Best video card for about $150?

[prelude20]

1. Is the entry level 6600 going to preform better?
2. If so...Is there anything better than the 6600 for around $150?

 

[RussianSensation]

New: 9700 non-pro for $149
9700Pro for $163

Used: 9800 used/refurbished for $150

But I dont think any of these options are available on newegg.

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: prelude20

1. Is the entry level 6600 going to preform better?
2. If so...Is there anything better than the 6600 for around $150?

1. Probably. Is it available for AGP at that price?
2. See Russian's post.

 

[LTC8K6]

AGP or PCI-E?

For AGP it looks like slim pickings.

A 9600XT with 128MB of ram and the proper 500 core/600+ mem would be faster than what you've got. The extra ram is useless on these low end crds.

You could get one of the 128MB 128bit 9800 atlantis models for around 140. It's basically an 8pipe 9600 so it would be faster.

A full 9800pro with 256bit memory will be much faster and Newegg does have a few refurbed ones for around $170.00

With PCI-E you'd have 6600's or X700pros.

I think your 256MB 9600XT is clocked considerably slower than an actual 9600XT.

 

[Pete]

I say shoot for the Sapphire 9700 for $149 or 9700 Pro for $163 at Allstarshop.

 

[Todd33]

9700 pro on eBay.

 

[Concillian]

If you have to buy new, people aren't going to like the answer, but the 128 bit 9800 is faster than a 9600xt and is under $150.

I know, it's no real 9800 Pro, but hear me out.
9800 128 bit is 325 MHz (8 pipelines x 325 = 2600 mpixels/sec)
memory is 290 MHz 128-bit

9600XT is 500 MHz (4 pipelines x 500 = 2000 mpixels/sec)
memory is 300 MHz 128 bit

so even though people don't like the 9800 128 bit cards, they actually fit their price segment fairly well.

The other option, as has been mentioned is a used 9700 Pro, or I'd try for a used 256 bit 9800 non-pro (the core will probably overclock better and it will be around the same price)

The 6600, will probably perform about the same as a 9700 pro / 9800, it's a little hard to tell because of the platform differences. The core will likely overclock pretty well. If it becomes available in AGP, it will likely be an excellent option at that price point. It will certainly perform better than the 128 bit 9800 Pro that is the best competition for it in the "new cards under $150" segment of the market.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
New: 9700 non-pro for $149
9700Pro for $163

Used: 9800 used/refurbished for $150

But I dont think any of these options are available on newegg.

 

[stelleg151]

If this is comparison, get 9700 series or used 9800 like russian said, if you want upgrade, I would not upgrade now unless you are willing to drop around 200 for new card, or you wont see a very significant increase in gaming quality.

 

[Pete]

RS and I were referring to new Sapphire cards at Allstarshop.com. If you're going to buy used, you can find a 9800P for $149-163.

 

[prelude20]

Well damn, this looks like a clean sweep of 9700-9800 /pro. Ill seriously look into them! Or I might just try and sell my computer and rebuild it with more to spend on a card. Its been a couple years.

Thanks all!