Question About Comparing Video Cards

PohTayToez · 01-24-2007, 01:55 AM

What should I look for in a video card? Before, I have only looked at the memory size, but now I am starting to wonder what effect the other specs have, namely memory interface, memory type, memory clock, core clock, RAMDAC, and PixelPipelines.

Currently, I have this card, only about a month old:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814141028

And I was wondering if it would be worth it to upgrade to something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814195036
(I realise it is recertified... I couldn't find the original item)

Anyway, any help would be appreciated. What is the best video card for under $100? I like to stay around the $60 range, ideally. I'd use it for light gaming (I don't mind turning settings down if I have too), and most internet and school work.

**The_Other_One** · 01-24-2007, 02:07 AM

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards....1=96&card2=376

A 7600GS should be pretty close to $100

PohTayToez · 01-24-2007, 05:23 AM

Again, I'd like to stay around the $60 mark. Also, you didn't happen to explain any of my questions.

**The_Other_One** · 01-24-2007, 06:19 AM

Fine

The best thing to look for in video cards in actual performance. Memory size means nothing. Any card can be crammed full of RAM, but be much weaker than previous generation cards.

Sites like GPUreview give you a good idea of the different specs on the card. You can get a pretty good idea of a card's performace by it's fill rates and what not. But still, benchmarks in games are the best indication of their power.

Eh...that's a bit for you. Check out gpureview some more, they have tons of definitions and all there.

PohTayToez · 01-28-2007, 07:03 PM

I could not find any answers to the questions that I have there...

TFT · 01-28-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PohTayToez

I could not find any answers to the questions that I have there...

The-Other-One's link to that site answers all your questions

Did you click on the internal links on the specs for the explanation regarding your questions?

kirby001 · 01-28-2007, 07:37 PM

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards....=376&card2=103

here are the two cards reviewed, yes the ati x700 is better, but not by a substantial lot. I myself am upgrading my geforce fx 5200 which really sucks, to a ati x800xl which is like 3 times better, and it will play all games on meduim if not high. If i was you i would try to get something a little better, as the x700 is going to become too oudated as it just isn't powerfull enough. I would suggest looking at used website and classified ads cause you can find you graphics cards cheap there, i got my x800xl for $90. But it is your choice. just ask another quesiton if u need an answer

01-24-2007, 01:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
PohTayToez Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Illinois Age: 19 Posts: 2,541	Question About Comparing Video Cards What should I look for in a video card? Before, I have only looked at the memory size, but now I am starting to wonder what effect the other specs have, namely memory interface, memory type, memory clock, core clock, RAMDAC, and PixelPipelines. Currently, I have this card, only about a month old: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814141028 And I was wondering if it would be worth it to upgrade to something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814195036 (I realise it is recertified... I couldn't find the original item) Anyway, any help would be appreciated. What is the best video card for under $100? I like to stay around the $60 range, ideally. I'd use it for light gaming (I don't mind turning settings down if I have too), and most internet and school work.

01-24-2007, 02:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
The_Other_One Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lexington, NC Age: 23 Posts: 12,362	http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards....1=96&card2=376 A 7600GS should be pretty close to $100 __________________ Desktop * Athlon X2 4200 \| 2G RAM \| 160G HD \| 7600GT Laptop1 * C2D T5550 \| 3G RAM \| 120G HD \| Intel x3100 Laptop2 * C2D T5250 \| 2G RAM \| 160G HD \| Intel x3100

01-24-2007, 06:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
The_Other_One Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lexington, NC Age: 23 Posts: 12,362	Fine The best thing to look for in video cards in actual performance. Memory size means nothing. Any card can be crammed full of RAM, but be much weaker than previous generation cards. Sites like GPUreview give you a good idea of the different specs on the card. You can get a pretty good idea of a card's performace by it's fill rates and what not. But still, benchmarks in games are the best indication of their power. Eh...that's a bit for you. Check out gpureview some more, they have tons of definitions and all there. __________________ Desktop * Athlon X2 4200 \| 2G RAM \| 160G HD \| 7600GT Laptop1 * C2D T5550 \| 3G RAM \| 120G HD \| Intel x3100 Laptop2 * C2D T5250 \| 2G RAM \| 160G HD \| Intel x3100

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01-24-2007, 05:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
PohTayToez Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Illinois Age: 19 Posts: 2,541	Again, I'd like to stay around the $60 mark. Also, you didn't happen to explain any of my questions.

01-28-2007, 07:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
PohTayToez Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Illinois Age: 19 Posts: 2,541	I could not find any answers to the questions that I have there...

01-28-2007, 07:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
kirby001 Bronze Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 39	http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards....=376&card2=103 here are the two cards reviewed, yes the ati x700 is better, but not by a substantial lot. I myself am upgrading my geforce fx 5200 which really sucks, to a ati x800xl which is like 3 times better, and it will play all games on meduim if not high. If i was you i would try to get something a little better, as the x700 is going to become too oudated as it just isn't powerfull enough. I would suggest looking at used website and classified ads cause you can find you graphics cards cheap there, i got my x800xl for $90. But it is your choice. just ask another quesiton if u need an answer