What video card should I get?

[ScreamingViking]

I am buying a new computer tommorrow, and I just read the mountain of graphic glitches on the bug thread. I fear having a glitch more than anything; can somebody please advise me on:

1. what card I can purchase that will avoid these errors (I hear ati might me troublesome), and

2. any procedures and/or settings that will minimize the chance of errors.

It will be much appreciated.

[alva]

What would be your budget?

[ScreamingViking]

In the middle ($1-2 K, Canadian). I figure I'll get 1G ram, 3.0 GHz. Admittedly, I'm an idiot when it comes to video and sound cards. GeForce looks like more money, but seems to have less chance of failing.

[ScreamingViking]

In other words, I'll drop a couple hundred extra if it saves me a few fistfuls of hair come startup time.

[alva]

Not sure if you need a monitor and I'm not familiar with Canuck monopoly money but I'll give it a go:

(you will assemble it yourself right?)

Normal MB (don't go for the cheapest one) ASUS is good
AMD64 (939model so make sure the MB is 939 as well) 3000+ (see what hits the sweet spot but anything over 3000 is good)
1G mem
Video: 6600 or the 6800 nVidia ( you will more than likely need the PCI-Express version )
HD: Sata (if possible, get a 16MB version)
Sound: Audigy 2

[ScreamingViking]

Awesome. Thanks for the input.



(p.s.: Monopoly money is equal to about 85% a $US or Euro, but our ridiculous Liberal government has levies that increase retail electronics prices - so add in another 10-15%. )

[cassembler]

If you get a chance, check out the 7800's. I got a new one for $400 or so- expensive, yes, but it eats up everything I throw at it without breaking a sweat. Civ 4 runs in super-best mode without so much as a blink.

[inca911]

I was in the same place you are now. I bought this box last night for about $500:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7438702&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01172&id=1124431830447

The on-board card runs the game fine, so don't be scared of this ATI nonsense. It started up last night with zero bugs/issues and I ran it until 2am, so about 6 hours smooth sailing.

[alva]

Please, people, once and for all, don't buy integrated graphic cards!!!
Get a slower/cheaper processor if you must but get a dedicated videocard!!

[-Jrabbit]

NOW he tells me...