whats the best graphics card?

Jason Bourne July 11 2005 3:58 PM EDT

im looking to get Guild wars, and so i need a nice graphics card. the catch is, i only have $40 to spend on it.

i need the best one available for 39.99 or less. what should i get?

i found this one for 39.99, is there something better?

NVIDIA FX-5200
128MB AGP VIDEO CARD WITH VGI, DVD AND TV-OUT

the sale on it ends tomorrow, so should i be racing to get one of these?

i just want something that will give me the best graphics for $40, cause the game itself is going to put me out $50-$60 and i only have $100.

Chargerz-Back July 11 2005 4:12 PM EDT

it says it recommends the ATI 9000, which is a 64 MB PCI card.

looks like the FX5200 will work better than fine.

Aco July 11 2005 4:12 PM EDT

you can try downloading the game, and buying the cd-key on their site for less, to have more to spend on a graphics card (this is a supported option, for those not in need of booklet/cd/whatever). Else I'd say that video card is a pretty good one, cheapest 128 mb video card around is like 35.00, and that's secondhanded

Vagabond July 11 2005 5:09 PM EDT

What are you currently using? I think the FX 5200 was (is) SDRAM based, which in my experience == teh slowness.

If you bought your computer any time recently, the onboard card is probably comparable or better then card you posted. I'd suggest saving your money. $150 is about the sweet spot right now for price to power (think nVidia6800GT or ATI X800).

With graphics cards, I generally avoid the cards that are built to be cheap. Buy a card that was once top of the line and is now cheap(er) because newer generations are out, not because it was designed to suck out of the box.

Vagabond July 11 2005 5:14 PM EDT

Some links of interest when purchasing a new system or video card upgrade. Look into things and make the most of your money. Buying a cheaper card often means you'll just need to replace it sooner.

AnandTech GPU Cheat Sheet (~9 mo. old)
AnandTech Video Card Section
TechReport Video Card Section
Ars Video Card Performance Thread

Jason Bourne July 11 2005 5:29 PM EDT

i belive i am currently using an integrated graphics card

here are the rest of the specs...i found em...

The HP DK906A 128 MB NVIDIA GeForce FX Graphics Controller is a low-profile, AGP 8X graphics add-in card based on the GeForce FX 5200 Graphics Process Unit (GPU). This card has 128 MB of DDR memory and supports both the analog VGA (slim DB-15) output connector and an additional S-video 4-pin mini-DIN output connector. The 128 MB NVIDIA GeForce FX Graphics Controller brings a new level of graphics performance and display flexibility. By incorporating NVIDIA's CineFX engine, full DirectX 9.0 support, AGP 8X and nView display technology, the 128 MB NVIDIA GeForce FX Graphics Controller is one of the most feature-rich, cost-effective, and highly integrated cards available in the mainstream market today. The GeForce FX graphics controller is an ideal solution for those desktop PC customers seeking a mix of solid 2D and advanced 3D graphics performance. For example, the GeForce FX is well suited for small business users engaged in 3D design or using their PC for both business and gaming pleasure.

Chip Set: NVidia GeForce FX 5200

Memory: 128MB DDR SDRAM

Interface: AGP 8X

Connector(s): VGA (Analog) and S-Video

Enviroments: Windows 98, NT 4.0, 2000, Windows XP

Jason Bourne July 11 2005 7:32 PM EDT

by the way, its an intel integrated extreme graphics 2 card :(

Chargerz-Back July 11 2005 7:43 PM EDT

if you can hold off for a 6600 or a 6800, that would be the way to go.

whats the best graphics card? (in Off-topic)