Best video card for under $200?

[Scott78945]

I have a 21" LCD widescreen and I need to get a new video card. I don't want to spend more than $200 on it and I currently have a 300Watt PSU. I don't want to have to upgrade that also if at all possible as that will sink me another $100. What would be the best bang for my buck? I need to get a PCI-E card. I am not familar with overclocking but if it is easy enough I am willing to try it. Thanks guy.

 

[Eureka]

Connect3D x800GTO, softmod it to X800XT speeds. Otherwise, go over to the FS/FT and see if they have any good cards... like the x800xl.

Norm

 

[Cheesetogo]

Probably this, modded to an x850xt.

 

[Cookie Monster]

He has a 300W PSU meaning softmodding it to an X850 XT is not an option. The card will underperform due to the PSU.

I would suggest a 6600GT or even a 6600 DDR2. Get this card, save up get a new PSU, new card and etc. OR a X800 GTO.

 

[Eureka]

Does it really get up to x850xt performance?

Norm

 

[slackwarelinux]

How good is that 300 watt PSU, and will you be doing gaming?

If you are willing to go a little overbudget, and you have a high quality 300 watt PSU, and you want to do gaming, the 6800GS is at the best price/preformance point for your budget. It looks like you have a 21' LCD, which means if you are gaming, you will be gaming at high resolutions. This means you need a pretty good video card. You might need to upgrade your PSU to something a bit more powerful, this XCLio 450W is really nice, I have built a computer s939 computer with it before and it is cheap, stable and quiet.

If you are not gaming however, I would go with a 6600. These are quiet and cheap, but you will not be able to do any serious gaming with that monitor.


Edit: bah.. I took too long to write this post , a few people beat me to it

 

[Eureka]

Well, the budget is 200. The x800GTO goes for like 150 in one of the deals, right? Use the other 50 to get a better PSU.

However, I think a 300w can still manage through.

Norm

 

[EightySix Four]

Yes, it really gets to x800 xt performance.

 

[Eureka]

x800xt for 200 in FS/FT:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=45&threadid=1722645&enterthread=y

Norm

 

[slackwarelinux]

edit: redundant

 

[Scott78945]

Hmm I guess I have a couple of options. I can get the X800GTO or the 6800GS...hmmm. I can probably swing the extra $50 for the PSU if it will help things. I was going to try and hold out for the 7800GT but I don't think it will be in my price range anytime soon. I will have to check these both out. Does anyone else have any input?

 

[Nextman916]

how much power does an x800pro draw?

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Scott78945
I can probably swing the extra $50 for the PSU if it will help things.

I bought a Fortron FSP400-GLN PSU for about $50 from Ewiz. It has a 120mm fan, active PFC and 85% efficiency, plus all the "new" plugs that are needed. I think most people around here would agree that the Fortron "FSP" series are decent units for the price.

 

[Scott78945]

Thanks for the tip Zap. I will have to see if Newegg carries it as I will most likely be buying my card from there.