LOW BUDGET Graphic Card HELP!!!!!

[josb]

Hi everyone.
I know basic things about computers, and I'm seeking for your advices!!

Looking to upgrade my video card and ram for low budget as possible. I have AMD Athlon 64 3200+ with built in geforce 6100 and 1280ram running at 167.4Mhz
My motherboard supports dual channel memory, but I think it's fsb is at 200Mhz and I don't know if it worth it to go dual channel. Any suggestions on that?

Things that I do involve 3d renderings(solid works, 3dmax) , multi tasking (photoshop/illustrator), play games in medium settings (I want to be able to play left4dead- Halflife2 engine)

As long as things are smooth, I will be happy with. I don't expect high detailed shiny graphics. Something in the middle.

As I was looking at Tom's review on best money graphic, I saw ati radeonx1650 GT on it's best score for under $100.

Then I came across this one, $76.99
Sapphire ATI Radeon X1650 Pro 512MB
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011668&cid=999.243.272
How good is this? Is this gonna be better than radeon x1650 GT?

Or would you guys suggest other graphic cards for someone like me..
Not a heavy gamer, just like to play fps games in medium settings hopely with a lowest budget as possible.
Help guys !! THANKS!

 

[Hatman]

Nowhere near better.

While one is pro and one is GT, and GT is generally worse then pro, the 1650GT is based on the core used on the 1950 series, while the 1650pro isnt.

Therefor tis got a lot more pixel pipelines, just a lower clock than the 1650xt.

Its 100% worth getting over a 1650pro.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=014836&cid=999.243.272
However that is more likely a better choice then the 1650 series at all.

 

[fatcat]

I agree with hatman here, this card would fit the bill nicely. Also, in the 1650 serie, I would rather get the 1650XT which has the DDR3 memory instead of the DDR2.

 

[Hatman]

On that site for some reason its like $160 for a 1650xt, Idk why. Theres a 1950gt listed for less then that.

 

[boner]

yep!!

 

[josb]

So it's better to not buy 1650 pro and go with 1650 gt?
and is there any other suggestions?

 

[pauldh]

A real X1650 pro should have GDDR3, the one you are looking at (like most now) has slow clocked GDDR2. IF the 1650GT had GDDR3 it would be the better gaming card. You may just want to double check the cards specific features as the gaming difference if both GDDR2 should be minimal.

Even the GDDR2 HD2600 pro would be a huge step if you can do the extra $20. http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=014633&cid=999.243.272

At 600/1000 the 2600 pro easily beats a GDDR3 X1650 pro. A GDDR3 2600 pro would be better yet: http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/digest3d/index0709.html

 

[fatcat]

On that site for some reason its like $160 for a 1650xt, Idk why. Theres a 1950gt listed for less then that.

I don't know why but for some odd reasons, this card has a huge price range. I have seen it at 115.00 $ CDN at my corner shop which is ok but at 160.00$ it's way too much. At this price you can get a 1950 pro.

 

[josb]

Thanks for all your replies.
But I think I'm looking for something lower than $100 at the moment.
I don't even know if I need to spend $100 on graphic card...
I'm not a heavy gamer, more of a multi tasking guy.
is it 1650 gt my best solution?

 

[nhobo]

eVGA 7600GT from Newegg $89.99

- or -

ebay is flooded with cheap ($5) ATI X800XT's, which are slightly better than the 7600GT

 

[Hatman]

Thanks for all your replies.
But I think I'm looking for something lower than $100 at the moment.
I don't even know if I need to spend $100 on graphic card...
I'm not a heavy gamer, more of a multi tasking guy.
is it 1650 gt my best solution?

Yes but as said, the 2600xt costs basically the same price but better for you. A $100 card probably wouldnt even qualify for a light gamer

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=014836&cid=999.243.272

Its the smarter choice.

 

[tlmck]

Second the 7600GT.

 

[kpo6969]

Second the 7600GT.

I agree. Look at this one, $90 after rebate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150182

 

[zhaf]

You should look for a HD2600XT... in Sweden it costs less than 7600GT

 

[Hatman]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103038

And theres a 2600xt for $95.

And the 2600xt pwns the 7600gt when you dont use AA.

 

[pauldh]

Guys, his link was to a Canadian site, no use posting Newegg links.

 

[apache_lives]

1280mb of ram? What configuration there?

Dual Channel Helps with performance.

 

[tlmck]

Guys, his link was to a Canadian site, no use posting Newegg links.

Newegg is great for informative purposes. I am sure the OP can get the P/N and punch it into a Canadian site.