New video card for $150ish

[Project86]

So I just sent in my Leadtek 6800LE for RMA, and they don't sell that card anymore. So I'm probably just gonna get a refund or a replacement of similar value. I'm wondering what the best card for the $$$ is in that price range. This is AGP, and I have no desire to buy a whole new mobo right now for PCI-E.

I could just go with a 6800NU and try the unlock.

I could go with the 6800XT for unlock as well (I don't see why they make this card AND the 6800NU...)

I could go X800GT (Sapphire X800GT with 256MB and GDDR3 memory, should be pretty fast)

Refurb 6800GT can usually be had for $200, I'm always skeptical of refurb though

Am I missing any other viable options? I can throw in a few extra dollars (like that X800 I listed above, it's $170) but not that much more.

 

[JPB]

GT

 

[jiffylube1024]

See if they will send you a 6800GS, which is about in the price range of the 6800LE, but is faster.

 

[CKXP]

Originally posted by: jiffylube1024
See if they will send you a 6800GS, which is about in the price range of the 6800LE, but is faster.

6800gs should be here by next, and cost a little more than $200

 

[Project86]

The GS sounds potentially interesting but is quite a bit more than my budget (if it really is more than $200). If the performance is that great though, I might consider it as my last ever AGP card. I hear talk of it outperforming a 6800GT... if that is true I'll get it.

Other than that, what else would be good, keeping in mind the $150 price point?

 

[shilala]

x800gto2.
Sell the rma they send you and you'll be on your way.

 

[Wentelteefje]

If you could stretch your budget to around $ 200, that 6800GS would be the obvious choice...

Around $ 150, the most you're going to find is that 6800XT for $ 142... If you could make it to $ 180, there are some 6800's, and for $ 184.99, TigerDirect sells an overclocked BFG 6800... There's only a 25MHz core clock jump, but it does get you a decent bundle, and is a fairly good overclocker itself...

But if you have some more patience, and are willing to save a little more, the 6800GS will prove a much better choice than any vanilla 6800... That would be the wisest thing to do...

 

[Project86]

I still have some time before they receive my card and process the RMA, so I'll keep waiting for the 6800GS to arrive in AGP. I'll also keep combing the forums for a used card.

Am I correct in my understanding that there is no real "steal" of a card from ATI in AGP? That is, they aren't able to be unlocked like their PCI-e counterparts, and thus are not as good of a buy?

Shilala, I don't think they make the GTO2 in AGP. Just the GTO, and it won't unlock.

 

[Wentelteefje]

That's true, there is no GTO² on AGP... The ones they sell are actually GTO's that are relabeled... Maybe with a R480 core, but either way, no chance of unlocking those... Your best shot is still the 6800GS (if it will have the same clockspeeds as the PCI-e version)...

If the AGP version overclocks as well as the PCI-e one too, you can benefit from some serious gains... (and with the PSU's everyone here is advising you, that's at least one part that's not going to hold you back while overclocking it... )

Like it is now, a "regular" X800GTO is no competition for the faster 6800GS... Check this review, it gets beaten everywhere, and even more when overclocked...

 

[Project86]

Thanks for the link, I really hope the AGP version of the GS is as good as the PCIe. I also really hope we see prices under $200 when it first comes out. Because otherways it might not be an option for me... any idea on a release date? I heard tomorrow (the 13th) but I'm not 100% on that.