Which of these video cards is the better buy?

[GeeFizzleDizzle]

eVGA Geforce 6800GS ($179) : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130267

Sapphire Radeon X850XT ($169): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102688&CMP=BAC-tbcpc

 

[996GT2]

X850XT is definite better buy-more performance, lower cost, very good overclocking ability.

If you are after a newer card that supports SM3 and draws less power, look at the eVGA 7600GT with a lifetime warranty. Just know that it's OCing abilities are not too good (core is limited to about 620), and its stock cooler is pretty much crap. It performs about the same as the X850XT when both are stock, but when OC'd the X850XT reaches stock 7800GT levels.

 

[classy]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
X850XT is definite better buy-more performance, lower cost, very good overclocking ability.

If you are after a newer card that supports SM3 and draws less power, look at the eVGA 7600GT with a lifetime warranty. Just know that it's OCing abilities are not too good (core is limited to about 620), and its stock cooler is pretty much crap. It performs about the same as the X850XT when both are stock, but when OC'd the X850XT reaches stock 7800GT levels.

 

[AzNPinkTuv]

x850

 

[Termie]

As others have hinted at, the 6800gs has essentially been replaced by the 7600gt. Newegg has the EVGA version for $174 after rebate. It's probably the way to go over either of those cards, especially at 1280x1024. You may find this comparison helpful: http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2006/03/21/bfg_7600_gt_oc_ati_x1800gto/1.html