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What is the best <$20 graphics card I can get?

minervx
By minervx
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I need to run a video card just to prove whether it is my video card or another part that is defective.  My budget here is $5-20 used market.  Needs to accept an HDMI cable.  Should be at least similar to integrated graphics just in case it turns out my GPU is a problem and I'll need it to get me by until I resolve the issue.

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Literally anything with an HDMI port. If you only need it to test if you have a dead GPU then what is "best" isn't important. Also, the used market is different everywhere, so it is almost impossible for us to give you an answer.

Space is pretty awesome.

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1 minute ago, NewHopeTech said:

Literally anything with an HDMI port. If you only need it to test if you have a dead GPU then what is "best" isn't important. Also, the used market is different everywhere, so it is almost impossible for us to give you an answer.

 

Yes, but I am going to need something that is usable for a week or two (for browsing, youtube, extremely light gaming) until I sort this out.

 

I'm assuming I should go for a 1 VRAM card instead of a 512 MB.

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6 minutes ago, minervx said:

I need to run a video card just to prove whether it is my video card or another part that is defective.  My budget here is $5-20 used market.  Needs to accept an HDMI cable.  Should be at least similar to integrated graphics just in case it turns out my GPU is a problem and I'll need it to get me by until I resolve the issue.

You can probably find a Nvidia GT 210 or Radeon HD 5450 at that price. Both are considered HTPC class GPUs released years ago so are probably aren't worth much and will have all the regular inputs including HDMI.

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Just now, minervx said:

 

Yes, but I am going to need something that is usable for a week or two (for browsing, youtube, extremely light gaming) until I sort this out.

 

I'm assuming I should go for a 1 VRAM card instead of a 512 MB.

Pretty much anything will work for browsing and youtube. If possible, yeah you want at least 1GB of VRAM, just don't set your expectations high for even the lightest gaming.

Space is pretty awesome.

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Just now, NewHopeTech said:

Pretty much anything will work for browsing and youtube. If possible, yeah you want at least 1GB of VRAM, just don't set your expectations high for even the lightest gaming.

Most the cards at this guy's price bracket won't even be remotely snappy enough to make use of 1GB of VRAM. Slowest cards that even comes close to being fast enough to use it are the 7570/GT730.

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2 minutes ago, NewHopeTech said:

Pretty much anything will work for browsing and youtube. If possible, yeah you want at least 1GB of VRAM, just don't set your expectations high for even the lightest gaming.

would it be possible to get overwatch at 60 frames at 720p lowest settings?

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What's your location? Someone local to you might have something used laying around.

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To find one new that has an hdmi port for $20 is impossible. But im sure you can find one used on craigslist (or kijiji if you live in Canada). Also a new one would never be that good for $20.

 

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used

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1 hour ago, NewHopeTech said:

anything with an HDMI port.

fixed that for you.

 

just get any card thats proven working that you can dig up, and isnt more than 6-8 ish years old.

EDIT: also, if your display only accepts HDMI, you need one of these on the shelf.

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i dont have a vga cable or whatever its called

PC Build: R5-1600.  Scythe Mugen 5.  GTX 1060.  120 GB SSD.  1 TB HDD.  FDD Mini C.  8 GB RAM (3000 MHz).  Be Quiet Pure Wings 2.  Capstone-550.  Deepcool 350 RGB.

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7 minutes ago, minervx said:

i dont have a vga cable or whatever its called

Try going to a store and ask the guys do they have anything in the back that is not for sale in the store (because of missing box, cables ect.) but in working condition. If he shows you a decent GPU then go like ill give you 20 bucks for that and he will give it to you... Because the money goes to his pocket and any money is good for him. That is what I did a couple of times.

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1 hour ago, manikyath said:

fixed that for you.

 

just get any card thats proven working that you can dig up, and isnt more than 6-8 ish years old.

EDIT: also, if your display only accepts HDMI, you need one of these on the shelf.

Mate he said he needs HDMI. No point in making him get an adapter if he can just get a card with it built in.

Space is pretty awesome.

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yes.  having to buy an adapter on top of it negates the savings had from going for a cheaper card.  

 

i got a gt 310.  at least ill have a card that isn't useless.

PC Build: R5-1600.  Scythe Mugen 5.  GTX 1060.  120 GB SSD.  1 TB HDD.  FDD Mini C.  8 GB RAM (3000 MHz).  Be Quiet Pure Wings 2.  Capstone-550.  Deepcool 350 RGB.

Peripherals: Qisan Magicforce (80%) w/ Gateron Blues.  Razer Naga Chroma.  Lenovo 24" 1440p IPS.  PS4 Controller.

Audio: Focusrite (Solo, 2nd), SM57, Triton Fethead, AKG c214, Sennheiser HD598's, ATH-M50x, AKG K240, Novation Launchkey

Wishlist: MP S-87, iPad, Yamaha HS5's, more storage

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