Newbie needs help

[jdh1907]

I know absolutely nothing about video cards, or I obviously wouldn't be asking this quetion, but any response would be appreciated. I just bought a new computer that had a 256MB Radeon HD 2600 XT installed and decided to upgrade (or what I thought would be an upgrade) to a 512 card. I found a cheap 512MB card for $50 (Nvidia GeForce 8500 GT). I assumed just the jump from 256 to 512 would be better, but after reading some of these posts I realized that may not be the case. Is the Nvidia any better, or did I just waste my money? I dont really play games all that much, I just got it for Blu-Ray. Do video cards even have any effect on that, or should I just leave it alone. Prob sounds like a dumb question to everyone, but like I said, I'm new to this stuff. Thanks for any responses.

 

[Draiken]

I don't know what your budget is but for around $100 you can get an 8800gt like i have it kills most games out there. it would do you well.

 

[ghmage]

Why did you feel a compelling reason to "upgrade"? Send the card back and get a refund. If you're just displaying Blu-Ray movies, the 2600 XT will be more than enough.

 

[crowheart27us]

In my opinion the 8500gt isnt that great of a card. It should be decent enough for blu-ray but its far from a good card.(especially for any gaming) At the minimum i would suggest a budget gaming card which now a days can be gotten for real cheap. An example is the 9600gt which can be had for as low as $85.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133239
I'm not a fanboy of either ATI or Nvidia.(I've owned both) So I'm not going to tell you to pick one company over the other. I just suggest get the best card you can afford. You could also got the 9800gt for about $120.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133242
I would also recommend the ATI 4850 which starts at about $159(I've seen as low as $150)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770
It superior to both the 9600gt and the 9800gt in terms of gaming and its a very nice card. I know you said you dont do alot of gaming but if you decided to pick up a random game or something I believe any of these budget cards will do you fine. Also if you could post the rest of your specs of your p.c. such as manufacturer, cpu, power supply wattage(and amperage, if you know it) and ram it will help in suggesting which card to get. Anyways good luck with choosing.

 

[sarwar_r87]

NO
BIG NO!!!!!!!

2600xt is as good as 8600GT.so don go for 8500. but see if u can upgrade to a 9500 or a ati 4670