Considering migrating to ATi, need card suggestions

[BPM]

I currently have an Nvidia FX 5200 (non-Ultra). While not the best, it gets the job done, and was cheap.

Now I'm looking to spend no more than $150 on something that will give me a noticeable performance gain. I regularly play BF1942, BFVietnam, and Halo.

I hate to ask the obvious, but what's the best card for the money? I'll even settle for an older card if it has a respectable OC potential.

I've been pleasantly impressed with the 9600XT benchmarks I've seen and it looks like this card might be worth the upgrade. I'm open to any other suggestions though. TIA :)

[The_man27]

well if you can squeeze out $40 more, you'd have your answer: the 9700pro. This card would be perfect for you. It beats the stuffing out of 9600XT, that's for sure, and the gain over the 5200 would be immense.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-131-199&depa=0
$188

or if you want to take a chance with a refurb,
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-131-199R&depa=0
$141

If you cannot fork over that much, then yeah 9600XT would be the best bang for the buck in your case.

Cheers!

[Terminat.]

Here's a very good video card:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-131-236&depa=0

Even though it's an SE it has 256-bit memory and is a 9800 so you won't be disappointed!

[Shuzzy]

yea it looks like the 9800se would do ya very well, especially compared to a fx 5200.

[omega3112]

9800se, but take the 256-bit version, and there are chances to mod it to 9800 pro

[Steven4563]

yes there might be a chance there might no be. its 50/50 i would just go with the refurbed 9700pro i love mine

[Yuriman]

Do you have access to the classifieds yet? I see 9700's going for $120 all the time there. The 9700 would crush your 5200.