256 mb of GDDR3 RAM

it would be fine if you where running those games in Win XP (DX 9).

Well Halo 2 is native DX9 and the others I talked about and didn't mention would also be DX9 compatible. (I'm using Windows 7 x64)

If you lower the resolution enough the memory probably wouldn't be an issue, but I don't know of any cards sold with 256mb of ram that are going to be worth a crap on those games anyways. Crysis and Starcraft list 256 as there minimum so I guess technically they would run. You will have to look up Halo 2 I don't own that game.

What about 1680x1050, no AA and maybe 2x or 4x Anisotropic filtering. I'm thinking about getting an nVidia GeForce 7900 GT for $33 on ebay as a temporary El cheapo upgrade until later.

what card are we talking about? a 8800GT 256mb, a 8500GT 256mb, 7300GT 256 mb?

7900 GT 256mb I have a 8500 GT 512mb but it sucks.

it will run games like SC2 and older games at medium settings

Now would I be better off waiting a bit to get an 9800 GT for $60? Or this quick fix for something better down the road like a GTX 460?

OK sweet that is just what I might do thanks.

Best answer selected by whooleo.

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey