good non-gaming vid card - max $60

[plasticsman1]

I'm am building my first computer and need a little help. Right now I am planning on a AMD Athlon x2 6000, 2 GB memory (dual channel), 200GB hard.
I don't have a clue what video card would be good for this. I generally do internet, word processing, photos and maybe transfer home movies to DVD in future.
Also is the CPU overkill - any recommendations appreciated.

Thanks

 

[marvelous211]

Why not build Intel system which would be faster.

$60 gaming card? You would be playing low resolutions and low everything. A used 7600gt or something?

 

[plasticsman1]

I am looking at the AMD mainly do to cost. I don't play hardly any games on the computer since I have an XBOX 360.

 

[pinaplex]

Why not build Intel system which would be faster.

$60 gaming card? You would be playing low resolutions and low everything. A used 7600gt or something?

If you re-read the topic and the OP. it says NON-GAMING video card.

to the OP....Check out the Nvidia 8400, or 8500 series. you might be even able to pull an 8600gt for $60 with rebate if you look hard enough.

 

[plasticsman1]

Thanks pinaplex!

Are the 8400 or 8500 fairly quiet? I am looking for something fairly quiet and that doesn't run hot. Maybe heat won't be a problem for what I will doing.

 

[pinaplex]

yea, those don't run hot at all, and are made more for multimedia stuff like watching dvd's, etc. you can find many of them with passive cooling.

 

[plasticsman1]

I want to make sure I understand passive cooling. Is that a heatsink instead of the a fan?

 

[pinaplex]

yes, it uses just a heatsink, and no fan. so it's pretty much completely silent

 

[plasticsman1]

Thanks a lot. I am going to see if I can find an 8400 or 8500 series right now. 256mb enough?

 

[pinaplex]

it should be plenty for what you're doing.

 

[monst0r]

dont worry about the vram..it doesnt matter if you dont use 3d apps

 

[plasticsman1]

Guys I found a couple of ones and would some opinions on them.

XFX - 8400GS - 256MB - $38
XFX - 8500GT - 512MB - $57

Should I go with the cheaper one or not? Both are passive cooling. I don't know what the GS and GT means on the end.

 

[quantumsheep]

If you're wanting a quiet system ditch the 6000+, they run very hot which means even with decent cooling it'll still be relatively noisy.

I recommend either an Intel E6750 or something similar.

 

[plasticsman1]

I am trying to stay away from Intel due to cost. What about a 5200+? Does it run hot? I can get it for $30 less than the 6000+.

 

[tjhva]

From what I saw, the 5200+ isn't significantly cheaper than a Core 2 Duo chip - such as:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115031


Going the Intel route would offer you a superior upgrade path in the future. Plus, there are lots of fantastics P35 chip set Mboards at great prices.

This Mboard comes to mind, and I'm sure there are others that would fit into your budget:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127030&Tpk=Abit%2bIP35%2bPro

 

[tlmck]

For your uses I would scrap the vid card and get a 690v motherboard. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128043 2gb ddr2 800 ram would be good as well.

The onboard video is more than adequate for your tasks. It also makes no noise.

For the processor the best bang for the buck AMD's right now are these. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2%2050001028%2040000343%201050717007%201051720996%201263016683%201050923825&bop=And&CompareItemList=N82E16819103774%2CN82E16819103212

 

[turboflame]

I am trying to stay away from Intel due to cost. What about a 5200+? Does it run hot? I can get it for $30 less than the 6000+.

The 65nm version of the 5200+ that runs @ 2.7ghz would only consume 65W while the older 90nm 6000+ has a TDP of 125W.

So it should be significantly cooler.

 

[plasticsman1]

I have been doing alot of looking today and am leaning towards an Intel E4500, ASUS P5KPL-VM motherboard. Would this be cooler and faster than that AMD 6000+? I am also leaning towards just using integrated video at first and then determine if I need a separate one. Since I am not going to be doing gaming, maybe this would be no problem.

Any thoughts?

 

[plasticsman1]

Would a webcam work OK using integrated video?

 

[zenmaster]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3505668&CatId=2852 (OEM - So you need a Cooler)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128078

is a nice cheap combo for CPU/Mobo.

 

[xlfirstclass]

I would stay with the AMD system if you don't plan on overclocking. If you plan on overclocking then I would go with an Intel system.

 

[kpo6969]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103242

You would need a fan/heatsink though. 2.8 stock if you don't o'c

 

[tlmck]

Would a webcam work OK using integrated video?

Yes.

You will also find integrated AMD video to be better than integrated Intel.