Graphics Cards

[Zain]

After receiving a new Microsoft Windows Vista PC, I have realized that it's Video/Graphics card is incapable of correctly dealing with Medieval 2: Total War. So, does anyone have any suggestions on a graphics card I could get?

I've heard of GeForce and Radeon, but not sure if one is better then the other, or if there's another in there I should look into.

Also just for fun I'm looking for a random name generator (Like the one on World of Warcraft) and a Random program, that randomly chooses numbers or names or anything else I tell it to choose from.

Thanks guys for the help, in advance!

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

If you have the money, get the GeForce 8800 series. It's well worth it.

[Zain]

Haha, a website I'm on says that's $479. Let's get down around $100.

[CrossLOPER]

Nvidia 7600 GT BFG SLi series. Fantastic card. I bought it for 150USD two years ago. It might be 100USD now. If you are strapped for cash, a 6600 MIGHT work, but the card is slipping into the modern realm of middle-low, so I would go with the 7600.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Haha, a website I'm on says that's $479. Let's get down around $100.

I take it you're American, so here's one from Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082

[Zain]

My location says Texas, so yes, I'm American.

The one CrossLOPER said is still 150 dollars. I've been given a budget of around 100... so, dang it.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

It's probably worth saving up for a better one, in that case, but maybe someone else has a recommendation.

[Zain]

I'm trying eBay. Great place.

[CrossLOPER]

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-e-GeForce.../dp/B000U75N8W

Look at that one.

To be honest, you can't get much unless you are willing to fork over at least $150. Good luck with ebay.

[Zain]

Ah, okay, thanks.

To be honest myself, it's not my money I'm spending, so I don't have much choice.

[Husar]

Oh noez, I wouldn't buy hardware on ebay, at least not if it isn't completely new and sold by a trustworthy company. For 100$ you will hardly get a decent card I fear, the 7600GT is pretty nice and I personally wouldn't go any lower.
If it's your parents' money tell them 100$ isn't enough for what you are looking for, if they really want to help, they should get you a 7600GT.

[Zain]

I'll see if I can get them to give me cash and I'll add in my own funds as well. But as far as eBay goes, I don't buy used hardware from anyone and I don't buy hardware period unless it's from a company with lots of positive feedback.

I had a bad experience with a GameCube a long time ago, haven't gotten over it since.

[Mikeus Caesar]

Browsing eBay.co.uk a few days ago i noticed ATI x800's selling for less than £10 ($20), all by reputable sellers.

Maybe it's the same situation on eBay.com?

If it is, then i highly recommend the x800, or better if you can find something. It's a very good card, more than capable of handling Vista or MTW2 on high.

Also, name generator - http://www.rinkworks.com/namegen/

[Spino]

Do NOT get the GeForce 8500, regardless of whether it's the 512meg or 256meg model. Seriously now, don't do it! The card simply has too many performance shortcomings to recommend and the extra memory does nothing to improve its performance.

If ~$100 is your target price I strongly recommend you consider a GeForce 8600 GT with 256megs.

EVGA is a very reputable brand and Newegg offers their basic 8600GT 256meg model for $95 after $20 rebate...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130085

If you want a bit more horsepower for a bit more cash consider this 256meg model by XFX; $120 after $20 rebate. I own this card and it's great when coupled with my E6550 Core 2 Duo. XFX overclocked it almost to 8600 GTS levels but not so much that it requires an external power plug...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150229

[Zain]

Thanks, I'll look into it.

I've been trying to convince my dad of a higher budget, but I don't think he'll budge. But, we'll see.

[CrossLOPER]

EVGA is a very reputable brand and Newegg offers their basic 8600GT 256meg model for $95 after $20 rebate...

NEVER EVER in my life have I received a rebate for any product that I bought.

[Spino]

NEVER EVER in my life have I received a rebate for any product that I bought.

Ye gods man, that is one helluva chip on your shoulder!

I have received a check for EVERY SINGLE rebate I have ever sent in... Corsair, Crucial, SanDisk, Linksys, Creative, etc.

[Whacker]

Zain, my $0.02 is to up your budget and get a good 8800 320mb GTS, it will last you a good long time and it's well worth the money.

Also re: rebates, you MUST keep track of them. Calling, emailing, polite threats are often in order. If you don't keep track of them, you won't get them. Photocopy everything before you put it in the envelope too so you can head off the "You didn't fill it out correctly" at the pass. It's also usually worth it to send it via certified mail, it's only a buck or two.

[CrossLOPER]

Ye gods man, that is one helluva chip on your shoulder!

I have received a check for EVERY SINGLE rebate I have ever sent in... Corsair, Crucial, SanDisk, Linksys, Creative, etc.

So, you're saying I should go do bad things? OK, will do. LOL

[Bootsiuv]

I got the Visiontek Radeon 1550x for $90. I can play all of the total wars on highest settings, and it seems sufficient on other games at the higher settings.

EDIT: It's the 256 MB PCI version, if that matters any.