Need video card

[nosbusch2005]

I just recently put together a computer for my sister but the video card I bought, a 7900GS, ended up being defective. I sent it back to newegg but now they are out of stock. Just wondering what other video cards in the same price range would be good. Thanks for any help.

 

[b1gapl]

An X1950PRO is in the same price range, and is slightly better, than the 7900GS. For just a little more, theres the X1950XT which owns both the 7900GS and X1950PRO.
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100186L Radeon X1950XT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail

 

[nosbusch2005]

Thanks for the info. I'm not that familiar with ATI cards though. Is Sapphire a good brand? I had actually looked at this card earlier but wanted some input from the experts
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100176L Radeon X1950PRO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail

 

[b1gapl]

That's the same exact one, I have right now, and I love it. Plays all my games, at reasonably high settings.

 

[lordkurai]

Try looking on Pricewatch | Lower prices on computers, laptops, mp3 players, motherboards, computer parts and electronics for the best prices on cards, and you may find the same one for cheaper there somewhere else. !
(hope that was helpful!)

 

[maroon1]

8600GTS is slightly faster than 7900GS

And it is only $138 after MIR
Newegg.com - MSI NX8600GTS-T2D256EZ HD GeForce 8600GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Silent Heatpipe Video Card - Retail

Or for $1 more you can get an overclocked version
Newegg.com - MSI NX8600GTS-T2D256E-OC GeForce 8600GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Over Clock Edition HDCP Video Card - Retail

 

[maroon1]

I would also get 8600GTS over X1950Pro for several reasons

1- X1950Pro may get better FPS in most games, but 8600GTS is showing its potential in newer games like STALKER, Oblivion, Supreme Commander. In those newer games 8600GTS is performing as good as X1950Pro or even better.

2- 8600GTS produce better image quality, and I think having better image quality is better than getting a little extra FPS

3- 8600GTS consume less power and produce lower heat than X1950Pro


You can see a review for 8600GTS and X1950Pro from here
Nvidia's GeForce 8600 series graphics cards - The Tech Report - Page 5

Since 8600GTS and X1950Pro have similar price, I would recommend 8600GTS

 

[Invisible]

but the x1950xt still stands on top of the pile

 

[Invisible]

and on those graphes none of those cards get over 45fps