Graphics Chip Cock Frequency Speed: 275 MHz
128 MB DDR Memmory @ 270 MHz
Memory Bus Width: 256 bit
Memory timing & latency: ??? (Need some input here for the guy)
With these specs You should do just fine & you can definitely find one in your price-range. This is a <b> VERY VERY</b> fast card. It won't be any more than 10 - 20% slower than the currently fastest offerings. Whatever you get, don't get a GeForce FX card. Recent discoveries have unveiled that ALL FX boards will have very mediocre performance IN DirectX 9 applications. If the $250 is a little high for you, and all you want is decent directX 9 performance, then the Radeon 9500, 9600, & 9600 Pro can all be had for less than $150. If your a real cheapskate, you can actually attempt a softmod on a (9500 Non-pro) to turn it into a 9700 non-pro although I wouldn't reccomend it because it doesn't always work and you might be left dissappointed if you don't get the highend performance your wanting. However softmodding won't void the warrently like overclocking will & if it fails it won't damage your card in any way.
My OS features preemptive multitasking, a fully interactive command line, & support for 640K of RAM!