If you had $250 to spend, what video card would you buy?

[Eeezee]

Yes, this is a shameless attempt to get some opinions on what new video card I should purchase. I currently own the ATI x800XL 256MB PCIE. I got it on Monarch for $250 about two years ago, and that was the best price (and it was a great card for the money at that time). It's worked great for a long time, but I feel it's time for an upgrade.

I would do all of the research myself, but back then I actually kept up with video cards. I've been out of that loop for a long time, so I'm a little rusty and would like to get some help from Anandtech, since I know that I can come here for reliable advice (and probably some funny offhand comments to boot)

Edit:
Shoot, I should mention I have a 32" widescreen LCD TV that I'm using as a monitor. It has a VGA input but I could certainly use my DVI-HDMI cable if I felt like it. I'm currently using the monitor on 1280x768 but it would be optimal to use 1360x768. I've changed the "preferred resolution" in the options to 1280, but 1360 is the stock resolution of the set.

 

[Matt2]

What resolution are you playing at?

For $250 I would have to say 8800GTS 320mb is the best option. Although AMD is supposed to be rolling out it's entire lineup on May 2nd, so I might stick around and check out what they have at that price point.

I also bought the Connect3D X800XL from Monarch for $250 shipped back in the summer of '05. Awesome card. Loved every minute of it. Faster than the 6800GT with AA/AF for about $50 less.

 

[Eeezee]

Originally posted by: Matt2
What resolution are you playing at?

For $250 I would have to say 8800GTS 320mb is the best option. Although AMD is supposed to be rolling out it's entire lineup on May 2nd, so I might stick around and check out what they have at that price point.

I also bought the Connect3D X800XL from Monarch for $250 shipped back in the summer of '05. Awesome card. Loved every minute of it. Faster than the 6800GT with AA/AF for about $50 less.

Shoot, I should mention I have a 32" widescreen LCD TV that I'm using as a monitor. It has a VGA input but I could certainly use my DVI-HDMI cable if I felt like it. I'm currently using the monitor on 1280x768 but it would be optimal to use 1360x768. I've changed the "preferred resolution" in the options to 1280, but 1360 is the stock resolution of the set.

Hah yeah, that's the exact same card I bought and the exact same time. It really was a stellar card for the price, but I'm ready to buy a new card.

 

[Matt2]

Originally posted by: Eeezee

Originally posted by: Matt2
What resolution are you playing at?

For $250 I would have to say 8800GTS 320mb is the best option. Although AMD is supposed to be rolling out it's entire lineup on May 2nd, so I might stick around and check out what they have at that price point.

I also bought the Connect3D X800XL from Monarch for $250 shipped back in the summer of '05. Awesome card. Loved every minute of it. Faster than the 6800GT with AA/AF for about $50 less.

Shoot, I should mention I have a 32" widescreen LCD TV that I'm using as a monitor. It has a VGA input but I could certainly use my DVI-HDMI cable if I felt like it. I'm currently using the monitor on 1280x768 but it would be optimal to use 1360x768. I've changed the "preferred resolution" in the options to 1280, but 1360 is the stock resolution of the set.

Hah yeah, that's the exact same card I bought and the exact same time. It really was a stellar card for the price, but I'm ready to buy a new card.

Well at 1360x768 you'd be golden with the 8800GTS 320mb. But if you dont mind waiting, I'd urge you to wait a few days and see how the R600 family pans out. Nothing is worse than plopping down hard earned cash just to have something better come along in a matter of months, let alone days. Since it doesnt sound like you upgrade the vid card very often, I'd make sure I get the best card available at $250, whatever it turns out to be.

 

[Eeezee]

Thanks for the tip, I'll wait a few days and see how the new line looks. I can easily stand to put this off even a few weeks to see what general consumer opinion becomes.

 

[Matt2]

Sounds good.

On a side note I really miss Monarch. Their prices were ALWAYS lower than Newegg and I didnt have to pay sales tax (I'm in CA). A lot of people hated them, but I never had a problem and the one time I did, they more than made up for it with free overnight shipping.

 

[tuteja1986]

wait 2 days for 8800U launch and 4 days for R600 launch. then wait 2 days more after that for the price drop of 8800GTS.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: tuteja1986
wait 2 days for 8800U launch and 4 days for R600 launch. then wait 2 days more after that for the price drop of 8800GTS.

Would those two cards will have a bearing on 320mb 8800GTS prices?


AFAIK, the 8800U is going to be in ultra limited quantities and is obviously targeted to the ultra high end sector. The availability of R600 is yet to be determined but regardless, it'll likely cost $150+ more than the 8800 GTS 320mb. Basically, I dont think it would effect the 320mb GTS prices to much because they are not in direct competition.

 

[tuteja1986]

Corporate Thug , R600 availability will be big... They could have done a paper launch early this month.

 

[secretanchitman]

8800GTS 320MB.

 

[Rike]

Originally posted by: Matt2
Sounds good.

On a side note I really miss Monarch. Their prices were ALWAYS lower than Newegg and I didnt have to pay sales tax (I'm in CA). A lot of people hated them, but I never had a problem and the one time I did, they more than made up for it with free overnight shipping.

8800 GTS 320 MB to buy. And waiting a week to see what happens with prices couldn't hurt.

Total agreement with the Monarch comment. I miss them too. I feel like there's no good choice for non-CA shippers anymore. Although I did try Tiger Direct for a mobo a few months back and that worked out fine. They just have the feeling of a bad used car salesman.

 

[Cheex]

Save up the extra and get this:
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail

:thumbsup:

 

[AnotherGuy]

From the readings it looks like AMD has no direct competitor for the gts 320mb in its price range... for this launch. Looks like it will be the only choice there... I so wanted r600 though... but its gonna take too long by the time they get out their 2900 XL...