My Graphics Card has Failed me for the Last Time!

[Artemas Ward the XXIII, Esquire]

I have a very old video card. Really old in fact.

A GeForce 420 MX.

Yeah, I said it.

Now I need a new vid card, but my ceiling is $150 Canadian. So, any recommendations?

It must be AGP.

[Erik]

tomshardware.com is your friend.
They listed all the "best for you money" cards in all possible segments here:
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/09/...for_the_money/

AGP Interface
Best AGP Card For Under $100
Radeon X700

Codename: RV410, .1 micron technology
Eight pipelines
128 bit memory bus
400 MHz core, 300 MHz DDR (600 MHz effective) Memory

The X700 might not have the newest technology, but it probably has the best frame rates of any new sub-$100 AGP card. With a higher clock speed than the 6600, it's a bit faster at most things, but it doesn't really dominate.


Geforce 6600

Codename: NV43, .1 micron technology
eight pipelines
128 bit memory bus
300 MHz core, 275 MHz DDR (550 MHz effective) Memory

The eight-pipeline 6600 architecture has proven itself in the Geforce 6600 GT. Deprived of the Gut's higher memory speeds, this is still probably the most powerful AGP/PCI-e card for under $100 online, and can be over clocked to good effect. Be wary of the 6600LE, which has 200 MHz DDR (400MHz effective) memory that cripples the card.

Both of these cards are good choices; just don't expect any miracles out of them. Most new games should be playable at 1024x768, although with the tougher titles, you might have to lower some settings.

[OTZ]

Here are a couple of selections:

6800 Xtreme - $160

7300 GT $137

ATI All-in-Wonder X800XT $180

7600 GS $156 (after rebate though)

X1600 Pro - $141

And below is the link to all the AGP cards at NCIX - the best place for us canucks to shop!

AGP @ NCIX

[Artemas Ward the XXIII, Esquire]

Well, I think I'll go with the 7600 GS.

However, the two I've found vary extensively in price:

XFX GeForce 7600 GS $143


eVGA e-GeForce 7600 GS $195

The difference appears to be that the XFX has 533 mhz memory clock, whereas the other one has 800 MHz. It that such a very large difference?

[warblah]

Why not getting a X850 Pro for around $130-$140? It has 50/50 chance to be unlocked to a X850XT, and it's faster than 7600GS, only CON for it is it doesn't support SM3.0.

[MasterAdnin]

Why not getting a X850 Pro for around $130-$140? It has 50/50 chance to be unlocked to a X850XT, and it's faster than 7600GS, only CON for it is it doesn't support SM3.0.

I thought that the X850XT could be overclocked to the X850 PRO, not the other way around, or it could just be me?:hmmm:

Salaam,
Adnan

[Incinerate_IV]

I thought that the X850XT could be overclocked to the X850 PRO, not the other way around, or it could just be me?:hmmm:

Salaam,
Adnan

The XT could be oced to XT PE.

I agree with the 7600GS, its the best bang for the buck.

[Hadrian]

That XFX 7600GS AGP is his best choice, and there is a new NCO optimized nVidia driver for it that just came out 2 days ago too...

[Artemas Ward the XXIII, Esquire]

Remember gentlemen, note whether or not the prices that you quote are in Cdn dollars. It makes things so much easier.

[warblah]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102606
http://www.overclock.net/ati/66312-u...o-modding.html

Seems in Canadian store they charge $185 for a X850 pro

[Artemas Ward the XXIII, Esquire]

Yeah, even though we're 90 cents to the US dollar, stores still decide to charge us 20-30% more for the same product. Rubbish.

[AlfonsoVIII]

I agree with the 7600GS for all the reasons stated above. Its ashame your still using AGP so this will probably be the best card you can put before you have to go to PCI-E.

[Artemas Ward the XXIII, Esquire]

Well, thanks lads!

Got the XFX 7600 GS yesterday, and downloaded the latest stable NGO nvidia op. drivers. Works pretty good.

Now just to upgrade to more than 256 RAM.....