ATI or Nvidia?   Intel or Amd?
479614
You're getting such a variety of answers because we have no idea about your computer budget and your purpose.\n\nnVidia is typically better bang for the buck than ATI, especially in mid-range gfx cards (as the 7x00 GT series). AMD X2 processors will typically be better and cheaper than Intel Pentium 4's (Prescott) and their dual-core counterparts. Currently, AMD X2 4200+ will give you the highest performance/dollar ratio (for both gaming and business-synthetic benchmarks), not to mention that they use less power than Intel CPU's.\n\nBut seriously, you're going to have to tell us a little more about what you're going to do with that PC. Otherwise, it'll just be a popularity contest.
521774
Basically, the more expensive the card, the better it is. Other than that go to Nvidia.com and check out the specs. The high the number of MIPs  the better the processor.
441425
I'd be curious as to where you would get one of those cards. ATI only recently released the X1900; an X1950 would be the next version to come out, but I wouldn't expect it for at least 3-6 months.
343915
For gaming performance get an AMD64. They are the best for gaming even against Intel's dual core solutions. \n\nThere's a reason why the dual core Intels are cheaper than the AMD X2 dual cores, and that's because they're very slow in single threaded applications such as gaming. \n\nATHLON64 buddy! You won't regret it!\n\nIf you still go Intel, dont' get anything lower than the 840 D. As for AMD, I highly suggest 3200+ and higher.
22423
OK, since you have a P4 w/ 2.4 GHz, it's a good thing you want a low cost card since that's a pretty low performing CPU nowadays.\n\nI disagree w/ the other poster.  You don't choose graphics cards by matching AMD w/ nVidia and Intel w/ ATI.  That has nothing to do with it.  Honestly, AMD has it all over Intel for gaming nowadays, period.\n\nIf you want Pixel Shader 3 you will have go with one of the ATI x1000-series cards or an nVidia 6 or 7 series card.  Also the 9800 cards suggested by the other writer are 2 generations out of date.  For ATI, the last Gen were X800 cards; current are the X1000 series.\n\nHowever, 9800 cards are pretty cheap right now and you can get them around 126 (OEM) or 127 (non-OEM) at Newegg (according to Pricegrabber).\n\nX800 prices are close to 200.\n\nFor nVidia cards, I would recommend the 6600GT\n\nI'm assuming you have AGP, but check just in case.\n\nNote that these cards are going to need a free Molex connector for power.
1030011
Lol! This question can lead to a never ending discussion. \n\nIt depends on what you are going for. Intel's Pentium 4 is a good all around processor. AMD's Athlon is more of a performance processor. The Athlon is the processor you would want to get if you are a gamer or a graphics artist, for they are known for producing clear graphics. Also remember that there are different versions of both companies processors.\n\nI personally would recommend the Athlon, for it not only makes excellent graphics, it is also an excellent all around processor.
983004
Roughly 60 per cent.  AMD has been a chip favored by gamers and graphics users  But Intel's latest dual core chip has surpassed it in benchmark tests.
385454
Buy an internal graphics card, but make sure that you have the right slot type. There are two types, AGP and PCI Express. AGP is older, but is still around, where as PCI Express is newer and faster. If you are buying and ATI card, I would personally recomend buying ATI brand cards, but if you wish to purchase an nVidia card, since they don't make their own cards, only the chips, I would do online research to find the best manufactur (spelling?) of the graphics card.
865216
It depends on what you will use it for. Games, business, etc. It also depends on on your motherboard. Does it have PCI, AGP, PCI-Express. If it has PCI-Express, get a video card for that particular slot. Me personally, I stick with NVidia. You can't go wrong with either a NVidia or ATI card. As for the best and cheapest, start buying Maximum PC. They do Vs. features which will help with taking the guesswork out of deciding which video card is best for you. Good luck!
1039814
http://www.newegg.com/\nhttp://www.tigerdirect.com/\n\nYou will see a lot of video cards for ATI and Nvidia chipsets.
118900
Stay away from the cheapest ones (PC Chips, etc) I have a fondness for Intel chipsets because I run Intel chips. GigaByte, Intel, and MSI all make good IntelCPU boards and I have personal good experience with them. For AMD CPUs I'd stick with Asus or MSI although I have heard good things about DFI LanParty boards
854515
i would go ATI anytime, but in this case...\nthe 7300 will give anywhere between 50 and 200 % more frames per seconds...
879665
Amd all the way..............
268509
If you prefer ATI then that would be a good ideea. The fact that it has low rating on amazon it's only because this video processor is 1-2 years old, and will soon dissapear from the market. If you want an opinion I don't say that this modell has nothing to give, on the contrary! I saw what this processor is capable of and it's worth buying it!\nThe alternative for ATI is nVidia, of course. From GeForce 6600 to 7800 (the newest processor compatible with AGP)... Depending on what you want from it. X800 XT compares with 6800 GT, but unfortunately it has lower performaces than it, but nothing that you'll recognize during today's games!
198099
Pentium processors have had the best overall performance. However, the new AMD processors are faster than their Pentium counterparts in some tests. In general, you'll pay the most for an Intel processor, which means the AMD processors typically have a better price-performance ratio.\n\nSo conclusion go for AMD Athlon.
574137
My Preference would always be Nvidia...
29685
First off, all the cards you listed will be able to handle any games you want to play, so it comes down to preference (nVidia vs. ATI) and what kind of budget you're working with.\n\nMore importantly, what kind of system do you own? What kind of mobo do you have? Is it even capable of holding AGP or PCI-E cards? If you have a PCI-E compatible motherboard, it might be in your best interest to go that route, for future upgradeability. However, most AGP cards are capable of powering any of todays games, and AGP is usually less $$ taxing than PCI-E. You'll probably want to stay away from any PCI cards, as they're almost obsolete, especially if all you want to do is play games.\n\nGiven the fact that I have no idea what kind of machine you're using, I can't really give an educated suggestion (sorry). As far as the cards listed go, the 6800 is a damn fine PCI-E card, for what it's worth.