Help me find a video card for gaming

[Elmers98]

I'm looking for a nice (decent) video card that can support newer games at a decent setting (I'm not a hardcore gamer). The max I'm willing to pay for one is $100, but even that, I'm a bit cynical about paying. Need one that can definitely play Gears of War though. I'm using a Radeon x300 right now, will any other video card be able to fit in my computer slot?

Also, if you guys can, please explain to me how to tell the difference between good/bad video cards. For example, 512mb, DDR what does that mean?

[BackAgain]

For example, 512mb, DDR what does that mean?It means you need to go do a little more research :lol:

There are a few dozen posts in the tech support forum from people looking for help picking a video card. I'd start there.

[herbalizah]

I'm looking for a nice (decent) video card that can support newer games at a decent setting (I'm not a hardcore gamer). The max I'm willing to pay for one is $100, but even that, I'm a bit cynical about paying. Need one that can definitely play Gears of War though. I'm using a Radeon x300 right now, will any other video card be able to fit in my computer slot?

Also, if you guys can, please explain to me how to tell the difference between good/bad video cards. For example, 512mb, DDR what does that mean?

You need to know if its AGP or PCI-E
You can find this out in direct x dialoge. Type into Run command dxdiag.exe

[Elmers98]

Name: RADEON X300 Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: RADEON X300 SE (0x5B60)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Approx. Total Memory: 128MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (75Hz)

that's all it saids under Display in dxdiag.exe

[Elmers98]

also when i use cpu-z to check my computer stats, it says under Graphic Interface:
version: PCI-Express
link width: x16
max supported: x16

[GeekyGuy]

the PCI-express is god news for you, as you can run just about any new video card in it. 512 MB means the card has halg a gig of video memory on it, and DDR is the type. Shoot for DDR2 at the least, and preferably GDDR3, on your next card as they are newer, better, faster, etc.

[Elmers98]

^ thx, but whats the difference between DDR and GDDR, and also whats the "max supported x16" thing?

[Elmers98]

^ thx, but whats the difference between DDR and GDDR, and also whats the "max supported x16" thing?

.....

[DrunkN_MastR]

Newer memory type is all, newer better faster etc. DDR3 > DDR2 > DDR.
Here's a solid recommendation http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127333

[Elmers98]

^ ok thx but whats the max support x16?

[BackAgain]

^ ok thx but whats the max support x16?# of PCI express lanes. As long as you're only using one video card, you won't need to worry about it.

[Elmers98]

Do you guys recommend the PNY Verto GeForce 9600 GSO 768MB Overclocked Video Card? Will this play games like Crysis, Gears of War and Halo 2 at decent/good settings? Also will this work with my computer..sorry I'm a bit paranoid I don't want to get it and open it and find out that it doesn't work.

video card:
http://www.amazon.com/PNY-Verto-GeForce-768MB-Overclocked/dp/B001IDY2PC/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=172282&s=electronics

my computer stats:
Name: RADEON X300 Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip Type: RADEON X300 SE (0x5B60)
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Approx. Total Memory: 128MB
Current Display Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Version: PCI-Express
Link width: x16
Max supported: x16


i also heard some ppl saying that some video cards require a so and so watt power..does this card require anything like that?

[BackAgain]

does this card require anything like that?Go to their website and see. They usually post the minimum suggested power supply size.

If it's not listed there, check out the listing on newegg.

[Elmers98]

Go to their website and see. They usually post the minimum suggested power supply size.

If it's not listed there, check out the listing on newegg.

i just checked and the card requires a 400W power supply, I only have 350W..so would it not work on my computer? because I heard some people saying that it could still work but I'm really not sure