Which card is better??

nwahs000

Weaksauce
Joined
Feb 3, 2004
Messages
125
Hi- Video card fried this morning and I need a new one but I can't wait for a new one to be shipped. So I have to buy it locally here are my options.....

Staples- Diamond Stealth S120 ATI Radeon 9550 256 mb 9550- $99.00 ($79.00AR)
Walmart- PNY GeForce FX 5500 256mb- $77.46

I don't do any gaming. I basically want it to work well with my 22" WS monitor and then I plan on running s-video to my 42" plasma.

Any quick responses are appreciated, since I have to shop after work. Thanks alot!!!!
 
Thanks for the reponse.

I'm trying to understand this.....If I'm not doing any gaming, what would be the reason I would need a better card. Just wondering, thanks.
 
Thanks for the reponse.

I'm trying to understand this.....If I'm not doing any gaming, what would be the reason I would need a better card. Just wondering, thanks.

If you're not going to game at all, then go for the cheapest card you can find.
It seems to me, you may find usefulness, in getting a card with hardware video decoding capabilties, such as a 8600 GT/HD 2600 XT. Both cost no more than $100 and they're a hell of a lot better than any of the two cards you mentioned. Also, if you ever want to game, they will allow you to have an enjoyable gaming experience.
Having said that, if you really can't find a 8600 GT/HD 2600 XT locally, then go with the cheapest option possible.
 
They are both rotten cards but the 5500 is VERY VERY rotten!

The prices are pretty rotten also.

Head to www.newegg.com

Unless you want a rotten picture with you 22" monitor (by running it at a low downsized resolution) then you want at least a x1650 or 7600 card.

The best bang for your $$$ will be a x1950 (GT or Pro) but these cost about $130ish.

You did not say PCIx16 or AGP but I'm going to guess AGP due to your picks. In this case you are going to pay more (AGP cards cost about 20-25% more for the same card) and have less options.

If you are stuck with AGP then look for a x1650Pro for about $80 or a x1950GT for about $150ish.

-JB

P.S. Make sure you have at least a 350w power supply. If you have less then it's prob just time for a new system.
 
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