Choosing a New Video Card -- Recommendations?

[Rhassia Nethermoon]

Hello!

I've just signed up in search of someone who might be able to help me with something.

I'm currently using a NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500 card, and I know I'm in a BAD need for an upgrade, as I had preordered Vanguard to get into Beta 5, only to find I couldn't play it. =(

My maximum budget for an upgrade is within the vicinity of $90 (I saw one such example, which was a GeForce 7600), but would MUCH rather keep the pricetag below that. Is there any NIVIDIA card any of you all know of that would be inexpensive but at the same time, give me a playable framerate on balanced settings?

Any help you can offer is very appreciated! =D

[Shawnsan]

Hello!

I've just signed up in search of someone who might be able to help me with something.

I'm currently using a NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500 card, and I know I'm in a BAD need for an upgrade, as I had preordered Vanguard to get into Beta 5, only to find I couldn't play it. =(

My maximum budget for an upgrade is within the vicinity of $90 (I saw one such example, which was a GeForce 7600), but would MUCH rather keep the pricetag below that. Is there any NIVIDIA card any of you all know of that would be inexpensive but at the same time, give me a playable framerate on balanced settings?

Any help you can offer is very appreciated! =D

I would suggest putting off playing vanguard a touch longer and buying an even better Video card :eek:

[rabb1t]

My maximum budget for an upgrade is within the vicinity of $90 (I saw one such example, which was a GeForce 7600), but would MUCH rather keep the pricetag below that. Is there any NIVIDIA card any of you all know of that would be inexpensive but at the same time, give me a playable framerate on balanced settings?

Depends. What are the rest of your specs? As example, while a 7600 GT would give you ok GPU power, if you are talking about putting that on something like a P3 500 with 512 meg of ram that's really not going to help you. (And your PSU may not even be powerful enough to run it.)

We need more infos to help.

[-Hero-]

Since we are on this topic, I have an AMD64 3000+ with a gig of ram. I see Rabbit you recommend a 7600GT, would a 7600GS cut it? Is there a big difference in the two cards?

[Rhassia Nethermoon]

The rest of my specs are as follows:

Computer Model: DELL Dimension 3000
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS, Version 1.10 A02
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition
Processor: Intel Celeron CPU 2.66GHz
Memory: 1022MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c

I know that there is better than 7-series out there, but until I come into higher-paying employment, I just need something that will make the game playable. I also know that I need another Gig of RAM to optomize my memory, but I've not had any memory-related problems with what little of Vanguard I COULD play, so that will have to wait a bit longer. Believe me, I'm usually VERY perfectionist about the performance of my PC when coming upon a game I like, but the money is just not there right this second.

Would the 7600 at least eliminate the frustration of chugging framerates when set to Balanced?

[Darkmoore]

The rest of my specs are as follows:

Computer Model: DELL Dimension 3000
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS, Version 1.10 A02
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition
Processor: Intel Celeron CPU 2.66GHz
Memory: 1022MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c

I know that there is better than 7-series out there, but until I come into higher-paying employment, I just need something that will make the game playable. I also know that I need another Gig of RAM to optomize my memory, but I've not had any memory-related problems with what little of Vanguard I COULD play, so that will have to wait a bit longer. Believe me, I'm usually VERY perfectionist about the performance of my PC when coming upon a game I like, but the money is just not there right this second.

Would the 7600 at least eliminate the frustration of chugging framerates when set to Balanced?

No, it won't. My wife is running a P4 2.5 Ghz, 1 Gb RAM, and a 7800GS. To make the game playable the video settings need to be on Highest Performance.

I would recommend waiting, saving your money up, and doing a complete overhaul. Just my 2 cents.

[rabb1t]

I see Rabbit you recommend a 7600GT, would a 7600GS cut it? Is there a big difference in the two cards?

Skimming NewEgg it looks like they have different ram speeds. As to the diff, I'll have to trust Tom's.

Tom's chart (http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=529&model2=531&chart=224) shows it does look like there can be a big diff between the two.

If you look at the 1024x768 with all options off ranking, it does seem that the GS gets acceptable framerates, however, if you go up to 1280x1024 (http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=529&model2=531&chart=198), which typically includes some effects, the GS can fall behind quite a bit.

You may want to look through the hardware thread, see if any peeps have the 7600 GS.

[-Hero-]

^Ok, thanks for the help.^

I will probably get a GS to save money, because I may be getting a new system at the end of the year or early next anyways. Plus I think 1024X768 will be fine for me to play.

[Robowing25]

I got this ( I am on a budget to) and it works great :) It is only $99.99 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2201323&CatId=935