Suggestions for Card to run max at 800x600

[rustyzx]

I know everyone will want to know WTF? Why would you want to run that low res? I'm kicking my self in the A** for spending $400 on a Magnavox LCD TV/Monitor. It served it's purpose for what I wanted at the time. A TV for the bedroom that could also be plugged into my computer for a monitor. Didn't have the space for both a TV and a monitor, so I bought this POS. Now I'm building a new PC with these components:
e8400
P35 mobo Gigabyte GA-P35-D3SR
2 Gb DDR2-800

I wanted to get an 8800GT 512mb(G92), but when I realized the "monitor" could only go to 800x600 res, that would be slight overkill. I know most of you will say just sell the TV and get a real monitor, but for now it would be hard to justify that to the wife. lol. Also I did search the forums, but as we all know, the prices for GPU's change often so I wanted an up-to-date suggestion. Just looking for something that I can play pretty much ANY game(except Oblivion) at maxed out settings on 800x600. Looking for cheap solution for now until I can talk the wife into letting me buy another monitor. Also I'm buying a Dell Inspiron w/ 8600M GT 256mb laptop first for school and occasional game when classes get canceled and I've got an hour to kill.

 

[roadrunner197069]

Wow that sucks. I didnt even know they made LCDs with such crappy resolution. A 8500-8600GT will probably suffice. Personally I would go with the 3750 though incase you get the new tax cut soon and your wife lets you buy a new TV.

 

[coltz]

Wow that sucks. I didnt even know they made LCDs with such crappy resolution. A 8500-8600GT will probably suffice. Personally I would go with the 3750 though incase you get the new tax cut soon and your wife lets you buy a new TV.
[url]http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/6b59adbb771ffb558ae97e501c8f892a2g.jpg[/URL]

8600GT is probably a better idea, or the (incredibly) cheaper HD3650/2600XT. Any lower and you prolly would notice something's not right on the FPS of, say, Crysis (not right would be an understatement) or WiC.

Plus, it's 3850 not 3750, and it'll be a good buy if you have any glimmer of hope in getting a better monitor. =)

 

[rustyzx]

What would be an acceptable FPS rate? By acceptable, I mean not being able to notice any stutters. Or I guess a better question, would be at what FPS would you start to notice stutters?

 

[roadrunner197069]

The magic number seems to be 60. It also depends on what game. Some games you wont even get 60 with top of the line hardware.

 

[ahslan]

I think getting 60 fps is a bit too high for the magic number...I don't think many ppl notice a difference from 40+...(i feel i might get some heat for this...)

 

[rgeist554]

It differs from person to person. I personally think 30+ looks fine as long as the frame rate is consistent. I think that is the most important part...

Anyways, I'd just buy the better card (3850/70 or the 8800GT) and eventually work on a better TV. This may be one of those live and learn type things. Can't believe you got an 800x600 LCD... I didn't even know that was possible >_<

 

[bildo123]

Hmm..800x600...I think I got a ATI RAGE pro 128 16MB thingy laying around somewhere...no really I do..

 

[spaztic7]

I know everyone will want to know WTF? Why would you want to run that low res? I'm kicking my self in the A** for spending $400 on a Magnavox LCD TV/Monitor. It served it's purpose for what I wanted at the time. A TV for the bedroom that could also be plugged into my computer for a monitor. Didn't have the space for both a TV and a monitor, so I bought this POS. Now I'm building a new PC with these components:
e8400
P35 mobo Gigabyte GA-P35-D3SR
2 Gb DDR2-800

I wanted to get an 8800GT 512mb(G92), but when I realized the "monitor" could only go to 800x600 res, that would be slight overkill. I know most of you will say just sell the TV and get a real monitor, but for now it would be hard to justify that to the wife. lol. Also I did search the forums, but as we all know, the prices for GPU's change often so I wanted an up-to-date suggestion. Just looking for something that I can play pretty much ANY game(except Oblivion) at maxed out settings on 800x600. Looking for cheap solution for now until I can talk the wife into letting me buy another monitor. Also I'm buying a Dell Inspiron w/ 8600M GT 256mb laptop first for school and occasional game when classes get canceled and I've got an hour to kill.

