Whether you're shopping for a very basic video card, or a card designed for optimal 3-D gaming, we point you to the highest value products to fit your particular needs.
On a Budget? Join the Club...
These days I very rarely encounter anyone who has a limitless amount of money to spend on new computer parts. Whereas in the past the term "just give me the best" was a common request of clients wanting new computers, now I more often hear "what is the cheapest?" If you're shopping for a new graphics card on a budget, you're not alone. Thankfully manufacturers and retailers are listening and the crop of very affordable graphics cards available is better than its ever been. Let's take a look at five of the best budget graphics cards in their respective classes.
Just Get It Done - For 32.99 USD
It won't be winning any rewards for 3-D gaming quality, but this Geforce 8400 GS from MSI will get the job of putting pretty pictures on your screen done. Designed to be compatible with newer PCs, this card in many cases offers an alternative to and advantage over onboard graphics found in many new computers. It's low profile, small form factor design makes it ideal for slimline desktops and other similar machines where space is a major concern.
Specifications
- GeForce 8400 GS
- 512 MB GDDR2 Video Memory
- 64-bit Interface
- PCI-Express 2.0
- Direct X 10 and OpenGL 2.0
- 567MHz core clock speed
- 800MHz memory clock speed
- VGA, DVI, S-Video ports
Everyday Performer with a Side of 3-D Gaming - For 64.99 USD
It was shocking to find such a nicely fitted card for such a low price. This GeForce 9500 GT from EVGA is packed full of features, the most noticeable of which is a full 1GB of GDDR2 video memory. While hard core gamers are probably going to pass this up in favor of one of the current generation models, it's not a card to be brushed off. Over 200 reviewers have deemed this card worthy of everyday usage and good, reliable performance. Dozens of those reviewers also noted it's surprising capability to run games like World of Warcraft and City of Heroes at maxed out settings perfectly, and newer games like Crysis and Call of Duty World at War on mid settings and native resolution. To top it all off, its SLI-compatible - so get two!
Specifications
- GeForce 9500 GT
- 1GB GDDR2 Video Memory
- 128-bit Interface
- PCI-Express 2.0
- DirectX 10 and OpenGL 2.1
- 550MHz core clock speed
- 800MHz memory clock speed
- DVIx2, S-Video ports
- Supports HDMI with audio via DVI-HDMI adaptor (not included)
- SLI Ready