[poop]

I am trying to build the best gaming computer I can for under 450 dollars.
What is the best and most powerful gaming video card for under $175.
The lower the amount of money the better. Please help me.

 

[The_Manual]

Quote:

Originally Posted by poop I am trying to build the best gaming computer I can for under 450 dollars. Should I get an Ati 9800 pro 256 or a nvidia 5750 256? PLea help me.

The 9800 Pro is more powerful than the 5750 however there is a fair price difference. If you want it for heavy gaming then get the 9800 but if you want it for average games then get the 5750.

 

[Evil XP2400]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg The 9800 Pro is more powerful than the 5750 however there is a fair price difference. If you want it for heavy gaming then get the 9800 but if you want it for average games then get the 5750.

Most 9800pro's are over 175, unless you get it used...

I would go for 9600XT.

 

[adas]

either a 6600 or a 9800pro would be good, or if u can sring for the extra few bucks get the 6600gt.
i assume your going for a athlon xp system, right?

 

[Inquisitor]

I just did this.. now do you have any parts at all or any other computer that you wont need?

 

[The_Manual]

The ATI Radeon 9600XT is not a bad card and it is about $175.

Do you want PCI Express or AGP?

 

[googliagen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg The 9800 Pro is more powerful than the 5750 however there is a fair price difference. If you want it for heavy gaming then get the 9800 but if you want it for average games then get the 5750.

My rig cost me only about $450 here's what I have:

Celeron D 320 2.40Ghz 533FSB @ 2.8Ghz - $72 (newegg.com)
ASUS P4P8X Mobo - $50 (ebay)
Black Generic Case with 3x Fans 450W PSU - $50 (newegg or ebay)
9800 Pro 128mb (soon to flash to XT) - $180 (ebay)
2x256mb Dual Channel Ram - $50 (sales @ Best Buy)
240Gb WD ATA 100 (160Gb+80Gb) - $30 + $30 (sales @ Best Buy)
Lite-On CD Burner - $0 (Pulled from old machine)

Total Spent: $462

I spent way more on the 9800 Pro than anything else because you're video card makes the biggest difference. I get around 6450 points on 3DMark03. I can run UT2004 at 1280x1024 with max settings and half-life 2 at 1024x768 with very high settings.

The biggest thing is to just shop around. I kept my open for sales like when I got the 160Gb WD for $30 in the Best Buy after Thanksgiving Day sale. My next upgrade will be a P4 3.0E Prescott. I have a change jar in my dorm room that I'm going to use to get one. Start slow and build up. You can always sell what you replace on ebay.

EDIT: I got XP Pro free through my university. XP is only $99 through newegg with any hardware purchase.

 

[jatw]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg The ATI Radeon 9600XT is not a bad card and it is about $175. Do you want PCI Express or AGP?

I have the 9600 Xtasy card and its pretty good stable and handles everquest 2 damn sweet. Cost me about 150.....however, I am kinda bummed because I wish I spent the 50 extra bucks and got a better Vcard....IMO you should splurge on at least this part.

 

[Inquisitor]

and your os man ? unless you have a "special" one

dont get that 9800 get a 6600

 

[Philwn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg The ATI Radeon 9600XT is not a bad card and it is about $175. Do you want PCI Express or AGP?

Im guessing AGP as he tryin build whole system under $450 and PCI-E is relatively new therefore costing extra $

 

[googliagen]

I had a 9600XT before I got my 9800 pro and it played half-life 2 at 1024x768 at medium settings with out any hitches. They go on ebay for under $100.