Vid Card for Source...

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

well it looks like my ti4200 is FINALLY biting the dust. Initially it quit playing source altogether - will load the game and instantly lock up usually resulting in a BSOD - now it's started doing it in 1.6, only a little more random, and in 1.6, it will usually break free after about 30-45 seconds, and then do it again about 2-3 mins later. Also, sometimes in 1.6 textures completely dissapear, and I have a black "void" so to speak on my screen.

Anway - I've been out of the loop for a while as far as the best gaming cards for the money, so what is the best combination of performance and value that I can get? I want to spend absolutely as little as possible. I was honestly happy with the way the ti4200 played source until it started acting retarded.

As far as my other system specs...

Athlon XP 2400+
768 RAM (PC2100)
80 + 40 HDD's
SB Live! (yeah i know it's old, but I need it for my soundfonts for MIDI Sequencing - they won't work w/ the audigy series correctly).
AGP 8x

TIA for all suggestions.

[LA_MERC_th33_r00k]

Will my vid card fit in there? If it does I will even make a better screaming deal.
sLingbLade knows the card.

[LA_MERC_th33_r00k]

Sorry this is hopefully sold.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Well - just an update (I've spent hours messing w/ this darned thing).

No 3D game will play worth a darn - constant lockups, etc. I guess it IS just finally dying. I can't even get the direct3d testers in dxdiag to work right - the little 3d box comes on the screen, spins wildly, then pauses for a few secs, spins wildly again, pauses again, spins again, pauses, spins, and then my computer locks up.

I've tried nearly every nvidia driver going back to the original version that would have shpped w/ the card, and have had the exact same result with each one.

Anyway - let me know of some low-cost ideas.

[LA_MERC_LaTech]

Jayson, I may have a card spare somewhere...don't remember what it is though, but you can have it. Let me look for it today.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Thanks Tech - lemme know if you find it...

In the meantime, anybody know anything about a 5500oc nvidia or a 9550 ati?

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

GAWD th is buggs me - it HAS to be the card, I've updated every darn driver on the system...I haven't had the "bug" to play in ages, and now that I do, my machine goes "huh?"

POS Emachine...lmao.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

BTW, if any of the local guys has a card I can at least stick in my machine and see if it IS the card, it would be greatly appreciated...

j.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

i have a chance to buy a nVidia ti4800 for $50 - any advice?

[LA_MERC_eX1|eS' ch1|d]

Should run it ok, I would read up on how cards like that handle HL2 since it's the same engine. I use a 9600XT with no problems running Source or BF2, well occasionally BF2 goes crazy on me but I'm not positive it's the video card because it's pretty random.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

Tech - any news on the card you mentioned? if not i'm probably going to take the guy up on the offer of the ti4800 for $50...anybody else have anything to offer in the sub $100 price range?

[LA_MERC_LaTech]

Hey man, I forgot about this. The card that I did have is either in a box in a storage unit or still in Louisiana...very sorry about that and the delay.

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

np tech - thanks for the update...

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

picked up a Xtasy Radeon 9550 from work - I finally feel like I've REALLY played source. The card was $80 w/ my discount, and I was actually VERY VERY surprised at just how well it played the game. I'm in DirectX 9 mode, all default settings (high detail, reflect world etc.) and I'm getting a nearly steady 55-60 fps at 1024x768, so I'm happy...

w00t!

[LA_MERC_Drifter]

Congrats on the card!

I had fun shooting you last night...hehehe

[LA_MERC_MadMAX]

I had fun too Drifter - source feels so different - so much more fluid.

I'll be on again tonight :)

[LA_MERC_th33_r00k]

Just refrain from spraying noob behind me on the wall in blood tonight......please. :camper: