What video card to get:

[mmx]

I have a dell 9200 with core 2 - 1.83ghz
4gig ram.

I have currently a geforce 7300.
I want a dual DVI card, I'm adding a PCI video to get 3 monitor output.

But I want a good pci express card for the main 2 screens.
I've been out of the game so don't know which chip is better. I hear 8800 but its so expensive for what I need.

I wanted something in the $150 range up $200.

 

[Cheex]

Well for $200, this would be my suggestion:

XFX GeForce 7900GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16

 

[mmx]

should I wait for dx10?

 

[Toad21]

games that will use the DX10 engine will also be backward compatible for DX9 cards. So you don't have to wait, but the longer you wait the cheaper the cards will be. And with ATI launching its new card in march, I would wait until then to purchase a new setup. I am personally waiting for 8800GTS cards to go under 300$, which will happen in march.

 

[luigionlsd]

If you can spend the extra money, and wait for the rebate... I'd strongly recommend http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102067

Great price, great card.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Originally posted by: luigionlsd
If you can spend the extra money, and wait for the rebate... I'd strongly recommend http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102067

Great price, great card.

If you're going to buy now, the x1950xt is the best buy. On average it is faster than the 7900gt.

If you decide to wait, at least wait long enough after launch to make sure the driver situation is worked out. Do some research and make sure the games you want to play aren't having issues with the card you want.

 

[luigionlsd]

If it's any consolation, I bought a 7900 GT in June 2006, and really am kicking myself for not waiting to save enough for an X1900. You're in a really good position here, with barely any price difference between the 7900 GT and X1900 XT (and no, this isn't some kind of ATI vs. nVidia battle -- it's what's best for the money).

 

[40sTheme]

Watch out; as far as I know (and in my case) Dells do not support dual slot cooling (on older models such as that one).

 

[mmx]

my model is not old. I bought it 3 months ago.

 

[Spike]

it sounds like you bought a E520 or similar dell model. Watch out for the psu, I believe they come with a 305 watt model that might not be enough for a good gpu

 

[mmx]

it is basically the xps400 - but the dell business sells it as 9200.