choosing a video card

[dxcouch]

hi, When i asked about a memory question someone told me my processor can actually slow down faster graphics cards. I'm looking to buy a new one because my GeForce 2 MX is getting behind on the times and gameplay is starting to suffer. here are my comp specs

Intel Pentium 4 processor 1.4 GHz
256 MB PC800 RDRAM (upgrading to 512MB)
40.0 GB Ultra-DMA hard drive
16x DVD-ROM drive
8x CD-RW drive
64 MB SDR Nvidia GeForce2 MX with TV-Out (S-Video Connection)
Soundblaster 128-voice PCI audio card
Windows ME

now these are some of the graphics cards i was looking at Circuit City because i could just go in and buy them:

XFX GeForce™ FX5200 128MB AGP Video Card $89.99
VisionTek Xtasy 9200 SE 128MB PCI Video Card $89.99
PNY GeForce FX 5200 128MB AGP Video Card $99.99
ATI Radeon™ 9200 8X 128MB Video Card $99.99
ATI Radeon™ 9600 SE 128MB AGP Video Card $129.99

But i also noticed this at Tigerdirect.com:
XFX GeForce FX 5200 256MB DDR AGP8X with TV & DVI Video Card $99.99


My question is, which would be best in my comp and run effectently with the hardware i have? Also does it matter if i get an AGP or PCI card?

 

[RyanOldw83]

AGP is better than PCI.

 

[dxcouch]

AGP is better than PCI.

That i already knew, I'm just wondering about installation purposes. I mean can i remove my old card and put the new one in? or do i have to put it into the last PCI slot?

 

[ekÆsine]

i don't think it matter whether you get AGP or PCI for use with any of those video cards. i would get the ATI Radeon™ 9600 SE 128MB AGP Video Card $129.99 out of that selection.

online stores always have better prices than retail stores. the XFX GeForce FX 5200 at tigerdirect is a better deal because it has twice the memory as any of the ones you mentions at circuit city if you were to get a fx5200

an even better online store is www.newegg.com

 

[dxcouch]

based on what Newegg has thats under or around $100 what would anyone suggest that will work effectiantly with my PC?

 

[Inaris]

Radeon 9600 SE would be a great card for you...
can't go wrong with a Radeon...

 

[Spinox]

Which motherboard do you have?

 

[dxcouch]

no clue

 

[preet2u]

The radeon 9600 should be ur best bet .. the 5200 sucks .. Seriously .. i used the 5200 for 2 days b4 i swapped it for the 5600

 

[Ox]

Definately 9600

http://www6.tomshardware.com/graphic/20031229/

everycard ud consider buying.. ever is in there benchmarked and compared

throw that into ur browser and take a look for urself.