Graphics Card Help...

[MilitantB0B]

My friend wants a computer but he lacks the scratch to go retail and the knowledge to go self-built, so he turns to me. Hes a close friend so I am giving him close friend prices (at cost ). Hes a light gamer, and most of his games aren't that graphic intensive. Games like DAoC, RTS games and other stuff like that, not a big FPS fan, but he does play CS.

That being said, here is the system i was thinking about making for him so far:
512MB DDR PC2100 $75.00
AMD Athlon XP 2000 $67.00
Biostar Motherboard $51.00
Seagate Barracuda 80GB $71.50
Cyberdrive 40x16x48 $27.99
Microsoft Windows XP $91.00
Total $383
Finnally being able to play games in your room and not on the family computer- Priceless

Ok, that being said, what kind of graphics card would you recomend for this chaps system? Remeber to keep it relativly cheap, but still good matireal for a gamer who plays games that aren't that graphics intensive.

Thanks in advance.


PS: Doesn't this case look pretty pimp for 78 bucks?


I am getting it for my friends comp, but I just may get one for myself and do a full PC transplant.

EDIT: Here is the link to the case, just in case you where wondering: Clicky

[NoSurrender]

Something i need to know is does he want to be able to use the computer for a while with the current parts?

[MilitantB0B]

He wants to be able to use it for a while, but an upgrade down the line won't upset him to much. He pretty much knows an upgrade is comming anyways cause of the 512mb. Nothing to bad, just something that will work ok for less graphic intensive games for a while.

Sorry if i am being vauge and ambiguos, it is not intintional.

[Daleon]

Well for literally $15 here and there he can get something serious better.

One, the XP2000 for $67. For $16 more you can get an XP2500 Barton which are going in the $83 range most places.

For prolly $10 more you can go with PC2700 or maybe even PC3200 ram instead of 2100.

The difference in cpu/memory power between an xp2000/PC2100 and an XP2500/PC3200 is quite serious.

Also I think I got your case beat:
RAIDMAX 868 Blue SCORPIO W/420WATT $74
http://www.gameve.com/store/gameve_v...idproduct=1366

As for video - Daoc can still eat up some serious video cardage, especially if he has Trials of Atlantis going at decent rez. All depends on what the budget is really. If the money is there, a 9600 Pro. They are dropping in prices fast. Anything cheaper and your looking at either 9200 Pro/8500 area or maybe a used GF3 ti500 off ebay.

[Zatrais]

Do you really have to spend money getting xp? hehe

[NoSurrender]

A 9600SE is pretty cheap but not nearly as fast. Id look for one but im at school atm.