help finding a video card

[CowsWithGuns]

Hi, I currently have an ATI 8500 64MB video card, and its starting to be the minimum requirement for alot of games, so im looking to get a new one. I dont know too much about the specs mean on video cards, so I need help finding a good one. Im looking for a video card around the $100-200$ price range, and want it to last me a good while. I prefer ATI cards becuase im familiar with the settings, I dont want to have any trouble on compatability so heres my system specs: ASUS A7N8X-X motherboard, AMD Athlon XP 2400+ proccessor, 512MB RAM, SB PCI512 soundcard, I think thats all =/. Any suggestions on a video card?

[mb26]

firstly, i'd recommend that u avoid pinning urself down to half the market (ATI), an Nvidia isn't going to give u compatibilty problems (ur chipset is made by nvidia!!) and the settings are gonna be different with a new card whatever.
well for a nice cheap one, i'd suggest a Geforce Ti4200. it only has DX8 but it does it well and it mostly looks as good as DX9 (except water scenes, which are much improved). u'd have to get it 2nd hand too i think (ebay?). even this would blow away ur 8500, and plays everything out. (if not DX9 ie highest quality settings).
if u want DX9 gaming then the min u want to look at is a 9600 Pro.
if u want to last longer then a 6600 GT would be a decent buy.
then in the middle look at 9600 XT or 9800 pro.

look here (newer) (http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20041004/vga_charts-04.html) and here (older) (http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20031229/vga-charts-03.html) for performance comparisons, and check newegg for the prices.
(look at (atleast scan) all the pages not just the one linked too)

[fedz]

128mb 9800pro or 6600GT AGP for long term. Simnple as that really

:) fedz

[mrmister1]

I agree with fedz. I'd go with the 9800 Pro. It's a little over your price range, but it will be very good in the long run.