What's 9800GT likely to sell for at launch?

[Seggybop]

I'm still trying to decide between getting a 9600GT or the cheap MSI 8800GT; it seems as they're about equal as far as price/performance goes. I have enough money to get the 8800, so I was leaning towards that. However, with the recent info that 9800GT is likely to come out some time in March or April, I'm now thinking about getting the discounted evga 9600GT on Newegg and then trading it for a 9800GT once it comes out. I'm basing this on the assumption that the 9800GT will have a comparable launch MSRP to that of the 8800GT (around $250 iirc?) so that I wouldn't be paying a lot extra and would end up with a significantly better deal than the 8800GT. But if it's more likely that the price is going to exceed that by a lot, then it seems it'd be best to get the 8800GT now and keep it. Thoughts?

 

[bryanW1995]

the msi for 196AR as stated by engineer is your safest bet. if you spend the 176 for the evga then step up, keep in mind that you'll spend several weeks at MINIMUM without a good card b/c evga doesn't allow cross-shipping. Also, you're rolling the dice that they'll actually introduce the cards that you want within 90 days AND they'll allow step-up to said cards. Not every card allows step up, especially on highly desirable cards right around launch. 9800gt will be at best a 1/2 step better than the OC msi 8800gt, and your best hope would be $55 or so MORE for that card if all the stars aligned. get the sure thing now and examine your options when the REAL next generation comes out.

 

[Twsmit]

My guess would be that the 9800GT will ship initially around $300-450 MSRP. If I remember correctly my 7800GT was near $400 when I got it, and the 8800GTS which for almost a year was the equivalent of the GT was ~400ish.

I think your idea is a good one, but I would be surprised if the MSRP is under 300 initially, my guess based on past prices would be a 400+ card, maybe 350 if we get lucky.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: Seggybop
I'm still trying to decide between getting a 9600GT or the cheap MSI 8800GT; it seems as they're about equal as far as price/performance goes. I have enough money to get the 8800, so I was leaning towards that. However, with the recent info that 9800GT is likely to come out some time in March or April, I'm now thinking about getting the discounted evga 9600GT on Newegg and then trading it for a 9800GT once it comes out. I'm basing this on the assumption that the 9800GT will have a comparable launch MSRP to that of the 8800GT (around $250 iirc?) so that I wouldn't be paying a lot extra and would end up with a significantly better deal than the 8800GT. But if it's more likely that the price is going to exceed that by a lot, then it seems it'd be best to get the 8800GT now and keep it. Thoughts?

9800GT $299