Video Card+PSU, suggestions

[decimalstinger]

Hello everybody! I'm considering getting a new video card and power supply for my system to run half life 2 and stalker better.
Current specs:
Athlon 3500+ 2.2GHz
1GB Ram
ATI Radeon Xpress x200 64 MB (integrated)
Windows XP
edit: ~300 watt PSU, it was included with the system
The system is a prebuilt from Compaq/HP

Obviously almost card would offer better performance.
I've been looking at the 8600Gt, as well as 7600Gs. Since its Xp, DX10 isn't a factor here. I also would like a bit of help with a PSU, since I don't know much.
I'm trying to keep the cost with shipping under $100.
here's the PSU I was looking at.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817101034

Any better deals/ or suggestions?

 

[Megaten]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...lickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16814121219

I'd point to any brand of Radeon HD 3850 for under 100. The thing is an absolute beast at that price point. That one would be 59.99 after the MIR, plus you'll be getting a copy of Alone in the Dark for the PC as well. Not too shabby.

EDIT: Also, might want to take a quick glance here:

http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/08/12/nvidia-g92s-g94-reportedly

before you consider a Nvidia in that range. Seems they're having quite the screw-up.

 

[Oktoberfest]

AGP or PCI-express?

 

[decimalstinger]

I looked at the radeon 3000 series, they were in PCI-E 2.0 x16, thought I later found they were backwards compatible. The link to the radeon is broken...
Though the article is pretty eye opening.

But any advice on PSU's?

PCI-Express.

 

[SOSTrooper]

Let's assume that you do have a PCI-Express X16 (no just the X1 or X4) slot open/available, you could get Asus Radeon HD 3850 512MB for $59.99 after rebate and throw in an Antec 430W for $29.99 after rebate. Note that futureproofing is non-existent here, but they allow you to run HL2 and Stalker a lot better than your current setup.