Looking for Video Card

[Bullgrit]

I'm looking to get a 512MB video card, and I know nothing about them. I'm starting to read up on them, but there are just so many, the information is a bit overwhelming. I'd like to stay under $200. Do y'all have any suggestions on what to look for -- brand, feature, specs, whatever?

Bullgrit

 

[trancejeremy]

Nvidia 8800 GT. They're a bit over $200, $220-250, but with careful shopping you can find one for $200.

 

[Cergorach]

I would recommend a Nvidia 8800 series card. A 8800GT 512MB starts at $189 (after mail in rebates) from what i can find on newegg.com. A little faster is the 8800GTS 512MB, that starts at $219 (after mail in rebates). I'm currently running a somewhat older version of the 8800GTS 640MB, and it runs excellent with most games. Just keep in mind that newer games aren't meant to be played at 2560x1600 at the highest settings, Crysis won't run smooth at those settings even if you throw $3000 worth of videocards at that problem, a few years from now it'll run great on low-end video cards ;-)

Also keep in mind that there are rumours flowing around that the 25th of March Nvidea will announce/release their new 9800GTX videocard. While it'll fall outside your price range, there is speculation that it might push prices of the GT and GTS even lower. You might want to wait a few days, might save you a few bucks.

 

[Bullgrit]

Thanks much for the quick replies. Crysis and Call of Duty 4 are two games I'm hoping to play.

I'm getting a new computer in a couple weeks, so I can wait till after the 25th to get the vid card.

Thanks for the advice.

Bullgrit

 

[YourSwordIsMine]

Do not get an 8600 series or lower from NVIDIA. I too recommend the 8800GT or if you do not want to pay the bit more extra for it you might want to consider the 9600GT as well. The 8800GT is the better choice for a single card setup.

 

[Thanee]

Thanks much for the quick replies. Crysis and Call of Duty 4 are two games I'm hoping to play.

They play absolutely fine on any GeForce 8800GT +
(I have an 8800GTS 640MB and can play Crysis on high (no AA) at 1600x1200 resolution.)

I would also recommend the GeForce 8800GT 512MB or the new GeForce 9600GT 512MB (a lil weaker and cheaper than the 8800GT).

Here's a good rundown on current gaming video cards:
http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/03/05/the_best_gaming_graphics/

Bye
Thanee

 

[TwistedBishop]

GeForce 8800GT is the best bang for your buck card right now.

EVGA is one of the better companies to buy from. They offer a lifetime warranty, competitive pricing and the Step-Up Program (where you trade your recently purchased EVGA cards in within 90 days and get the full purchase price as a credit towards a new card).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130319

 

[Bront]

Personaly, I'm a fan of the ATI Raadeon HD 3870 from a price/performance perspective. It's close to where the GT is in performance (Sometimes a little better, sometimes a little worse), and is priced a bit better. They were $190 before the price drop, might be lower now.