Which budget graphics card?

[AD-15]

hello,

I'm building a new PC, and am looking for a reasonably cheap video card. I've had a look at the ATI cards, and I'm leaning towards the 3600 series. I'm also considering the 9500GT card. Which would be faster?

A feature I am looking for in the ATI cards is the ICEQ cooler used on cards made by HIS. However, I don't see any low priced cards that use this system.

I am looking to spend no more than around £50.

Thanks!

EDIT: If it matters, I am using a 380W PSU (Tagan).

[Webby]

Faster for what?

Neither is really going to blow you away gaming wise the 9500GT is slightly better is this respect than the 3650, however the 4670 blows both of them away but at £61 for the ICEQ version is probably a touch over budget (only 22% ) but it certainly is the best bang for buck you can get.

If gaming is not an issue then get the 3450 as it will easily handle all media playback etc.


Edit: Just found this ICEQ 2600 XT for £47 + Delivery (£3 I think) from Microdirect (Link) should be on a par with the 3650 performance wise.

[Rookie1986]

Take a look at this, it might take your fancy - i'm not an ATI guy so cant advise you there

[DanceswithUnix]

Sad that the 9500GT is the same spec as the old 8600GT, and at the same price I bought one for a year ago. Nothing has moved on in that bracket for all that time.

Anandtech also vote for the 4670 which is slightly out of your price range, but frankly worth waiting and saving for.

Edit: My Palit (ie Gainward) 8600GT 256MB was 45 quid from Amazon almost a year ago.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Here are some options from Ebuyer :

X1950 pro 256mb ddr3 (£45)

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/149200

HD3650 256mb ddr3 (£46.72)

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/141131

8600GTS 256mb ddr3(£43.99)

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/126983

8800GT 256mb ddr3(£46.95)

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/149370

The last is the best option under 50 quid - it is at least twice as fast as a 8600GTS!! Remember you can get free Supersaver postage from Ebuyer if you have an order over £49.99!

If you want to spend more than 50 quid you can get a 512mb HD3850 for £57.99:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/149370

The HD4670 is a good buy for around 60 quid as it has hd3850 level performance with lower power comsumption - it is bus powered like the 9500gt but is faster!!

[Pob255]

I'd say all depends on what you want to do with it.
If you're looking to game on it, then you're probably best off with a 2nd hand high end dx9 series card ati 1900 or nvidia 7900 and don't consider anything over 19" monitor resolutions

Although looking at the prices CAT just listed the 8800gt 256mb looks very good for 19" and below resolutions

[Powderhound]

That 8800GT is by far the best sub-£50 option.