know the answer to your question? How do I check?

Sir. Karl - if i get the 7800gt is it easy to overclock you recon?

Thanks ALOt for your replies!!:) I hope you can help me further, it will be greatly appreciated!!

laters

[rtgbs7k]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

Alright, spent some time reading reviews regarding the 7800 GT cards. The price is manageable, somehow, but I dont really understand the differences of the different manufactures.

It seems I feel/desire for the XFX 7800 GT more then the others...not sure why. When I get the money I'll probably get this one unless I learn something new:) or hear anything from you guys. I read the GT is not al all much different from the GTX. Also I get Cod 2 for 'free' when it comes out.

the price is about 360USD for the XFX 7800 GT. not sure what it goes for in Tokyo but I'll check soon...


can I get it for less than 360USD ??

[BRUTALITEEEEEEEEE]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

the difference in the GT vs. the GTX is the amount of pipelines (GT: 20 GTX: 24) and the memory speed....both XFX

GT: 1050mhz
GTX: 1250mhz

The GT from what I hear is an outstanding card and will definetly do the job. The GTX is just the "turbo" charged version for that extra kick we all love to have. If your budget will allow you to get a GTX go for it and (I think) that would completly tied you over for some time. The GT is also an EXELLENT route to go to save a little cash. As long as you pair the card up with a strong CPU and good RAM it will do a hell of a job.

on a side note, careful when wanting to overclock as if something does go wrong the warranty is void. I just went with the BFG 7800GTX cause it's already overclocked and has a lifetime warranty.

[rtgbs7k]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

Ok, I changed my mind yet again and i think i will go with a X850XT because it's about 100usd cheaper than the 6800gt, and i wont notice the difference in performance probably. i will have to upgrade after some time but i'll know more by then and by then i know if i wont be bored with playing with computer games...:)

Now i just need to figure out if I need the pci-e version or some other?!...

*sighn*

[majsmt]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

well some of the replies dont take into consideration that you are on a limited budget. first if you want to play BF2 a nvidia card would probably be the better choice.given that, the 7800 series is the best nvidia has to offer. i have a 7800 myself and performance is exceptional.the quality of the video is through the roof.they are very expensive though probably beyond your means. many of my friends have the 6 series nvidia cards (6600---6800) and they are all well satisfied. the 6600 (some great bargans at Tiger Direct) will allow you to run game on medium settings with good fps. the 6800 is the minimum standard that will allow you to run game on high settings with good fps. remember that nvidia does not make video cards just the components so they are marketed under numerous brands most of which are fine as they all have nvidia parts. check the detailed performance information on each card and you will find a considerable difference in them between the various brands within a close price range. good luck hope to see you in game ----------------------------------------majsmt----------------------

[BRUTALITEEEEEEEEE]

Re: Video card recommendation please!

majsmt is correct. The budget is the first key factor then you should work around what cards to look at.

Check out www.AMDzone.com.... they have done some very nice benchmarks with ALL kinds of cards. That should give you a good feel for what you look for.

Hope this helps.