Re: GeForce Or Radeon
 

Any hardware that comes with those pre-built machines is suspect.
For all we know if could have been dropped on the floor and stepped on during assembly.
Maybe they just throw in the marginal parts that are more likely to be returned if purchased separately by knowledgable tecchies.

Putting your own together from scratch is good.

Re: GeForce Or Radeon
 

If you have the knowledge required to do so.

Re: GeForce Or Radeon
 

Nvidia's second generation cards seemed more economical then ATIs, soI went for Nvidia 5500 at about 70 bucks. No problems driver wise.

Re: GeForce Or Radeon
 

Very little is actually required ISTM. Having a buddy stand behind you to make common sense observations while you match up the uniquely shaped connectors is about all you need.

Re: GeForce Or Radeon
 

Well by popular vote, Nvidia wins thus far. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Now I just need to build the ultimate PC, Any one have $5,000 dollars laying around that I can have? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: GeForce Or Radeon
 

I have one of those shiny gold dollar coins with sacagewea(spelling?) on it....

Re: GeForce Or Radeon
 

Depends on what you are doing. Some games are better on one brand or the other. Almost any card is better than onboard. and memory is like money, more is better. AGP 4/8 is at the end of life, PCI is the future, and should be considered for future upgrades.

You can get a Radon 9800/256 for about $180 and it will work quite well. I was able to Put up some real good marks with the one in this system. But then I had to pay through the nose for it 18 months ago. Benchmark