Best video card under $150US

[DocDon]

What is the best video card under $150US? I'll be doing some of everything -- need excellent 2D and will play some games. Just to keep the arguement civilized -- need the best ATI and the best NVIDIA card.

 

[Ika]

The best ATI card under $150 is pretty much hardly worth it - I believe it's the X1600 Pro (is there an X1600XT model?) (unless the X1800GTO/X1900GT is down to that price?), which is definitely not comparable to the NVidia card at the price point, the 7600GT. Go with the 7600GT, unless you can spend $50 more and stretch for an X1800XT.

 

[cmrmrc]

for NVIDIA. the 7600gt is a good card but it is just at bit more expensive at around ~160-170$, if you really want the best under 150$, then go for the 7600gs...
but for ATI...there are no good cards at that range, there's the x1600xt but they aren't that good...comparable to the 7600gs but i'd go 7600gs for that price...

 

[Crafty35a]

I think you guys are forgetting the X850XT, which is still a great value, IMO.

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: Crafty35a
I think you guys are forgetting the X850XT, which is still a great value, IMO.

oops, last generation cards!

Also, OP - we need some info on your system. AGP or PCI-e?

 

[akshayt]

In order of preference:

1) Extend budget by 70$ or so and get 1800XT or maybe 7900GT if you want
2) Extend budget by 50$ and try to get a 1800XL or equivalent
3) Get a 7600GT, you may get in your budget after rebate
4) Get a 6800ultra/gs/gt
5) Get a X850XT +-

 

[DocDon]

 

[acegazda]

Originally posted by: akshayt
In order of preference:

1) Extend budget by 70$ or so and get 1800XT or maybe 7900GT if you want
2) Extend budget by 50$ and try to get a 1800XL or equivalent
3) Get a 7600GT, you may get in your budget after rebate
4) Get a 6800ultra/gs/gt
5) Get a X850XT +-

Numbers 2 and 4 are not worth it as there is only $20 separating the x1800xl and the xt. Also : the 6800 series is still very expensive unless you buy used. Go for the 7600gt $140 after MIR. Better technology than the older x850xt

 

[Gautama2]

Get the XFX 7600GS Xtreme Edition. Comes in at around $130 US, beats the ****** out of a x1600 pro, And is actually pretty close to the 7600 gt is clocks.

The XFX version is factory overclocked from 400 mhz on the core to 500 mhz, and memory is overclock from 400 mhz (800mhz) to 450 mhz (900)
And it can actually be stabley overclocked to around 550 mhz on the core and 500 mhz (1000mhz)

The GT comes in with clocks at 560 mhz on the core and 700 mhz (1400mhz) of memory. With a price of $160.

So..

Go with a passively cooled 7600 gs for near 7600 GT performance for $130
Or pay 30 dollars more for a 7600 GT

 

[ricera10]

If you have AGP, get the Sapphire X800gto for $149Link at Newegg

It's guaranteed to unlock to 16 pipelines so it's like a X800xl

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: ricera10
If you have AGP, get the Sapphire X800gto for $149Link at Newegg

It's guaranteed to unlock to 16 pipelines so it's like a X800xl

stop spreading fud..

the AGP version doesn't unlock

 

[Sonikku]

Originally posted by: akshayt
In order of preference:

1) Extend budget by 70$ or so and get 1800XT or maybe 7900GT if you want
2) Extend budget by 50$ and try to get a 1800XL or equivalent
3) Get a 7600GT, you may get in your budget after rebate
4) Get a 6800ultra/gs/gt
5) Get a X850XT +-

Who in their right mind would suggest getting a 6800 Ultra before an X850XT? The XT generally performs better, consumes less wattage and is considerably cheaper. The chances of finding an Ultra for less then $160? Slim.

 

[Cookie Monster]

7600GT hands down.

Maybe even a 7300GT and save yourself 50 bux.

 

[ricera10]

The R423 bridged by Realto does, at least the Sapphire one I have does...

 

[dreddfunk]

I was in the same boat in terms of price. I decided on the x850xt mainly due to the game(s) I wanted to play (specifically Oblivion). I haven't been disappointed. The 7600 is better technology--and a darn fine card--but won't match the x850xt's raw power. It's great that the 7600 supports Shader Model 3 but it doesn't really have the horsepower to make it shine in the games I wanted to play. Either one is a fine choice for PCIe. Good luck!

 

[hans030390]

7600 gt...or gs if you can't afford it.

 

[SpeedZealot369]

For AGP or PCIe?

PCIe I would say 7600gt for sure, they go for 130 AR on newegg and beat the #$%@ out of any card in that price range.
AGP I would probably say a x850xt or x800xt.

 

[ROEHUNTER]

Originally posted by: jlbenedict

stop spreading fud..

the AGP version doesn't unlock

Actually most of the first ones Newegg sold did unlock , mine did. The X800GTO they have now is a different reference board(so it might not unlock).The new reference board is alot shorter and has alot less of a cooling solution.