Need help deciding video card

[OmegaShadow]

My system spec is in my sig, and I use windows xp 2002 version with a 500w PSU.

I'm big on gamming unfortunate the same cannot be said for my wallet


Anyways I've researched for a week now on vid cards I can afford and came up with the following cards.

Currently I have exactly $200 saved up.

XFX GeForce 7950 GT 512mb $159.99
http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...INGDF&CMP=OTC-SHOPPING


Visiontek Radeon HD 3850 Video Card - 256MB $179.99
http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...INGDF&CMP=OTC-SHOPPING

SAPPHIRE Radeon X1950GT 256MB $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ogy+Limited-_-14102034

Visiontek Radeon HD 2600 XT Video Card - 512MB $139.99
http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...pNo=3444866&CatId=2349


Option #5, you guys tell me which GPU i should get instead of the four listed above, and provide link if you can thanks.

 

[Butterbean]

I would say the 3850 out of those. (I would just spend a bit more to get the 512MB version). The 3850 is fast enough plus it will be better for any HD video you might play in future. You will also be able to use HDR and AA settings at same time when the Vista SP 1 comes out. Card is cooler and quieter too. Lots of things going on there. Only reservation is its still new and I dont like early version stuff (especially with the Qimonda memory issues on some NV and ATI stuff) but I would still get the 3850.

 

[Doclife]

Pony up another $10 and get the 8800GT 256MB. This card will blow the 4 cards you listed out of the water.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150264

 

[customcoms]

That is completely incorrect doclife. The HD3850 in all flavors is just as fast, if not faster, than the 8800GT 256mb version. The 8800 needs 512mb to make a very good showing (which it does, I have one). Trouble is, the 8800GT is overpriced (well, all the cards are overpriced atm). For anything around $200, I would get this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102715.

 

[tuteja1986]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...oduct&id=1194053242019

VisionTek - ATI RADEON HD3850 Graphics Card $159.99

^^^ best deal

 

[Doclife]

Originally posted by: customcoms
That is completely incorrect doclife. The HD3850 in all flavors is just as fast, if not faster, than the 8800GT 256mb version. The 8800 needs 512mb to make a very good showing (which it does, I have one). Trouble is, the 8800GT is overpriced (well, all the cards are overpriced atm). For anything around $200, I would get this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102715.

According to Anandtech 8800GT 256MB is faster than HD3850.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3175&p=6

8800GT 256MB is equal in performance with the 8800GT 512MB at resolution up to 1600 X 1200 (22 inch LCD). Only when you go up to 1920 X1200 (24 inch LCD and above) with AA cranked up, then the 512MB version shows it strength.

But I agreed with Tuteja1986 that the Visiontek HD3850 512MB for $160 is the best deal around. It is $50 cheaper than the 8800GT 256MB and if you're on a budget then this is THE card to get.

 

[OmegaShadow]

wow what a deal at best buy! out of all places to buy a card I never expected to buy it at best buy because they usually price their stuff way more than the smaller computer stores.

But when I read one of the customer reviews he said that

Box does not come with required 6-Pin PCIE to Dual 4-pin Molex connector for PSU without a 6-pin PCIE connector. Most video cards, even cheaper ones come with this. I had to order it $8 shipped from another company as very few place carry this."

Should this matter?



the 3850 does seem to be better than the geforce 7950gt according to tom's hardware list.
http://www23.tomshardware.com/...1&model2=710&chart=318





So now I think I will get the 3850 because not only does it have a faster clock rate than the 7950gt, directx10.1 capability, and exact same price but its also ATI and my computer is AMD so it might work better.

However I've once read somewhere where a guy said that its better to get a high end graphic card such as the 7900 than a mid end such as the geforce 8600. Is the 3850 considered a mid end card?

 

[Doclife]

HD3850 >>>>>> 7950GT. Nuff said

 

[zeroinfish]

But I agreed with Tuteja1986 that the Visiontek HD3850 512MB for $160 is the best deal around. It is $50 cheaper than the 8800GT 256MB and if you're on a budget then this is THE card to get.

Note that that appears to be a 256MB HD3850 that Tuteja1986 linked from BestBuy. You're not getting 512MB at that price.

 

[Doclife]

Originally posted by: zeroinfish

But I agreed with Tuteja1986 that the Visiontek HD3850 512MB for $160 is the best deal around. It is $50 cheaper than the 8800GT 256MB and if you're on a budget then this is THE card to get.

Note that that appears to be a 256MB HD3850 that Tuteja1986 linked from BestBuy. You're not getting 512MB at that price.

You're correct. I went to bestbuy.com and checked the specification of that card and it does say it has 256MB of memory. This deal is not so hot then. The HD3850 512MB that customcoms linked costs $200; the 8800GT 256MB costs $210. Which card to pick depends on how big your monitor is. If your monitor is 22 inch or less then the 8800GT 256MB is the clear winner. If your monitor is larger than 22 inch then the choice is not so obvious.

 

[OmegaShadow]

Can anyone explain to me about the

"required 6-Pin PCIE to Dual 4-pin Molex connector for PSU without a 6-pin PCIE connector"

From the customer review on the bestbuy 3850.

 

[Thund3rb1rd]

need a tighter range on budget.
for the low end
xfx 8600gt xxx 256mb gddr3 for $104 shipped after MIR
^^^note that this is not gddr2 version
mid range
hd3850 256mb gddr3 for $160 before shipping
high end / ultra high end
all are overpriced, so pick your poison

It's my opinion that ram doesn't make up for gpu. I surely wouldn't buy a new card that didn't support dx10.

 

[Thund3rb1rd]

Originally posted by: OmegaShadow
Can anyone explain to me about the

"required 6-Pin PCIE to Dual 4-pin Molex connector for PSU without a 6-pin PCIE connector"

From the customer review on the bestbuy 3850.

the one labeled 'power cable'

 

[Doclife]

Originally posted by: OmegaShadow
Can anyone explain to me about the

"required 6-Pin PCIE to Dual 4-pin Molex connector for PSU without a 6-pin PCIE connector"

From the customer review on the bestbuy 3850.

This is what a 4-pin molex to 6-pin PCIE adapter looks like

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...power+adapter+-+Retail