WHAT!!! SLIGHT OVERKILL!!! I THINK NOT MY GOOD FRIEND!!!

You should get 3 8800 ultras, a 780i/790i and run tri sli. Why you may ask, to get all of your games to have more then 9000 FPS!!!!!





Disclaimer: The amount of frames per second is not a guarantee or close to reality, just an number pulled out of the air.

 

[teh_boxzor]

I'd say 7600gt at least. he wants everything to run MAX and i think thats the minimum to run MAX with newer games. If i were you i'd future proof in hopes of getting a new monitor and spring for a 3850/8800gs/9600gt (when it comes out)

 

[tsd16]

what kind of budget range are you in? Personally I would get the 8800GT yeah you may only get 800x600 res, but as far as in game is concerned you can crank up Anti Aliasing to make up for the lack of resolution.

 

[mactronix]

I would get a 3850 that way you can be safe in the knowledge that when you can get a better monitor the card will power it. Of coures this depends on the time scale we are talking about if you dont think you will be able to upgrade for a year or so then stick with something cheaper like the 3650 that has already ben mentioned.
Chances are that after a year you can get a better card than the 3850 for the same price or less.
Mactronix

 

[KyleSTL]

If you intend to buy a better monitor in the near future, why not get a good video card now instead of [one-now-for0the-crappy-resolution] and [one later when you have a monitor worth its salt]. I would say 8800GT if you want to follow my advice, or a 2600XT if you wanna upgrade later when the TV is replaced.

 

[rustyzx]

what kind of budget range are you in? Personally I would get the 8800GT yeah you may only get 800x600 res, but as far as in game is concerned you can crank up Anti Aliasing to make up for the lack of resolution.

I was under the assumption that AA relied more on the CPU not so much the GPU especially at lower res.. please tell me if I am wrong cause I was basing the whole option of getting some cheap card for now on this assumption.

My budget is a little complicated, I've got ~$1800 but might be able to stretch it to $2000
The first thing I'm buying is the laptop: $800
Dell Inspiron 1520 XP not Vista
15.4" 1440x900
Core 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
1 Gb DDR2-667
256MB GeForce 8600M GT

For $850 can get: T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
For $925 can get: T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Can also go with 1280x800 screen for $50 less

List for PC build totaled ~$650 without GPU
Also want to buy CD deck for my truck $150, new speakers $100(old ones are shot)

 

[rustyzx]

Also will prolly be about a year until I can get new monitor

 

[starcraftfanatic]

Sell the monitor, and buy a nice 22" for ~$250. Get a 3850 512MB and crank up the AA if you don't.

 

[KyleSTL]

Also will prolly be about a year until I can get new monitor

And by then almost everything will be 1080p. So you'll need something that'll push 1920x1080 [or 19x12]. Personally, I'd do it right the first time and get a 8800GTS 512 or 8800GT [or a HD 3870X2, but I'm a little partial to nVidia ATM]. That way you'll have one video card [that can push the resolutions you currently need and will be needing in the future] and one monitor [to be replaced whenever].

 

[aznstriker92]

Ok I would Get the monitor for $850 with the T7250. Computer would be 650, CD deck 150, speakers 100. That leaves you $250 if you stretch to $2000. SO I would get a 3850. Its not a insane card, but not pos like the 8600GT or 3650. Plus you could turn up AA with that card, and be ready when you get a better LCD tv. Money tends to disapear so use it for your advantage when you can. XD
3850 512mb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814241068 /$180 AFR

3850 256mb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161211 $169

 

[rustyzx]

Thanx for all the suggestions. Looks like the 3850 might be the way to go. Didn't really want to spend that much right now, but I guess it's better than wasting $70-80 on a cheap card that I would end up replacing anyway.

One last question tho:
And this is gonna vary from person to person, I know, but
Do you think it would be better to just use the above mentioned laptop for all gaming until I can get a better monitor for the PC?

If I do that, then I can just get this for now,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127294

so the wife can surf the net and myspace.