Picking out an AGP card for around/less than $200

[MTLink]

A few months ago, the x800/x850 family was the king of AGP, but unfortunately, their time has come. Why? Not because they're old, they're still VERY good. The problem is shortages; it's way too hard to find one, and when you do, it's usualy over $300. I need to upgrade my graphics card, but unfortunately, they're hard to find now. However, I have done some searching, and I'd like some help picking out a card fom the following.

However, first of all, here are my specs:

-AMD Athlon 2500+ XP (OC'ed to 3200)
-Shuttle AN35N-Ultra mobo
-1GB DDR400 PC3200 RAM (I'm upgrading this too, either Crucial Ballistix, Corsair XMS, or OCZ Gold Series, haven't decided yet)
-Inno3D GeForce FX5700LE (as you can see, I really need an upgrade)

I've hunted everywhere and these are some of the most appealing AGP cards to me right now.

Group 1 ($100-$160)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161147]HIS X700[/url]

ATi X700 Pro

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102666]Sapphire X1600 Pro[/url]

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getp...sterid=5433145/search=chaintech+6600gt]Chaintech 6600GT[/URL]

Asus 6800XT

Group 2 ($160 - $250)

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=2694795/search=x800]ATi X800 Pro[/url]

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Sapphire...0_GT_Video_Card,__13199040/search=x800]Sapphire X800 GT[/url]

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Sapphire...0131_Video_Card,__12725162/search=x800]Sapphire X800 GTO[/url]

Connect 3D X850 Pro

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__BFG_Tech...eo_Card,__16229511/skd=1/search=6800gs]BFG 6800GS OC[/url]

Would somebody like to help me pick from one of these cards? I'd like an answer for both group 1 AND group 2. I need to order quick because I'm afraid that these might go off, too.

Also, someone from another forum offered me an X800 XL, opened but never used (couldn't fit in his SFF case), for $200 shipped. Is that a good deal?

 

[Powermoloch]

If ur really a cheap guy and wanted decent peformance. There is a x1600 Pro AGP @ chiefvalue.com for 131.00 bucks.

 

[Munky]

If you can swing the $200 for the 6800gs, that would be the best card out of all the choices you listed - and the price is reasonable. If you want to save some money, the x1600p is good too for that price.

 

[BlacKJesuS]

6800 AGP <--- $115 plus shipping

 

[evilsaint]

Your lucky day : X850 Pro 256MB AGP for $200. IR in-store, and they're sold out on the web, but you can call any store, find one in stock, and have them ship it to you.
BTW, i'm in pretty much the same situation VCard upgrading-wise, and this is just about the best I could come up with for >=$200. You've got quite a list up there though, i've got to hand it to you

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=332729&pfp=SEARCH

 

[MTLink]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll call CompUSA first thing when I get home from school tomorrow. If they don't have it, I'll probably end up getting the 6800GS.

 

[evilsaint]

Just installed mine tonight (X850Pro), and already, @ stock speeds with iTunes running in the BG, my benchmark scores are ~%13 higher! I can't wait to unlock the extra pipes, OC it a little, and install my new memory when it comes tomorrow morning

 

[imported_Sincity]

Circuit City clearance on AGP 6800 (non GT/Ultra) for $236 - $150 rebate. Would this fall under your "Group 0"? Some members are reporting higher prices in other states. YMMV since stock is VERY limited.

I bought one and OC'd 355/798. Pipes unlockable but mileage varies.

See the link in Hot Deals