Best card under $130

needhelpnoobie

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May 29, 2006
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Well I was going to get a Biostar 8600gt 512mb card for $120, however I thought I should ask you guys first.

I'd like to stay under $130.

What would be my best option? I will game with the card, CS CS:S and possibly FEAR and the new Tiger woods.

Let me know what you think.
 

coolpurplefan

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I think you mean a DX10 card so you'd have to wait until ATI comes out with their mainstream model if you wanted to make a real comparison. Anywhoo, I just wanted to come here to brag that I ordered an X1650 XT iSilence II from case-mod.com

I just got my tracking number yesterday. (I'm in Canada.)

I know if you get a good price on it, the X1950 Pro is a really good card but for me, a passively cooled card was a must. And the Powercolor X1950 Pro is too expensive for me.
 

needhelpnoobie

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DX10 is not important. I realize any of these bargain priced 8xxxx series Dx10 cards are so underpowered you couldn't possibly plan to use the eye candy features anyway.

So this is not limited to dx10.
 

needhelpnoobie

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Okay since the 1950pro is that much better (can get one for $125 after rebate) this bumps me into another world of cards.

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

How much better would a 1950XT be than a 1950pro? Would the extra $40 some bucks give me that much more?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102067

Also, since I'm now considering cards in the $170 range, is there another model I should look at other than the 1950XT?

OR should I just stick with the 1950pro for $125?
 

billdcat4

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Okay since the 1950pro is that much better (can get one for $125 after rebate) this bumps me into another world of cards.

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

How much better would a 1950XT be than a 1950pro? Would the extra $40 some bucks give me that much more?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102067

Also, since I'm now considering cards in the $170 range, is there another model I should look at other than the 1950XT?

OR should I just stick with the 1950pro for $125?

Dont forget the Nvidia equivalent, the XFX 7900GS XXX Edition for $135.

check out the deals in my sig
 

Anoobis

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The X1950XT would eat those cards alive, however the X1950Pro will easily play the games you listed so you could save your money and stay within your budget by getting it. The 7900GS is also a very good card but it usually lags just a little behind the X1950Pro overall.

Make sure your power supply can handle the X1950 card. If it cannot, it's possible the 7900GS would be more compatible with your PSU.
 

kaotao

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The X1950XT would eat those cards alive, however the X1950Pro will easily play the games you listed so you could save your money and stay within your budget by getting it. The 7900GS is also a very good card but it usually lags just a little behind the X1950Pro overall.

Make sure your power supply can handle the X1950 card. If it cannot, it's possible the 7900GS would be more compatible with your PSU.

I totally agree.
 

rockyjohn

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I just purchased the BFG 7900 GS OC (overclocked) for $99.99 AR at Frys.com and would recommend it. Haven't seen a better price anywhere for a 7900 GS and BFG is my preferred brand.

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/4970851?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Re: 7900 GS vs X1950Pro - see listing in review on THG for cards under $155.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/05/01/the_best_gaming_video_cards_for_the_money/page3.html

In part it states: "While the X1950 PRO is a stronger performer, it's also a bit more expensive. The 7900 GS also has a good overclocking reputation, while the X1950 PRO does not."

At this price for the 7900 GS, already OC, I think it wins hands down unless you happen to be an aficionado of some particular game that happens to be alittle faster on the ATI card.
 

needhelpnoobie

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Thank YOU for that link to the 7900GS with the $50 rebate.

I just ordered one. This card should more than enough run the games I want. And when I receive my rebate I'll be well under my original budget, which is tight for me a lot since I'm a poor college student still.

I learned a lot in this thread, thanks everyone who commented I appreciate it. Hopefully anothe rnoob like myself benefitted from this. topic.