different graphics cards

[koolh]

hey guys,

i'm buying a graphics card for my rig, and i'm getting either a 8800GT or a 8800GTS depending on the prices on newegg. i've a 22in Acer AL2216Wbd monitor. so right now it seems that i'll be getting a 8800GTS. i'm just waiting for some free shipping offer to come out.


anyway. i was looking at the different 8800GT's and 8800GTS's, and have a few questions about the brands and models and stuff.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130337
That's the EVGA 8800GTS KO version at 678mhz for 219.99 AR

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130325
This is the EVGA 8800GTS version at 670mhz for 229.99 AR. (unfortunately out of stock

Now, why would the overclocked one be more expensive? or is it just a price fluctuation thing. is there any disadvantage of getting the KO version? does it have a better/worse cooler? if any?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127323
And here, we have the MSI one at 650mhz.

Ok, so i know that EVGA and XFX are good brands for graphics cards. MSI too? i've heard things about the MSI one having a better cooler? what are the notable differences (from experience or whatever) between the brands? or are they all the same? any recommendations on which one i should get (even if it's the EVGA 8800GT which is currently going for 169.99 AR)?

Would appreciate any comments. Thanks!

 

[Sylvanas]

Well most cards these days are based on reference designs so essentially they're all the 'same' in most respects- but what you want to look for is the warranty/support for a product by the manufacturer. I know many users on this forum use EVGA cards, I would simply go with the KO for a cheaper price, I hear good things about EVGA's support and they are the only ones to have the step up program so that would be my recommendation.

 

[koolh]

gotcha. would i need an aftermarket cooler (or would it be recommended) for the KO version? or is the stock cooler sufficient?

 

[Jax Omen]

The stock cooler should be more than sufficient. I've heard of many people overclocking their G92 GTS cards up to 750, even 800 core clock on the stock cooler, and exceeding 1000 (2000 effective) on the RAM.