Tom's Latest Video Card Shootout

[Stalemate]

I'm casually looking at what's available to upgrade my GeForce 2 MX400, when I come across Tom's Hardware Guide's VGA Chart III.

Tom Rules.

[Stalemate]

There's a new evaluation in this chart called FBucks, which indicates FPS per $, or the "fun factor" a card can dish out according to sale price.

It's hard to adequately figure out, as the newest/latest cards listed have the lowest FBucks ratings. Older cards (ie. GF4 Ti) have the best "bang for the buck" yet lack the features/capabilities of the new offerings.

http://www6.tomshardware.com/graphic...charts-16.html

[scutterboy]

Nice one sir.

Always worth checking out the big GFX card reviews.

[Stalemate]

...even if we can't afford them.

[jaeger]

...even if we can't afford them.

You might be surprised. I picked up a GF FX 5900 recently for $162 and it overclocked agreeably to 5950 speeds. You just gotta keep your eyes peeled for deals.

[confus-ed]

There's a new evaluation in this chart called FBucks, which indicates FPS per $, or the "fun factor" a card can dish out according to sale price.

It's hard to adequately figure out, as the newest/latest cards listed have the lowest FBucks ratings. Older cards (ie. GF4 Ti) have the best "bang for the buck" yet lack the features/capabilities of the new offerings.

http://www6.tomshardware.com/graphic...charts-16.html

Yeah I like this muchly ... the second table shows what most current games want to run, I'm sure you can run to a ti4600 even if $162 is a bit much !

Go on ... name that budget.

[Sp0cK]

I'm casually looking at what's available to upgrade my GeForce 2 MX400, when I come across Tom's Hardware Guide's VGA Chart III.

Tom Rules.

The best bang for the buck would be an ATI 9600 it has all the features of the 9800 and GF5900 at a much lower cost.

Good luck on your hunt.

[Stalemate]

I have to concur with you on that, Spock.

My only problem would be heat/power consumption, as I have an XP2100+ in my box already.

Oh well, have to upgrade all that too I guess.

[confus-ed]

My only problem would be heat/power consumption, as I have an XP2100+ in my box already..

No heat issues with these at all, not even if you overclock them ! (welll within limits), my own 9600 card is only ever 'warm' (like in as warm as anything else inside the case) NEVER even remotely hot ... I have them twinned with much faster chips all over the place as well, as I too see these as 'value' no particular power 'draw' issues either.

[Sp0cK]

I have to concur with you on that, Spock.

My only problem would be heat/power consumption, as I have an XP2100+ in my box already.

Oh well, have to upgrade all that too I guess.

ATI cards don't normal get hot. But don't hold me to that with the 9800 versions and up. The ATI 9600\ 9600 XT shouldn't get much warmer than the ambient temp of your case. And if you are willing to spend some extra cash on cheap heat sinks for your ATI's memory and a more powerful fan that shouldn't cost much, you could over clock your card near to a 9800 spec.

[Stalemate]

Thanks for the input guys.

I wasn't planning on buying a vid card, but that 9600 Pro or XT card is looking mighty fine.

Now I need to provide justification to my accountant - huh - wife.

[confus-ed]

... so good luck with your hunt for a 'tax rebate' !

[Radical Dreamer]

Thanks for the input guys.

I wasn't planning on buying a vid card, but that 9600 Pro or XT card is looking mighty fine.

Now I need to provide justification to my accountant - huh - wife.

So, you have to submit purchase orders to the little lady too?

[Stalemate]

So, you have to submit purchase orders to the little lady too?

You betcha.

Her being an accountant, I'd have a hard time "laying down the law", financially speaking.

[confus-ed]

... I'd have a hard time "laying down the law", financially speaking.

... so not too much 'I do' anymore then ?