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View Full Version : First-time builder needs video card advice for light-med gaming


dstrain
03-20-2006, 03:31 PM
Hey guys. I'm looking to get a budget video card to play the occasional game of BF2/COD 2. This is my first build and I'm really confused as to which video card to go with (so many different model #'s out there). Please have a look at my specs so far. I'd really like to find a card in the $80 - $150 range that'll allow me to play these games smoothly on at least medium detail.

Suggestions?

Case/PSU: Antec Lifestyle Sonata II w/450 psu
Mobo: ASUS A8N5X
AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego
HDD: Western Digital WD3200 Caviar SE 320GB Hard Drive
RAM: 2 x Mushkin SP3200 1GB stick
CD/DVD: NEC ND-3520A 16x DVD-RW
Sound Card: SoundBlaster 16 (I think)
Monitor: An older Dell 17" Digital/Analog Flat Panel Monitor
OS: WinXP Pro

kram 2.0
03-20-2006, 03:39 PM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102602
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102620

If you're willing to play the rebate game, the first one comes down to 134 USD shipped. If not, the second one is around 124 USD shipped. Take a look at those - with the release of the newer cards, the prices on these have come down considerably.

kram

gtucker329
03-20-2006, 09:38 PM
I would go with the 6600gt or 6800gt. There are a wide variety of brands with evga or BFG being among the top choices. Newegg always has specials for these two cards. I even saw a 6800gs that came with a full version of quake 4 for awhile on newegg.