Buying a video card (under $150) sometime today

[fustercluck]

Newegg's got the best video card deals by far now, with their $20 off coupon. My X800XL died and I need a new video card. Really tight on cash so definitely keeping it under $150, maybe under $100. Right now in my newegg cart I have the MSI NX8600GT-T2D256E OC. $110 + $20 paypal coupon + $10 rebate + shipping = $86.32.

I don't know much about all the different cards in that price range now...some have DirectX10 (important?) some are 256 bit...there's a lot of choices is what I'm saying, and I don't know what's good. I'm sure I'd be happy with the 8600GT for that price. I need S-VIDEO out...if something is only HDTV out will it work with s-video? I noticed some cards only mentioned HDTV and others mentioned HDTV/S-Video out. I can use PCI-E or AGP cards, but would prefer PCI-E (not much choice anyways)

Thanks

 

[GullyFoyle]

What are your primary uses for the card? Gaming? HTPC/PVR (why the s-video out)?
If gaming, what games? This info will help people identify the best card for you.

 

[woolfe9999]

I would look at their open box specials. You can get an x1950pro for something like $130-140. That's about the best bang for the buck you can get right now in that price range. The 1950's have s-video outs.

If you're buying in that price range, don't worry about DX10 compatibility. The DX10 cards - geforece 8600's basically, in that price range, won't have the muscle for the real DX10 games that are coming out later.

Get a higher end card from the previous generation of DX9 cards instead. When evaluating one vs. the other, make sure it has a 256 bit memory bus, and check the various models for the their core and memory clock speeds. Sometimes 2 cards that cost the same don't have the same clock speeds.

Edit: good question asked by the above poster. If this is just for video decoding and not gaming, you may indeed want an 8600 instead.

- woolfe

 

[fustercluck]

right right, I made the post in a hurry. Sorry. I'm a big gamer, that's what it's all about. Anyone else like the X1950 pro?

 

[RussianSensation]

X1950Pro or X1950XT 256mb for $165 or so.

 

[fustercluck]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
X1950Pro or X1950XT 256mb for $165 or so.

price range is under $150, preferably under $130

 

[DAC21]

Originally posted by: ropeadope

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
X1950Pro or X1950XT 256mb for $165 or so.

price range is under $150, preferably under $130

Under $130, have a look at the 7900GS. BFG model has been selling for under $110 off and on AR. Right now it is on!

Check it out

 

[fustercluck]

Originally posted by: DAC21

Originally posted by: ropeadope

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
X1950Pro or X1950XT 256mb for $165 or so.

price range is under $150, preferably under $130

Under $130, have a look at the 7900GS. BFG model has been selling for under $110 off and on AR. Right now it is on!

Check it out

That looks pretty nice...though I was kinda hoping to buy from Newegg because of the $20 off thing. I guess it doesn't matter much. How's fry's/outpost for shipping prices/time?

 

[RussianSensation]

Ok here, X1950Pro for $115

 

[GullyFoyle]

That is a great card for the price!
Outpost has always been quick to ship out those Ultra cases to me...

$50 off is better than $20 off...

 

[fanbottle]

x1950pro is for u

 

[fustercluck]

X1950PRO is looking like the winner so far. I will still be able to hook it up to my old SD tv right? I figure that's what S-video is for, but it doesn't have VIVO.

 

[s44]

8600GTS OC $140 AR at the Egg.

But that's a really good price on the Pro (though not much better than the x1900GT a year ago! damn ATI for blowing it this round).

 

[fustercluck]

X1950Pro was the winner. After promo code and rebate it will be about $106.00 - Perfect - Thanks for the help.

 

[MIDIman]

Does the promo code still work?

Last night - I was trying to use it for hours last night and after running all the wya through, newegg comes back and says "Can't process your order at this time.

Now this morning, I tried again and entering the code comes up with "not valid"

Really sad about this - just got a new P5K and need a PCIx16 card. I can't see anyone else being cheaper than newegg after the $20 promo.