Vista - Need Help Choosing New Graphics Card

Apparently the Intel GMA 3100 (G31/G33 Family Express Chipset) is good for nothing except Office work. With luck, I may be able to get a card from my cousins soon, but I'm not counting on that, so...

I would like my computer to be able to handle fairly recent games. Age of Empires 3 (especially), Battlefield 2, Call of Duty 2, games like that. I'd like to be able to run from medium to maximum (best) settings. It seems like all I need to do that is get a good graphics card (hopefully the rest of my system is fine; look below to attachment).

So, I guess I'm looking for a graphics card that is, in short, very solid in its graphical capabilities in these times and able to handle the afore-mentioned games at their maximum settings but not too over-the-top and incredibly expensive (I'm not looking to play Crysis or FarCry 3). I'm hoping that the card can be bought new in a range of $100-200. The issue isn't so much the price (I hear TigerDirect.com and NewEgg.com carry fairly low prices, and Ebay.com is always a final choice) as much as which card suits my needs without going over the top.

Any suggestions?

As always, thanks in advance!

Hello Frontline1944!


Just a thought... with this you can play Crysis!

Video Card


Later Ted

Indeed, thank you! I actually was browsing Newegg this afternoon for 30 minutes and was surprised by the deals they offer. Cards able to play Crisis and CoD4 at max. details without a hitch for <$150?!

I suppose I should ask, though. I saw a certain card that interested me greatly - apparently, its only con is its lengthy size. Some of the reviewers shrugged this off, saying that their case managed to fit it. Aren't all cases supposed to fit all types of cards, motherboards, and the like? If my case doesn't manage to fit a certain graphics card, what should I do?

And I guess I should reiterate my original question: what graphics cards are "in the middle"? Cards that are more than the casual gamer only interested in late-90s and early-2000 games need but not quite enough to run incredibly detailed games like Crysis and Doom3. Cards that can run Age of Empires 3 and Battlefield 2 without a hitch. Are there any cards for that specific category; and if there are, what might be their price range?

You may think me crazy for not wanting a chance to play Crysis, but the truth is, within three months I shall be back at school with three A.P. and Honors classes, leaving me with little-to-no time to play games. I don't wish to pay $150-200 (however much of a good deal that might be) for a card that will be experienced for three months before being ignored in favor of school studies.

Again, thanks for the help!

Hello again!

Look at these two pages.

Video Card


Later Ted

Yes, thank you! Exactly what I wanted to find. Now for the hard part: convincing my mother of the need to by a new graphics card (with my own money, I may add). I don't suppose you could help me out with that, too? Joking, of course, you've been extremely helpful.

Hello!

You are very welcome!


Later Ted

I catually recently got a XFX 8600GT and it could do everything your wanting.. and it could also play Crysis on Medium settings.. and that still looked amazing.. but if I was you.. Since they are sooo cheap. I'd just man up and get the 9600 like first idea was.. they are only a little more. and will for sure last you at least a few years.. thats probably the best choice..

even tho I got rid of it and built a new system with a 8800 GTS..

see sig below. but good luck man!

I too built a new rig and went with the 8800GTS - because I was on a budget :P

Thanks a lot, mates, the XFX GeForce 8600GT seems perfect for me. : )

What is the lowest-end card that will get 5.9 (highest score possible) on "Vista Experience" meter (in Home Premium), in both Aero and 3D graphics? PCIe, of course.

Luposian