Low cost video card recommendation

[Okitasoshi]

Hey guy, need some advice on a new video card. I'm going to be building a new PC, as my AGP 6800GT went kerplunk.

I'm short on cash but want a good PC, I don't need a HDD,Case, or PSU (I'll upgrade PSU later).

I'm trying to decide between

Newegg.com - POWERCOLOR AX3850 512MD3 Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

$100 after MIR 512MB (I'll be playing 1680x1050)

Newegg.com - XFX PVT88SFDFU GeForce 8800 GS 384MB 192-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

$100 after MIR 384MB and CoD4

Newegg.com - MSI N9600GT-T2D512 GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

$130 After MIR, I'm wondering if the extra $30 is worth the extra performance over 8800gs or HD3850

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-NX88T256HV1 GeForce 8800 GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

$120 After MIR, but the 256MB might not be enough for 1680x1050.


I've been looking around and so far my gut is telling me to go with the 9600GT, but the HD3850 is tempting too for such a low price. Lemme know what you guys think.

 

[philbar71]

If you can go with the 8800GT

 

[veg1992]

Get the 8800gt 256mb... and it's enough for up to 1920x1200 which is a higher res then 1680, but Idk if they honor rebates or not..

but the 9600gt is fine if they don't offer it...

 

[Sora]

I would personally get a 9600GT over an 8800GT 256. The extra memory does help now even at 1440x900 in the newest games and the gap will only increase. However still at this point the 8800GT 256 on a smaller monitor is faster than the 9600GT. The 9600GT will just be a little more futureproof. I suggest that if you are going to upgrade in the next half a year as in sell your old card and upgrade (thats what i do) then go with the 8800GT 256. If you plan on keeping it longer than go with the 9600GT.

EDIT: An Hd3850 for 100 bucks in the end is a good price. You will notice the performance difference between an 8800GT/9600GT and an HD3850 however it is up to you to check the benchmarks and decide if at your res it's worth the extra money.

 

[alexsabree]

8800gt 512mb, defiantly.

 

[Sora]

8800gt 512mb, defiantly.

If that were one of his choices >.<

 

[veg1992]

I think he means 256mb

 

[asudmr]

i went with the 8800 GS Superclocked edition which was $109 after mail in rebate and though i haven't installed it yet i've heard and read mostly good things about it.

Newegg.com - EVGA 384-P3-N853-AR GeForce 8800GS Superclocked 384MB 192-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

 

[veg1992]

Well out of those its probably the weakest performing

even though the HD3850 256mb is less performing than the 8800gs, the 512mb HD3850 overpowers the GS

9600gt is about the same as the HD3870 and 8800gt 256mb... depends on what settings and resolutions you play at

 

[Okitasoshi]

haha yeah 512MB would definitely be my first choice, however it's still in the upper $180 range, and I don't wanna fork out that kind of money.

after reading Call of Duty 4 - Tom's Hardware : Nvidia's GeForce 9600 GT Tested

I determined the HD3850 seems to be at a great price point at $100 after MIR. I was a little disappointed by the 256MB 8800GT, the 9600GT is still up in the running definitely. however I'm curious how the 8800GS pairs up to the 3850...my gut tells me it's a little worse.