Need some help on selecting video card please

I am on a budget for the card, around $75 maybe $100, but sure I can get a decent one for less than that, but any and all suggestions would be helpful. I only have a crappy "legacy" (thats what it says in my device manager) intergrated on the motherboard. I'm not sure how to tell what kind of mobo I have, if someone could help on that I'll provide that info when possible if needed (think it is). I don't have any AGP slots at all,only PCI, but 2 of those are avail. Have a 512mb PC133 Ram (says only 480mb tho when I go to comp properties). And the processor is a little old, but hasn't really given me any problems, an AthlonXP 1600+ 1.41ghz (should I upgrade that before video)? I know these are alot of things to ask, but don't want to post alot of new threads, so if someone could help me out would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time have a good one.:tas

 

Radeon 8500 is the minimum for most games, 9500 minimum for Vista. Can't speak for other makes & models. 8500 can be had from ebay for $10-25, just bought a AIW model (TV tuner, video in/out, HD in/out) for $33, including S&H..

 

you're going to have a lot of trouble playing any modern game on that system with only a PCI graphics card. They just cant handle the bandwidth requirements. If you're aware of that and only plan to play older games, you should be able to get any PCI graphics card for around that range.

Here are some examples near $100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814139010
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103031