Im dissatisfied with my current video card (a Geforce FX 5200), especially when it comes to playing games. It doesnt seem to be much better than my old GeForce4 TI 4200. I would like recommendations on a good 3D card that will not break my bank account… Say around the $150 range (u.s.). Thanks!
Since you’re looking for opinions more than facts, I’ll move this thread to IMHO.
bibliopahge
moderator GQ
Take a look at these 2 recent threads.
For your price-range I’d say get a ATI 9600 Pro XP (which should have a voucher for a free copy of Half Life2)
Thats not surprising, check out this roundup of video cards at toms hardware
http://www7.tomshardware.com/graphic/20031229/index.html
In most of the tests the 4200 outperformed the 5200.
I have a 5700 ultra on its way to me right now, it cost me $175. For 150 you should be able to get the non ulltra 5700 or something along the lines of a Radeon 9600.
Your best bet is an ATI Radeon 9600 XT. They retail for around $150, and, as Ponster mentioned, include a CD key valid for the downloadable versions of Half-Life and its mods, Opposing Forces, and Half-Life 2 (in participating bundles). The Geforce FX series suffers from poor performance in modern DirectX9 games, an issue that affects the entire series, even the most expensive high-end cards. This makes ATI cards the best option for the gamer that wants both performance today and the ability to play future games.