Which budget card should I get?

[darkspreader]

Here are some links to different versions of the x700, x800, and the x850 series. Which one should I get for the "best bang for the buck"? It'll basically be a temporary card, until i get ATi's dx10 cards, when they come out at least.

X700: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814241024

X700PRO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814241023

X700SE: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127216

X800GTO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814131007

X800XL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814131423

X850PRO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814241022

X850XT PE: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102052

Now I know that the x850XT PE is probably the best, lol, but I'm trying to not spend too much over $100.

Also, I will primarily use this card for gaming, like Halo, HL2, CS:S, and Garry's Mod.

 

[prozac26]

X850XT-PE is the best card from the list.

Looking at its price, it's the best deal also.

 

[angminas]

Yeah, but it's been out of stock for like a month, and probably isn't coming back. I've been keeping an eye on it because my x800xl is dead

 

[darkspreader]

How about this card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102019

 

[angminas]

That looks pretty decent if you're more interested in new tech like SM3 than high framerate (which means higher detail too). Myself, I'd take an x800 or x850 series card over an X1600 Pro. At this price, you can't have everything, so you have to figure out what you want most. I just think the X1600 is too underpowered, but they sell a hell of a lot of em, so YMMV.

Did you try the THG VGA charts? Check this comparison for starters. I would not pay $135 for an x800xl, but I know of one place that has it new for $87 atm. (Not telling where till I get mine- if you want to find it, you'll find it 8) )

 

[darkspreader]

Heck, the x850XT PE is only $10 cheaper than the x1950PRO...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814241013

I might as well get the x1950PRO...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102061

 

[angry_ducky]

If you don't want to spend over $100, then your best bet is probably this Leadtek GF7300GT (GDDR3 version). It's $90, and it performs closely to your x800xl. It also overclocks very well, I've heard.

 

[darkspreader]

Well, if I wanted an Nvidia card, I would have posted it in the Nvidia forum, wouldn't I? Sorry, lol.

Also, I nearly forgot about the PSU... I don't think 300 watts will cut it, lol.

I was thinking of either one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817371001

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153038

 

[angry_ducky]

Well, if I wanted an Nvidia card, I would have posted it in the Nvidia forum, wouldn't I?

If you didn't want an nVidia card, you should have put that in your original post. Nonetheless, I find your reply rude and insulting, and my only reply to your original question is to shove your dead video card up your @ss.

 

[CompuTronix]

I've owned a Saphire X850 XT overclocked @ 580 / 1230 using ATI Tool, and found it to be an excellent card. The X850 PE is an OEM overclocked XT. The XT is available generally for at least $20.00 less than the PE, and is the same card. ATI Tool is easy to tweak, and can yield a great OC for any ATI card. Another nice feature of the X850 is the two slot external exhaust solution, which has a major thermal impact on keeping case temperatures low, especially critical when overclocking.

 

[darkspreader]

Unfortunately, CompuTronix, Newegg doesn't have x850XTs, or any in PCI-e, at least. Would I be able to overclock an X850PRO? Or is it not even worth it? lol. Then again, i might just go all out and get the x1950PRO... I don't know yet.

 

[CompuTronix]

If the X850 XT isn't presently available, then purchase the PE, but stay away from the Pro, as it't only 12 pipelines, and therefore benchmarks lower. Some Pro's can be unlocked to 16 pipelines, but it's not a shure thing. All versions, however, overclock nicely, generally averaging around 11%.

 

[darkspreader]

Ok, cool. Also, where did you get this "ATI Tool"? Would I be able to overclock my x300? lol

 

[CompuTronix]

You can find ATI Tool at the following link:

http://www.techpowerup.com/atitool/

Check the documantation to verify support for your X300, but I'm fairly certain that ATI Tool can overclock it. Honestly, the X300 is a weak card, and isn't worth the effort. If you have the funds, then just replace it with the X850XT which is available for $129.00 plus shipping at the following link:

http://www.pricewatch.com/video_cards/radeon_x850_xt_256mb_pci.htm

This is as close to your budget as you can get in a snappy midrange solution, and you really can't go wrong with this card. As in my previous post, I can vouche for it because I've owned one, and it was a very impressive performer, especially for the price.

 

[kaotao]

Well, if I wanted an Nvidia card, I would have posted it in the Nvidia forum, wouldn't I? Sorry, lol.

In that case, I recomend a better PSU, and a 7600GT. You could do both for around $200. BTW you don't have to be an a**.

EDIT: stupid quotes.

 

[purdueguy]

For 200 bucks, I recommend the following:

BFG 7600GT ($114) and FSP Group 450W PSU ($62).

This PSU will power an 8800GTX.