Low/Mid-cost Graphics Card suggestions

[996GT2]

I'm trying to decide between 4 different video card options for my computer build. I plan do play some CSS, HL2, GTR FIA, TOCA2, etc. My 1905FP Only goes up to 1280*1024, so I don't need high FPS at mad resolutions.

The X1600 PRO and X800GTO are about the same price-the X1600 I'm looking at is the only one with GDDR3 (128mb), but I guess the 128 bit RAM interface versus the 256 bit on the X800 will even out its higher clock speed. Which one performs better?

Also, I'm considering a X850XT vs. X800GTO^2 vs. 7800GT if my budget allows. The X800GTO^2 can of course be unlocked and OC'd to X850XT PE levels, but hte X850XT needs no BIOS flashing and has a better Cooling setup. Is the X850XT worth the extra $20-30 over a GTO^2? And how will both compare to a 7800GT OC'd from eVGA? (Assuming unlocked and OC'd X800).

Oh yeah, does anyone have GTR FIA and know what kind of setup it requires to run smoothly at XGA+ resolutions with all options on? (website says "high-end").

 

[BernardP]

Your spread is very wide...

At the lower end, the X800GTO will eat a couple of x1600 Pros for breakfast. No contest.

At the higher end, the 7800GT is THE buy. No need to even consider previous-generation ATI products.

As the best price/performance compromise, in the upper middle of your range, may I suggest a GeForce 6800GS

 

[jdkick]

Yeah, there's a bit of a spread here... you'll want to narrow down your budget first.

That said, I wouldn't both the X1600 Pro - a 6600GT or the X800 GTO would be a better option. If you want a current get ATI card in that range, go with X1600 XT. It's a decent card given the media features, that it will out perform a 6600GT and run with the X800 GTO. I just picked one of these up myself to test out AVIVO. I thought all X1600 Pro's were DDR2 tho!?!

If performance is your goal, the 6800GS is a solid choice as BernardP mentioned.

 

[996GT2]

Apparently there is one GDDR3 one; it's 128 mb, but that's not too important
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102667

 

[RussianSensation]

Spend a little more and get X800GTO2. Overclocked, it'll match x850xt pe speeds.

BF2
COD2
FEAR
SC:CT

For most games (not OpenGL), it keeps up fairly well with 7800GT for $100 less.

 

[jdkick]

Ah, you're right. I just checked Sapphire's site and the 128MB version of the X1600 Pro does use GDDR3.

You still need to sort out your budget and decide if SM3.0 is important to you.

 

[TheRyuu]

If you can afford the 7800GT, then get it.