The current cards in question:
GIGABYTE GV-NX88T256HV1 GeForce 8800 GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP
SAPPHIRE 100218L Radeon HD 2600XT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP
Just looking for some advice on a replacement card for my old Radeon x700 because the heatsink crapped out, among other things. I'm open to cards other than these, as well.
I've read the short list, which recommends the ATI 2600XT (as a tie) for <$100, and the Nvidia 8800 GT 512 mb for <175$. I don't know how 256 mb vs 512 mb makes a difference in that recommendation. My board has one PCI x16 slot, so no cross/SLI.
Currents specs:
P4 2.80 ghz CPU
1 gig memory (2x 512, unsure of what it was)
500 w supply
800 MHz FSB
What I want to play:
Source engine games
Oblivion
Sins of a solar empire
What else I need it to do:
Output to my crappy TV (I think that's universal by now?)
Not sound like the space shuttle taking off (The CPU is bad enough)
Budget: under $75, but under $100 if it really matters. I just want to change my card, as that is the only thing causing my grief at this time.
Thank you very much for your time.
GIGABYTE GV-NX88T256HV1 GeForce 8800 GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP
SAPPHIRE 100218L Radeon HD 2600XT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP
Just looking for some advice on a replacement card for my old Radeon x700 because the heatsink crapped out, among other things. I'm open to cards other than these, as well.
I've read the short list, which recommends the ATI 2600XT (as a tie) for <$100, and the Nvidia 8800 GT 512 mb for <175$. I don't know how 256 mb vs 512 mb makes a difference in that recommendation. My board has one PCI x16 slot, so no cross/SLI.
Currents specs:
P4 2.80 ghz CPU
1 gig memory (2x 512, unsure of what it was)
500 w supply
800 MHz FSB
What I want to play:
Source engine games
Oblivion
Sins of a solar empire
What else I need it to do:
Output to my crappy TV (I think that's universal by now?)
Not sound like the space shuttle taking off (The CPU is bad enough)
Budget: under $75, but under $100 if it really matters. I just want to change my card, as that is the only thing causing my grief at this time.
Thank you very much for your time.