Graphics card with Shader Model 2.0 (DirectX9 shader)

[nzchris]

Hey just updating my last build and I need a graphics card with (min)Shader Model 2.0 (DirectX9 shader).Any recommendations?

MOBO is a ASUS P5B LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Does the Ge Force 8800 GTS 320 MB PCI Express card make sense?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082


Thanks!

[Alaron]

If you can increase the budget a tad, go for one of the new 8800GT 512MB cards. They have an updated core and perform very well for the cost.

[liambl]

Any card above the Radeon 9xxx and nVidia 6xxx series will support SM2.0. In fact, the 8800GT Alaron suggested supports Shader Model 4.0. What do you intend to do that needs SM2.0?

[nzchris]

Its the minimum requirements for Second Life using the Windlight viewer. Not a huge gamer but starting to explore some out there- WoW next.
Current card was a budget -
EVGA 128-P2-N411-LX GeForce 7100GS 256MB(128MB On-board) 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

Hmm from what you say it should work ok - but I get screen blinking and a lot of aliasing in the images. I only threw in 1 GIG RAM- would that be a path to upgrade?

[Katreat]

If you are usiing XP 1 GB of ram is probably not related to your problem. For a gamer having an extra GB would be good, but not necessary with XP.

What is your entire build specs? What size PSU are you running? the card you list is pretty minimal for a gamer so it could be your problem but upgrading to a faster card will require more power so let us know the full specs of what you are working with now.

Kat