I want a new video card

[hbooraem]

I am looking to get a new video card, a 2D/3D solution (so I can put my current video card in my OTHER machine), and I want to spend max $80 on this card.
Suggestions?
I'm thinking Creative Labs Graphics Blaster TNT or maybe Diamond Monster Fusion...

[hbooraem]

Let me add that I am running a K6 233, with 64MB ram, and do NOT have an AGP slot. I am looking for something in PCI. and please, PLEASE remember I can't spend over $80.

Thanks

[jokostel]

get the fusion..... its by FAR better for socket7 than a tnt is....
and also an added bonus... Glide support!!

[Bleeding Edge]

You may be right jokostel. If you haven't read it elsewhere, this business wire may interest you.



Monday June 7, 9:00 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
NVIDIA Delivers the Highest Graphics Performance for AMD Family of Processors


New NVIDIA Graphics Drivers Optimized for AMD's 3DNow! Technology
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 1999--NVIDIA(TM) Corporation (Nasdaq:NVDA - news) announced today the availability of a new set of software drivers for the RIVA TNT and TNT2 3D processors that are specifically optimized for AMD's K6®-2 and K6-III CPUs. With the new software, NVIDIA's 3D graphics processors deliver up to a 40% increase in performance as measured by leading industry benchmarks and real-world games. The new drivers show a significant performance gain in both Microsoft® DirectX(TM) 6.X and SGI OpenGL® applications.

``We have been working very closely with AMD to extract every possible ounce of performance with 3DNow!,'' said Dan Vivoli, vice president of marketing at NVIDIA. ``Our goal to be the best 3D processor for all PC platforms is supported by our dedication to deliver continuous improvements to both our hardware and software partners. RIVA TNT2, along with these new drivers, now brings unequaled graphics performance and visual quality to AMD users.''

The new drivers, available for download today, also include enhancements that maximize AGP performance in AMD systems. These improvements increase AGP texturing performance, which allows large textures to be transferred from system memory directly into NVIDIA's graphics pipeline. The new drivers also include a number of quality related enhancements and are designed to be compatible with future NVIDIA graphics processors.

``NVIDIA's and AMD's technologies are perfect compliments and provide users with a powerful platform capable of handling the most demanding 3D graphic applications,'' said Ned Finkle, director of Infrastructure Technology Development for AMD's Advanced Architecture Lab. ``Our ongoing relationship with NVIDIA will ensure that our products continue to deliver maximum results.''

[seismik]

Yes...
my little 2 bits:

I must say with my K6-2:350, P5A mboard, I'm very disappointed in the Riva TNT performance- colors are richer but no fluid movements as compared to the Diamond Monster 3D II.

[800XL]

On a K6 233, I think I would have to guess that the Fusion is going to give you better performance. You won't see any 3dnow improvement with either card, but the few benchmarks that I have seen with processors in the range of what you have point towards the 3dfx chipset of the Fusion doing better. How come nobody ever runs benchmarks on lower end cpus anymore? At any rate, either card is going to be hampered by your lack of a strong CPU.

[Datura]

I'm and AMD K6-2 450 user myself. I got a TNT card few mths back and the bios detect it but it hang when i enable the 3d stuff. I've source around and found that it wouldn't work with my ALI chipset m/b! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif **** those Taiwanese!! I got it refunded http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif and gheez, and i'm not intending to get myself a Viper 770 TNT2 32MB. I'm wondering if it'd work with my m/v.

Any inputs?

[Datura]

I'm and AMD K6-2 450 user myself. I got a TNT card few mths back and the bios detect it but it hang when i enable the 3d stuff. I've source around and found that it wouldn't work with my ALI chipset m/b! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif **** those Taiwanese!! I got it refunded http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif and gheez, and i'm now intending to get myself a Viper 770 TNT2 32MB. I'm wondering if it'd work with my m/b.

Any inputs?

[hbooraem]

Does anyone have any other chipsets to reccomend? Like the i740, or something extra cheap like an S4 or something? I'm just wondering, trying to get a feel for all my options.
Also, virtually any card I buy will show me a dramatic improvement, since I only have a Diamond SII S220, using the Verite' 2200 chipset, with 4MB SDRAM. I paid $80 for it, back when I was running a 1MB Trident card, and now I'm gonna pay $80 again for a (hopefully) 16MB card. hehe. Kinda ironic, I guess. Wonder how long it'll be before I'm paying $80 for a 64MB video card?

Oh, and one more thing: Is anyone else out there upgrading on a seriously restrained budget? Or is it just me?