Best card for my budget

[NYNY2244]

I don't do much gaming, mainly I just play Counterstrike Source. I'm not concerned with playing at the highest settings just as long as I can get a reasonable frame rate at all times.

Right now I'm going towards a Geforce 7600 GT since they can be had for 90 after rebate, but the 8500 GT also looks like a possible good buy. On the ATI side, I was considering something form the X1650 line.

Is there any possible price drops coming within the next month or so? I don't need this card right now, but I'm just trying to weigh my options.

 

[Eomer of Aldburg]

Ive been doing some research and so far this is a tough question :/ After all the reviews and benchmarks, If you want the fastest card available, I would pick a X1650XT for your price range. If you really want Dx10 than the 8500GT, but I think the X1650XT is a solid card for your budget. Hopefully that helps

 

[bonhimself]

man last week there was a x1950gt for 110 bucks, too bad its over now.

 

[Damainman]

Yes, I have been tearing my hair out trying to decide on a replacement in the same price range for my 6800 that just died after 18 months of use . I'm tempted to get a 8500gt but I am afraid it won't run well on my rig ( X2 3800, Windows XP, Seasonic 430) and I don't plan on going Vista for at least 2 years. I mainly web surf and video encode when my 5 year old son lets me use the computer in between his sessions of COD2. I think I have it narrowed to a XFX 7600gt or a fanless 1650xt by HIS.

 

[NYNY2244]

I'm leaning towards the 1650xt myself although I'm not sure which one to get.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814142090

Is this card any good or would I be better off spending the extra 20 dollars on the Sapphire 1650xt?

Also, just to make sure, a 400 Watt Fortron power supply should be able to run this card on a system with only one hard drive, dvd-rw, and a couple of case fans, right?

 

[Munky]

The Sapphire card has a bigger fan and HS, so it will probably run cooler and quieter, although I can't say for sure just by looking, and it's not really worth the $20 difference. Besides, the Connect3D model has an external power connector, so it might be better if you plan to OC it. But the cards have identical specs and will perform the same in games. I've owned cards from both brands, and have no complaints against either one.

 

[Damainman]

for about 15 bucks more, you can get an x1950gt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102034

 

[yh125d]

7600gt > 1650xt

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: yh125d
7600gt > 1650xt

According to which benches?

 

[tigersty1e]

What happened to your card?

I also have a 6800 and was thinking of overclocking this sucker to squeeze more juice out of it. I'm a little wary 'cause load temps are at 80-85C.

This 6800 had done me extremely well so far.

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: NYNY2244
I don't do much gaming, mainly I just play Counterstrike Source. I'm not concerned with playing at the highest settings just as long as I can get a reasonable frame rate at all times.

Right now I'm going towards a Geforce 7600 GT since they can be had for 90 after rebate, but the 8500 GT also looks like a possible good buy. On the ATI side, I was considering something form the X1650 line.

Is there any possible price drops coming within the next month or so? I don't need this card right now, but I'm just trying to weigh my options.

Wait for price drops in May or when ATI releases there cards.

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: tigersty1e
What happened to your card?

I also have a 6800 and was thinking of overclocking this sucker to squeeze more juice out of it. I'm a little wary 'cause load temps are at 80-85C.

This 6800 had done me extremely well so far.

I would not OC a card if it already reaches above 80C under load. If you want to overclock it, I'd recommend getting a better cooler for it first.

 

[nyker96]

get a 7900gs for 120 AR