Generic Graphics Cards?

[karl.pestell]

Hi all

I was looking through the latest mag in the UK and have seen a number of cheap graphic cards but they are not names but have the same chip set as the more expensive counter parts.

Most of them seem to ahve something like a Geforce 4 MMX 400 chipset on them.

Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with a generic graphics card or is it worth paying out the extra for a named version?

Thanks

Karl

[edge345]

Nivida makes the 3d graphic chip and other companys make the boards.
The Geforce 4 MMX 400 is a low end card not to good for gaming.
Most of the time you can buy a cheap card and go to www.nvidia.com and use there lattest drivers on any g-force cards.
I would get a card without the MXX as this is the budget card and has slower performance....

[karl.pestell]

If this is the case, has anyone else got any views on a good graphics card but not too pricey? Obviously, if I was to got for a ATI 256MB etc, it would be good, but its abit too pricey!

Thanks

Karl

[edge345]

Check the ATI 9500 pro or a geforce 4 4200. both are good gaming cards. How big is your processor.

[karl.pestell]

When the comp is built, it will have a P4 2.4 in it. I was looking at the ATI 128Mb Radeon 9000, but you say the others are better?

Thanks

Karl

[amigo]

I've built PCs with generic video cards (mostly with Nvidia chipsets) and I've never had problems with them.

[karl.pestell]

Any other ideas for graphics cards then?

Thanks

Karl

[edge345]

Yes the others are better but cost more.I have the ati-9000 128meg and it works good for me. every 6 months new card come out and are pricy. For the processor you are getting id get the ATI 9500 pro.

[karl.pestell]

Ill let you all know what I decide on, I think it will be an ATI of some sort but its a case of the cost, especially here in England!

Thanks

Karl

[Cricket]

Hi karl.pestell,

Something to keep in mind..."You get what you pay for".

Cricket

[karl.pestell]

Right, so if I was to go for the ATI 128mb 9000 or 9000 pro, would they be a good choice?

Thanks

[edge345]

yes

[TimPoet]

A lot depends on the use of the video card. If it's for viewing graphics, DVD's, and other uses that don't require high framerates, then lower end ATI cards are practically perfect.
If you want to play games avidly then the higher end ATI's are better, or the GF4 4200 Ti 128 DDR which can be found Stateside for USD 150-170.