Need help in Purchasing Budget GPU

Hello friends

First of all I am a complete noob in Computer and its Hardwares. I am looking for budget GPU (under Indian Rupees 3500) for my PC at home

The following is my Desktop's Configuration

Mainboard: Mercury PIG31T (FSB:1333/1066 Mhz)

Processor: Core 2 Duo E7200 2.53 GHz (3 MB of L2 cache FSB 1066 MHz)

Chipset: Intel G31 & ICH7
- North Bridge: Intel G31
- South Bridge: Intel ICH7

Physical Memory: 2 GB Dual Channel DDR2 800 RAM in a Single Slot (other slot is vacant)

Video Memory: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 (GMA3100)

Expansion Slots Available in the Mainboard: 1 x PCI ExpressX16 slot
1 x PCI ExpressX1 slot
2xPCI

Audio Chipset: Realtek ALC 662 6-channel HD Audio

Back Panel I/O:1 x PS/2 keyboard/Mouse connectors
1 x VGA Port
4 x USB 2.0 Ports
1 x Audio port (Line-in, Line-out and Mic-in)
1 x COM Port
1 x RJ 45 Lan connector

System BIOS: AMI BIOS with 8Mb SPI Flash ROM
Supports Plug and Play 1.0A, APM 1.2, Multi Boot, DMI
Supports ACPI revision 1.0 specification

Since i don't know which detail of my PC is important in deciding the GPU i have copied most of the details from the manuals i got with my PC

I use my PC mainly for watching Movies, for office related works(like MS Office Suite), Listening to the music and occasionally for playing games(mostly made of prior to 2008)

I kindly request you guys to help me out in choosing budget and cost effective GPU compatible with my Mainboard and rest of the system

Looking forward to your advice and suggestions

Thanks in advance

(Please bear in mind that i am not a computer expert)

Here is a complete list of graphic card and their prices: http://forums.techarena.in/monitor-v...rds/971992.htm

However, the prices may differ at some different locations/ shops, so choose your graphic card within your range that suits you. :)

Thanks a lot Unidentified for the link

but i still have one doubt

how to find the compatibility of GPU with my main board?

while trying to find various models of budget GPU i came across words like PCI 2.0 16x GPUs AGPs etc

if possible could you kindly enlighten me which type of GPU i should look for my Configuration?(in compatibility wise as well as brand wise Nvidia Vs ATI)

Thanks again

Your 1 PCI Express x 16 slot means that you can run crossfire but the link speed will be at 8x/8x not 16x/16x. but dont fret my friend running at 8x/8x doesnt have any noticeable performance difference(s). heres how it ranks in performance, if you have a pci-e slot at 16x then its 100% speed but lower it to 8x then it runs at 95% speed. i had a link that compared 8x/8x sli versus 16x/16x and the difference was 1-3 fps so you good with that mobo. i wish i had the link for the comparison i had. if i find anything ill post it.

heres a crossfire hd4850 8x/8x vs 16x/16x comparison.

http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/14...nce/index.html

heres for sli 8x/8x vs 16x/16x

http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/...iew/page11.asp (the 750i sli runs sli at 8x/8x)

Hi Tech Guruji

Thanks for the comments

But I am a novice in GPU, i don't know what is crossfire or SLi?

If you don't mind could you give me an advice on purchasing decent GPU under $50 (it should be compatible with my mainboard)

Thanks in advance