Graphics upgrade options for older computer...

[arsjr]

I'm considering getting a new graphics card for an older computer and I'd like to know what is the upper limit of what will work with my computer. I'm not looking for a blazing fast card to play the latest games, but rather one that will play games from say 5 years ago.

I currently have a 32 MB Nvidia Quadro2 MXR/EX that can handle games like Star Wars: KOTOR, Hitman 2, GTA: Vice City, Splinter Cell and Half-Life 2 on the lower settings, so really I'm just looking for the next step or two up from that, but I'd like to know what my options are, as my motherboard and other specs are dated and upgrading them isn't an option. Also looking for something under $75, but compatibility is the major concern.

Here are my system specs:

Dell Precision 340 motherboard

1.7 GHz Pentium 4

AGP 2.0 4x Slot

768 MB RAM

250 Watt PSU

 

[rolli59]

Money would be better spent towards a new system. If you are insistent on a new card then your PSU is the next limiting factor and you can hardly run anything faster than maybe HD4350

 

[The Halo Don]

+1 on a 4350

Plus for games like that, it shouldnt have many problems.

 

[megamanx00]

Oh for games like that you can go on ebay and get something a 6600GT or a 7600GT.

 

[arsjr]

Thanks for the help everybody. I think I've settled on a Geforce FX 5200 256mb. I've been able to find it for 30 to 50 dollars. I might be able to go a little beefier, but I'm on a tight budget, so this will do nicely.

 

[megamanx00]

um..... a 5200 is pretty crappy. It was too slow to even do any kind of SM2.0. You could run HL2 in SM1.1 with low-med details. You may want to look at a Radeon 9600 or an nVidia 5700 at the very least.