Almost have build narrowed down... 470mhz XFX 7900GT versus 500mhz MSI w/HDCP?

[bigshooter]

Newegg has the XFX 7900GT of some sort with a 470mhz clock for $225 after rebate. MSI has a 500mhz version with faster clocked memory + HDCP support (I have a 2007WFP) for $239 AR. Unfortunately it's also ugly as hell, but who cares it's stuck inside an SN27P2.

SHould I save $15 and go for the XFX since they have the hand me down warranty (I think if you sell it to someone, the second owner is still covered under warranty), or go for the ugly red MSI card with 3 year warranty, but HDCP which may or may not come in handy some day if I make this an HTPC in a year or two.

Thanks... btw, I'm ordering in the morning once I read this post.

Thanks

 

[LittleNemoNES]

Duhhhhhhhhh

go MSI

 

[CrystalBay]

Definatly the MSI comes with a free game too, or a $15.00 dollar game however ya look at it.

 

[adairusmc]

I would get the MSI

 

[gobucks]

the clock speed is pretty irrelevant. they top out at the same OCing speeds (around 560/1600 withouth volt-modding) for the most part regardless of what their stock speeds are.

 

[Keysplayr]

It looks like the MSI 7900GT cooler covers and cools the memory, unlike the XFX card. No brainer, get the MSI.

 

[VooDooAddict]

I'd go MSI. Simply because I've gotten bad XFX cards more recently then bad MSI hardware.

Others have also made good logical and less emotional argumetns for the MSI.

 

[soydios]

get the MSI, for the following reasons:
- better heatsink (better overclocking and/or longer life)
- good software bundle
- HDCP
- faster stock clocks

 

[996GT2]

I vote MSI too in this case, XFX has had some problems with their 7900 cards.

 

[Bobthelost]

HDCP is irrelevant, didn't sony + et al say they won't be using it for a good few years?