What graphics card do you recommend for newest dir

Hi all,

I am using Geforce Fx5200 and I think this is not enough for running all functions of newest DirectX (apr 2006)?

What affordable graphics card would you recommend (Geforce/ati/Sis, etc)?

Thanks in advance.

I'd just sit back and wait until DirectX10 is out (with Windows Vista) and stabilized, as who knows what that'll do to current-gen card prices as marketers try cramming their shelves full of any available DX10 cards.

I'd second that. Not much point in buying a graphics card that will be obsolete in 6 months. Or 12. Or 18. Or whenever Vista is eventually comming out.

Unless you can find one cheaply, and probablites for that increase by the minute when we're nearing Vista Era... to me it wouldn't be that bad to spend say less than $100 and then be able to play the latest games (if your CPU is beefy enough) until Vista comes - whch is probably year away.

Also even when Vista comes I don't think that everyone will be buying it & related hardware the second it comes available. I used w2k long after XP was published and probably will use XP at home long after Vista is avalable.

you could try to get a cheap second hand card, while waiting for the "new cards" with DX10 support...
I'd suggest looking for something similar to Radeon 9800 or GeForce 6600/6800.. these cards are very cheap at the moment, and I'm sure you can get hold of one from some gamer who buys new gfx cards every 6 months.. :p

Thank you for your recommendation.

I'd get a 6600GT with 256mb ram. Cheap cheerful and will blow your old car away. Depending on the kinds of games you like, you should be able to play most at decent res 1024x768 and all detail full without AA sometimes with.

Don't think you can get a better bang for your buck really. The TV out seems really good on mine, especialy compared to older nvidia cards and the first 6800 cards.

If you must, I'd say the 6600GT too.



He only knows that from my complaining ;) I can confirm the 6600 has a better tv-out than the 6800.

Don't WORRY about what's around the corner 6-12 months from now. Get the best you can afford NOW. There's always something better a week from now... You can't play the waiting game with computers.

I often play the waiting game - consequently I am always about 6 months to a year behind everybody else in terms of hardware and, as a result, the games I play. However, it only costs me a fraction of the price both for the hardware and the game. There is also an added advantage in that any bugs or issues are always ironed out or patched by the time I get to play a game.

heh I have had 2 video card upgrades in 6 years and been able to play just about all the best games to come out on the PC with high detail and reasonable resolution.

If you pick your hardware wisely you definately can play the waiting game.

My GF3 had an amazingly long useful life, but did have to updated last november in order to play the latest and greatest. Funnily enough, Blitz3D was one of the most demanding engines if you wanted to get decent quality graphics. Ended up being the primary reason for upgrading.

The 6600GT is from 5 - 12 times faster than the GF3 at higher resolutions. Quite incredible for the relatively low price. I got mine for $140 about 9 months ago.

You can get the 7600GT for around that price if you look around, and that would probably be a better deal if you can afford it.

Well two graphics cards for four games seems a bit excessive to me really. :o>