Video Card Advice

[Sub Sailor]

I have been thinking about getting a new Video card, and I was wondering what any of you can tell me about Radeon or AGI Chips.
I have Nvidia GeForce MX 5500, 128MB, AGP, 8X now. I have Pent 4 with 512 MB of Ram. Also I have 550 Watt poer supply.
I don't want to do anything but change the card. So I would want something that is compatible with my present system.
I have never ran an ATI chip, and I do know anything about the 256 MB cards.I would appreciate any advice any of you would care to share.
O wpi;d really like to stay under $150, the $300 or $400 dollar chips are out.

Thank you,

Ron Banks MMCM(SS), USN(Ret)

[Gizzmoe]

Get either the ATI Radeon 9800 Pro for about $120:
http://www.pricewatch.com/prc.aspx?i=37&a=5307 (do not order from the first link, it´s a slower 9800SE.)

or the nVidia 6600GT for about $140:
http://www.pricewatch.com/prc.aspx?i=37&a=125788

This article compares both cards:
http://bit-tech.net/review/371/1

[wetgoat]

I have the ATI Radeon 9800 Pro (about 8 months now) and am very much pleased with it. For the going price, I believe it is an outstanding card.

[retired1212]

This is AGP version comparision.


http://www.hothardware.com/articleimages/Item616/comparo_1.png

[Sub Sailor]

I really appreciate the response, and I am mulling it over. I am leaning toward the 9800 pro, mainly I have read about ATI chips but never ran one, and everone I talked to say they are really pleased with them. Untill my 5500, I was always pleased with the nvidia.

Thanks again,

Ron Banks MMCM(SS), USN(Ret)