My theory for building a new gaming system is simple: buy a half-step behind the top end. This maximizes your dollar-to-obsolescence-period ratio.

The GeForce2 chipset is the leading edge of consumer graphics hardware for the PC at present. So, to be a half-step back, I chose the "low end" of the GeForce2 cards: Leadtek's.

Speed and overall performance are within the 95th percentile of other GeForce2 cards -- but for up to 20% less money (especially when compared to the wallet-draining ASUS card).

The only drawbacks are the ones common to all GeForce2 cards at this writing: you will often have to go get the latest drivers from nVidia, and they may or may not play nice with Windows. I personally get regular blue-screen errors on shutdown under Windows Me since installing nVidia's drivers.

But to a certain extent, this is to be expected at the leading edge (some would say "bleeding edge") of hardware.

If you want bang for your buck, the Leadtek is your baby. If you're a prestige man, go for the ASUS.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 219