Video Card

[JFAB199]

I'm working on a new system nf7 barton 2500+, what would be a good card for $130-160, I'm not partial either way(ati or nvidia) jsut strapped for cash, I would like something that will last a while since I probably won't upgrade for a while, been looking on newegg and there is alot there, I've read a lot of reviews and do plan on oc'ing the whole system
any help would be appreciated

[Enyo]

i wanted the same thing. i bought a nvida fx 5600 ultra. don't do that. my older card out performed it.. with nvidia you either go all the way or no were at all (the 5800 ultra 128mb performs but the rest... don't)

[shiyan]

maybe an ATI 9500 could be a good choice?

fits your budget, and there's the chance you can softmod it to a 9700, in which case it would totally fly.

even if you can't it's a fast card.

otherwise, a ATI 9600Pro should fit your budget too.

[stan03]

i vote for 9600 Pro.

[JFAB199]

what about the powercolor, sapphire atlantis, connect3d, etc. any ideas on the off brands?

[shiyan]

I think most people like Sapphire or ATI.

[Aslan]

Agreed with shiyan. Sapphire and ATI are considered the best, and also, Sapphire makes a great deal of BBA (Built by ATI) cards, so they are pretty much equivalent to each other. Powercolour isn't really that great, mainly because they have sold cards that have lower than stock speeds, and the quality isn't the greatest. As for the other brands, such as Connect3d, Gigacube, etc, I haven't really heard much about them, but Hercules is of good quality as well.

[Falcon-K]

id go with either a built by ati or a saphire 9600 pro..if u are planning on getting half life 2 as well i would get the 9600 xt

[xcelerator]

powercolor also i herd has nice ram........or go with bba or sapphire