Best $165 video card?

[jag1]

I'm building a new P4 system, and need the best video card my $165 budget can buy. I'm thinking Saphire Radeon 9600XT? I've been an iNvidia user for a long time, but the reviews I've read list the Radeon outperforming all similarly priced nVidia based cards. I also understand the Radeons overclock better. Any input is appreciated.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Wow, dead on the first time. :Q The 9600XT is most likely the best bang-for-buck card right now. Go for it. :beer:

- M4H

 

[mamisano]

Truth is, I would get a used 9700 or 9700 Pro for that price. There are some in the FS/FT section near that price.

 

[blazerazor]

Wait a week, take $50 dollars out you next paycheck, buy a 5900 or rob the couch and get a 9800.... Unless you get the 9600pro A-I-W card: when it wont play games anymore you can use the tv/fm tuner options it has.

 

[Corporate Thug]

$162 BFG 5900

prolly another $5 or so for shipping

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: shady06
$162 BFG 5900

prolly another $5 or so for shipping

850mhz memory, IT MUST BE THE 2.2NS, AWESOME DEAL!

 

[jag1]

THANKS! I think I'll go for the FX5900 deal. (I wasn't looking at the used ones because I've seen several people OC and burn up the chip then sell the card). The FX5900 should outperform the 9600XT. Anyone here running a FX5900?

 

[kyparrish]

you're almost in the range of being able to afford a 9700/9700 pro or even a 9800 non-pro.....look for a deal on one of these, maybe you'll find one

 

[nRollo]

he FX5900 should outperform the 9600XT. Anyone here running a FX5900?

Errr, that card will utterly destroy a 9600XT at everything that requires a decent fillrate. The only thing the 9600XT would possibly be better at is PS2 DX9 and even there they would be to close to tell.

 

[Jeff7181]

I'm running an Aopen FX5900 overclocked to 490/940. Temps are no different from the stock 400/850 speed, nVidia's reference cooler performs VERY well.

The 9600's AA is better of course, but for the same price, the FX5900 is most definately the way to go.

 

[Keysplayr]

Check my Sig for the 9700.
It would also kill a 9600XT and the price is what your looking for.

I am currently running a eVGA 5900nu. Veeery Niiiice..... Veeery Faaast..... Veeery Compatable.....

Keys

 

[nRollo]

Keys does offer an interesting alternative. Much better PS2 performance, not so much worse anything else performance.

 

[CaiNaM]

Originally posted by: jag1
I'm building a new P4 system, and need the best video card my $165 budget can buy. I'm thinking Saphire Radeon 9600XT? I've been an iNvidia user for a long time, but the reviews I've read list the Radeon outperforming all similarly priced nVidia based cards. I also understand the Radeons overclock better. Any input is appreciated.

easy. the bfg asylum fx5900.

runs circles around the 9600xt at stock speeds.

runs circles around my oc'd 9700pro when the 5900 is clocked at 475/950, where mine had been running happily since installation, with no artifacts or stability issues..

as if that weren't enough, it also comes with a lifetime warranty (not the "technology life of the card, like pny, but for as long as you own it) and toll free tech support 24/7. and you can get it NEW for < $170 shipped.

if that weren't enuff, if you can manage to snag one from newegg (they sold out in a day, and are currently OOS), it comes with a full copy of CoD. oh, and a free tshirt lol.

not sure if there is a downside.. other than it's a big-assed card... oh, and it's slower than a 9800xt, but i'll keep the extra 300 greens in my pocket