looking for card $150~ to spend

[hdeck]

so i've been out of the "loop" in video cards for quite some time. i've got a bit of cash that i could potentially put into a new video card and i wanted your opinions, if you could spare a moment.

current setup:

amd 2500+
768ddr
epox nforce2 mobo
radeon 9500 (the original, not the pro)

as you can see, i'm still on an AGP mobo. finances prevent me from doing a complete overhaul with my system, but i'd like to see performance increases (especially in hl2 now that dod:source is just around the corner).

i've been looking around (mostly on newegg) and checked out a few card reviews. now then, what are your suggestions for a card around $150~ ? is 256mb over 128 worth it? is it worth the extra cash to go with a 6800? any other cards i should consider?

really what i want is something that will run hl2 mods (mostly dod:source when it comes out) and play quake 4. i don't need ultra high settings or any of that nonsense, but a performance increase over what i currently have would be nice. i spent $160 on the radeon 9500 when it first came out so i figure a card around that price range would be sufficient.

thanks for reading my ramblings, any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[shimsham]

what res gaming are you looking for? 1024 and i say 6600gt, above that, youll want the 6800. the 9800 is still a decent card, but less "future proof" since its older technology.

 

[orangat]

For around $150 the 6600gt is the best value for sure. 6800 is also good value it and it might unlock successfully.
I would go for the 6600gt since I wouldn't want to spend more for a card that is not going be around for your next upgrade.

 

[mwmorph]

6800 is much better thna a 6600gt stock in newer games.
http://www.thefilthyfrog.com/downloads/BF2/Battlefield2.part04.rar
6600gt is a good choice for around $130
9800pro is not even in this range, I got one for $90(a week ago) but in this range, while it has best bang for the buck, it's also a lot slower.

 

[hdeck]

looking at the list of newegg cards (6800s), there are a bunch that look like the same specs with differing costs. anyone have any preferences as far as brands go?

 

[mwmorph]

EVGA/BFG/Leadtek will allbe fine.

 

[hdeck]

As far as retailers go, are there any that you guys know of that have the cards at a cheaper price, but are still reliable like newegg? Trying to save as much money as possible

 

[orangat]

ZZF was pretty quick to ship, Monarch I heard may take a while. Newegg is still good but the prices have went up abit.

 

[lavaheadache]

I have to say get a 6800NU or mybe even the x800 pro. I think they are coming way down in price.