Video Card Recommendation

[MajorBobL]

Not into games or graphics, just looking for a decent video card for a new system I'm putting together. Using Asus A7S333 mobo, and AMD Athlon XP 1800+ CPU. Thanks.

[Slipknot]

GF2 MX or Radeon 7000. I know you aren't into games, but this will at least give miniumum 3d acceleration if that changes. If you are positive no games will be played on the system, then consider onboard VGA, or a SIS SiS315 chipset card. Currently 64MB versions of that card can be had for under $30 bucks

[Jimstep]

ATI has a very sharp 2d image.

[NDD]

Major question : what are your needs and how much you got to blow ? ;)

[MajorBobL]

Thanks for the input guys. ND-Needs are just want something decent. Planning on using a LCD monitor. Computer used primarily for office type work, ie: word, excel, etc. Not into games, but, never say never. Cost? Would under $50 be reasonable?

[InnovaZero]

Get something like the Radeon 7200. Excellent 2d with decent 3d speed. Has plenty of memory if any texture work comes to play. (I believe it's priced $30-60)

[MajorBobL]

Thanks to all. I'll check out the options.

[DABSON!~]

Originally posted by MajorBobL
Not into games or graphics, just looking for a decent video card for a new system I'm putting together. Using Asus A7S333 mobo, and AMD Athlon XP 1800+ CPU. Thanks.

MATROXG400MAX Is the best card I've ever used.....

[DABSON!~]

If you don't mind spending a little more and you love DVD playback in the best detail and colors ever seen.........

ATI's Retail 275/550 DDR 8500.

Best card I've ever owned for all round graphic card.
Graphics are clear, sharp and colorful with incredable details..
DVD oustanding.........
Gaming ..Just incredable........... with True Form.......Smoothvision 6x for Race car graphics..... 16x Aniso for clear graphics & best texture details ever seen.....
A stable graphic card that doesn't cause freezups!!!
I love ATI's drivers and have no problems with the games I play
at all and they fly on my T-Bird 1000Mhz....512 Ram PC 133Mhz.

It's nice to have a great card that does all if you ever wanted it.

[NDD]

InnovaZero gave you a very good option. Radeon 7200 got great 2D and quite a reasonable gaming card. I think you can get one with DVI too.

DABSON!~ : Radeon 8500 is a great card, but it just doesn't fit into "under $50" range. Not even "a little more" :)

Matrox G4x0 series would be even better then Radeon, I just not aware of their prices right now.

[DABSON!~]

Get a Voodoo5 or a G550.

[MajorBobL]

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm down to choosing between the Matrox G400 ($39) and the ATI Radeon 7000*($49). One last question, the Matrox is described as a "single head". What does that mean?

[raasnio]

Originally posted by MajorBobL
Thanks everyone for the input. I'm down to choosing between the Matrox G400 ($39) and the ATI Radeon 7000*($49). One last question, the Matrox is described as a "single head". What does that mean?

If I were you I'd go for the Radeon....it's an all-around better choice....

oh and I think the single head refers to single monitor output...

[gibsinep]

What a waste to hav an XP 1800+ and not play games with it:(


I would go for the Radeon. You dont want to go to crappy as even the display will look bad.

[DABSON!~]

Originally posted by MajorBobL
Thanks everyone for the input. I'm down to choosing between the Matrox G400 ($39) and the ATI Radeon 7000*($49). One last question, the Matrox is described as a "single head". What does that mean?

I'd go with a MatroxG550 !!! Not a single head.........

[MajorBobL]

Thanks. I'm going with ATI Radeon 7000*64M SDR w/TV-out( OEM Version ),

[DABSON!~]

Buy a G550.......

[grimfandango]

Get a GeForce 2 GTS 32mb DDR memory..

Its way faster and better than the ATI Radeon 7000 64M SDR w/TV-out( OEM Version )

and costs only 48$$$.

Dont get ATI Radeon 7000 64M SDR its a waste you cant do anything with it...

[DABSON!~]

It's the best for bussiness....
Works great with games .....
It's the most stable and it's 2D can't be beat!
It's cheapest of the bunch.;)

[cheapster]

I agree with Grimfandango IF you are talking about a machine for 3D gaming. If you are 95% running office apps and internet surfing, then I would suggest the ATI Radeon DDR card with the 32 mb of DDR ram. Supposed to have great 2D performance and would provide some decent 3D capability as well, should you give in to temptation for that 5% gaming option. You can order it here (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=VGA) for $39 + $8 shipping. Not sure if it works with the LCD monitors, though.
Chuck