best ~$200 video card?

[Maverick2002]

I'm a little out of the loop on graphics cards right now - is there a "best" video card right now in the ~$200 range? This will be used almost exclusively for working with complex scenes (rendering in the viewport) in 3dsmax. Also, from what I gather we're anti-ATI so if there's a similar NVIDIA card in terms of performance that would be preferable.

Currently we're running 8600GTs, and although I am finding some benchmark-oriented reviews I can't seem to find a comprehensive comparison of 8xxx series, 9xxx series, 2xx series, and hdxxxx series cards.

TIA!

 

[Wreckage]

For around $200 you can get a GTX260 which would be night and day compared to the 8600GT

 

[adlep]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
I'm a little out of the loop on graphics cards right now - is there a "best" video card right now in the ~$200 range? This will be used almost exclusively for working with complex scenes (rendering in the viewport) in 3dsmax. Also, from what I gather we're anti-ATI so if there's a similar NVIDIA card in terms of performance that would be preferable.

Currently we're running 8600GTs, and although I am finding some benchmark-oriented reviews I can't seem to find a comprehensive comparison of 8xxx series, 9xxx series, 2xx series, and hdxxxx series cards.

TIA!

Seems like an official support forum

here

would be a good place to ask.

I did some research and in general, people like to use regular "desktop" line of GPU vs. the Professional "Quadro" line.

So, if your system can support it, you can get a BFG GTX 260 OC for $219.00 + $20.00 rebate + free FarCry 2 game that you could sell for at least $25.00
Deal is here

So a GTX 260 seems like your choice
3dstudio max does not support SLI or multi gpu config so you want to stick to a fast, single core video card...

 

[exar333]

The 4850 is a great card too, but IMHO it runs really hot. I like the GTX260 at $200 and the HD4870 at $300.00.

Since you are looking at around 200, the GTX260 would be a great buy, plus you get a free game from a number of vendors (BFG and EVGA + others likely).

 

[Calculator83]

Originally posted by: ExarKun333
The 4850 is a great card too, but IMHO it runs really hot. I like the GTX260 at $200 and the HD4870 at $300.00.

Since you are looking at around 200, the GTX260 would be a great buy, plus you get a free game from a number of vendors (BFG and EVGA + others likely).

HD4870 512 for 246 no rebate

 

[Creig]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
I'm a little out of the loop on graphics cards right now - is there a "best" video card right now in the ~$200 range? This will be used almost exclusively for working with complex scenes (rendering in the viewport) in 3dsmax. Also, from what I gather we're anti-ATI so if there's a similar NVIDIA card in terms of performance that would be preferable.

Currently we're running 8600GTs, and although I am finding some benchmark-oriented reviews I can't seem to find a comprehensive comparison of 8xxx series, 9xxx series, 2xx series, and hdxxxx series cards.

TIA!

Modern cards can render Direct3D or OpenGL in viewports, so cards from either ATI or Nvidia will work well. Depending on how complex a scene you have, you may want to look for a card with the most VRAM. If you run out of video card memory due to a large amount of textures, you can experience stuttering while rotating since those textures will have to be loaded on the fly instead of being stored solely in the card's memory. It sounds like a GTX260 (896 MB) or 1GB 4870 might fit your needs best. Both cards can be found just above the $200 mark after rebate. At the very least, make sure the card you choose has a minimum of 512MB.

 

[deerhunter716]

4870 1GB using live.com and the Ebay 30% off using paypal Got my Sapphire for $210 brand new.