What's the best VIDEO CARD for my needs?

[ArkiStan]

Hey guys.
I'm putting together a new computer and I need a recommendation for a video card. I don't usually keep up with info on the newest hardware so I'm not which brand or model will best fit my needs. The first priority is my design work which will consist mostly of medium to high intensity computer graphics: some web design and occasional 3D modeling/rendering. Therefore resolution and clear colors are a must. And though it's not crucial, hopefully the card will have enough power to decently support my brother's 3D games as well. I know some of the major brands out there such as ATI, Matrox, and the nvidia cards, etc... I'd say my budget would be around $150, could pay a bit more if makes a big difference. My monitor is a 19inch. not sure of the monitor specs... Please specify model numbers with the brands that you recommend. Thanks.

[NullUnit2000]

I'd go with a GeForce4 4200Ti 128Mb. IMO this is the best bang for your buck card out right now in the $150 range. It's got plenty of horse power for pretty much any game out now and does a fine job with graphics apps. I use mine for 3D MAX and Photoshop and have no problems with speed or resolution.

Another big plus is built in support for dual monitors. If you do a lot of graphics work you will quickly come to appreciate the extra screen real estate you get with an extra screen.

This one also does video capture. Another handy plus. $149 plus shipping.

Hope this helps.

[Showtime]

yep ti4200 128 is the best for the $!

I'm waiting a for decent one to hit $130 and than im in.

-jel

BTW i keep getting crucial pricing alerts that have the Radeon 128 8500 LE. I know LE is low end" but the 128mg should help drive the card pretty good. Its $109 at Crucial. Anyone play with one of these and does it have dual monitor support?

[bachviet]

Get the 128MB R8500LE. GF4 Ti4200 is mainly for game.

[seqiro]

I'll add my vote for the Radeon 8500. I have an 8500 connected to an 18" LCD, 17" CRT, and 19" television at the same time and couldn't be happier. The latest games run beautifully on it (UT 2003 Demo, NOLF2, Mafia) and 2D applications look fantastic.

Can't go wrong for the money.

[sbp]

With the GF4 line, Nvidia has made strides in improving image quality. However there appears to be work to be done:
http://www6.tomshardware.com/graphic...0_4600-02.html

If you are going to be at high resolutions like 1600x1200 and want to be sure to get a great image, go with an ATI Radeon 8500.

[ArkiStan]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions. I'll probably go with the ATI Radeon 8500 then, since I'll be using graphics apps more than games. Just out of curiosity though, how much would it really limit my work if I settled for a 64 MB card?

[bachviet]

Originally posted by chosenfool


on a 19" screen?

for work: not much. On a screen that big, you only need 16MB to get by well, maybe 32MB for headroom. anything more may just be overkill for work.

for play: a lot, especially when you go to higher res gaming. The higher the res, the more memory/bandwidth you'll need. The 128MB of memory will make it easier for the card to render those complex scenes, while keeping the frame rates up.

Since there is only about $15 difference btw 64MB and 128MB versions, get the 128MB because you don't want to upgrade too soon in the future.