Need upgrade help! New GPU, but which one?

[fredhe12]

I usually don't go for the high-end but settle nicely somewhere in the middle where I can get a good balance of performance and bang for buck! I also run a cycle or two behind with games - so not the latest, but certainly recent titles.

I'm about to go to a 22" monitor, and I'd like to push higher resolutions and still get good performance.

Currently I'm running a 7900GS on the system in my sig. I'm considering a few cards, but would like some advice. I'm thinking 9600GT, 8800GS, or 3850.

Which one of those? Or is there something else I should be considering in the mix at that price/performance range?

Thanks in advance.

 

[krnmastersgt]

A 512mb 9600GT is more than enough for any game at 22" res imo. Personally I prefer the 9600GT over the 8800GS but that might just be me, I believe a similar question to yours was posted before and there was quite a debate over which was better. If someone remembers which thread and would kindly link fredhe12, it'd probably be a big help.

 

[ther00kie16]

9600gt will be better than 3850 and probably about equal to the 8800gs. There's always the prospect of new cards around the corner. It may be worthwhile to wait a little longer and check out the reviews and pricing of the upcoming cards before purchasing one as the worst will be that you won't change your mind but buy the card at a slightly cheaper price.

 

[Sureshot324]

If you can wait a month I'd see what the AMD 4000 series will be like. Although they probably won't be as cheap as a 9600gt initially.

 

[Lithan]

There's an evga 8800gs for $80 after MIR in hotdeals now. You wont beat that if you dont mind turning AA off.

 

[fredhe12]

^^ Thanks Lithan for heads up. Why would AA have to go off? Does the card not deliver at that point?

I'll search for the other thread mentioned. But it sounds like 9600GT might be the ticket, but that $80 deal on the 8800GS sounds really good.

 

[AzN]

It's slower than 9600gt with AA on but it can also be faster than 9600gt with AA off. Usually 0-20% slower with AA on depending on the game. You won't notice a thing for $80 it's a steal.