Video Card Upgrade Help needed, please :)

[Kitty]

Hey everyone!

I finally have the funds (okay, some funds) to replace my old card (BFG 9600GT OC) and I've realized that I'm not as familiar with video cards as I used to be. Any help with selecting a similar/better card for under $100 would be greatly appreciated! :)

Specs:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHz
RAM: 2x 2GB DDR2 (Mushkin)
MoBo: ASUS P5K-SE (Socket 775, P35+ICH9)
PSU: 430w (Antec NSK 6580 case with 430 earthwatts psu)
HDD: 500GB Seagate Barracuda + 200 GB drive from old HP computer
OS: Windows XP


I do have a couple of potential cards I'm looking at, but am not sure how they compare to my old card:

- EVGA GeForce GT 430 1GB (01G-P3-1235-LR) $89.99 - $20 total Rebate
- EVGA GeForce GT 220 SC 1GB (01G-P3-1229-LR) $64.99

I've always used NVidia Cards because I've never really grasped ATI's numbering system, but I'm open to any card as long as it is equal/greater than my old card and under $100 - and preferably not so loud. :p I do, however, want to buy from a company with a reasonable warranty and nice customer service, should any problems arise.

Thanks!!

Oh! I'd prefer to buy from an actual store, since buying online is a bit tough for me, but if necessary I guess I can see how to make it work.

[_dangtx_]

not worth it. look for a 6850 if buying new, used maybe a 260 or a 5770.


edit : lookie here for performance of modern cards

[ZZLEE]

Were do you live ? Maybe we can point out some good store in the area neer you.

[Kitty]

Wow, thanks for that link! It surprises me that the 430 performs less than the 9600, since it seemed better/equal from the specs and had more memory. Very interesting! I'll look into the prices of the 6850 & 260. It would be better buying a new card, but if the cheapest option is used I might consider it.

ZZLEE - I live in the Richmond Hill area if that helps :)


Edit: _dangtx_ I couldn't find any of those cards you mentioned for $100 or less, but I'm probably looking in the wrong places. Where did you see them at that price?

[LarkStarr]

those cards dan pointed out are more then $100. you're not going to get a good upgrade from a 9600 for <$100, plain and simple. you'll need to save more, or buy a used card. on the New side, you could grab a 450 for about $120 if you look and watch for deals (I think). on the used side.. a 260 can crop up for $100.

Honestly.. save up more, keep the 9600 for now. it's not a bad card currently, it can run most things decently still. wait until you can blow a little more on a new card. Or a used 460, when they appear (soon I bet)

there's a canada computers in richmond hill, if I remember correctly. they generally have decent prices and sales once in a while.

[Kitty]

Unfortunately, my 9600 died so that's why I'm looking to replace it; I'd otherwise keep it, since it was serving me quite well! I do check out Canada Computers frequently, that's actually where the two cards I posted in my first post are from. I will keep an eye out for a 450 since $120 is certainly possible with some more saving up. It doesn't necessarily have to be an "upgrade", just something that performs similar.

I was hoping similar cards would be cheaper, but I guess not since they'd be considered "new". Figures :p

[LarkStarr]

well, take a look through the buy/sell/trade forum, see if anyone local to you is selling something in your price range.

otherwise a 450 is a good way to go, if you like nvidia. or if you're willing to try AMD, a 5750.

[ZZLEE]

Markham, Ontario NCIX Store

Address: First Markham Place, Unit G1, 3215 Highway #7 East Markham, Ontario L3R 3P3 Contact: Telephone: 905-752-8338 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 905-752-8338 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Fax: 905-475-5546 E-mail: FMP Sales Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 10:30AM - 9:00PM EST Saturday: 11:00AM - 9:00PM EST Sunday and Holidays: 11:00AM - 6:00PM EST

[Kitty]

Thank you again! I'll check the trade forum here too, I didn't realize there was one!

Do you mean a GTS 450 like this?

ZZLEE - Whoa, I didn't realize they had an actual store here! I pass by that area often enough, thank you so much! Do you know if they've got the same sales in-store as they do online? This is great, I thought the only discount stores I had in my area were Canada Computers and TigerDirect (which doesn't seem as cheap as it used to be in some cases)!

[Sagath]

If you keep your eyes out, you can find a 450 for around the 110 mark without MIR's. That EVGA is 140-30MIR, bit pricey for my blood, even more so when I'm selling a 460 for $140 on our BST.

NCIX is usually better priced then either CC or TD. Their online sales are 'in-store' too, as long as they arnt tagged 'web-only'. If its a web-only option you can however order it online and pick it up in store :)