Best Graphics Card in $150-$175 Range

[owensdj]

What would be the best performing graphics card in about the $150-$175 range for playing games such as UT2K4 and BF1942?

I was thinking a PowerColor Radion 9600XT Ultra 128MB for about $160.

 

[SneakyStuff]

HERE This card beats a 9600xt up black and blue in most cases

 

[Insomniak]

5900 NU or XT is where you want to be.

 

[Matthias99]

You may also be able to find a 9700Pro/9800NP in that price range (just avoid the 9800SE, unless you want to take a chance and try softmodding it to a 9800Pro).

 

[dguy6789]

the 9600 Pro is now the Ultimate value, running under $120, and the 9600XT is around 140 and lower. So the 9600XT does not fit into your price range.

the 5900NU is what you want, they almost all oc to 5950U speeds. if you cant find a nu, then get the xt.

 

[nRollo]

A refurb 9700Pro may well be the way to go in this price range:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-243R&depa=0

5900XTs are fine, but the PS2 argument is going to become more and more of a factor now. The 9700Pro will be significantly better than a 5900XT at PS2.

 

[GeneralGrievous]

Save up $15 then get this

http://www.gameve.com/gve/Store/ProductDetails.aspx?sku=VC-VT-002

 

[Gamingphreek]

Either 5900 series (XT, SE, NU not U or 5950) or 9800Pro. Both are about even with the 9800Pro being a little better in most cases.

-Kevin

 

[DrMindbender]

9600XT for both BF and 2004. Or you could get a 5700 ultra since most of those fit into your price range. Overclock it or get a Chaintech 5900XT.

 

[Gamingphreek]

The MSI's run extremely fast (in fact the fastest 5900XT with the exception of the gainward which uses 2.5ns memory instead of 2.8 IIRC). The MSI is so quiet you cant hear it even with your ear up to your case. I would either get MSI, Asus (which is probably better but much more expensive, so much that might as well get an Ultra), Gainward.

-Kevin

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
The MSI's run extremely fast (in fact the fastest 5900XT with the exception of the gainward which uses 2.5ns memory instead of 2.8 IIRC). The MSI is so quiet you cant hear it even with your ear up to your case. I would either get MSI, Asus (which is probably better but much more expensive, so much that might as well get an Ultra), Gainward.

-Kevin

Leadtek uses 2.2ns memory