what the best vga card for around 230 or so!!!!!!help

BFG GeForce 7950GT $180

only 256MB, but very good performance at a great price

You forgot to mention the $40.00 rebate and it's out of stock.
How about here and in-stock:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] CatId=1560

Save up more for 8800gts or wait for 8700gts.

An X1950 XT would murder a 7950 GT...

If you can save up, get the 8800.
If you can wait until Nov, you should have more options.
If you must have the card now and don't care about DX10 (most new games this holiday have DX9 mode), go with the x19050xt if you can find one, and the x1950pro otherwise.

haha. Sorry about that, correction, x1950xt

I agree, but KPO's link from tigerdirect sure does make it tempting for $140.

I tend to prefer the idea of either spending more and geting the GF8800GTS or spending less and going with an X1950PRO/GF7950GT and then rolling the money into something else later.

BUT, if this is a one time deal, like found money or tax return kinda thing, without looking towards multiple builds and replacing it again in a year, then the X1950XT is really the best option for both long term and for value.

I like the idea of the GF8600 GT a little better, I think with that kind of build the resale value stays a little longer on the GF8600 than on the GF7950GT, and while the GF7950GT may be slightly faster you won't notice alot, and you know that there is better coming sooner for you than a longer term build, so going with the GF8600GT and even getting your feet wet with DX10 is a good choice IMO.

It does depend alot on the games because some will still really drag on the GF8600 and HD2600 models compared to the old guards, but in general I'd say the GF8600 is a more flexible decision. Of course check the benchies for your favourite games from sites like XbitLabs and make sure it's a card that can play well enough to get you through until those attractive replacements show up.

Oh yeah, sorry, I'm trying to read while working (got a bazillion things up on 2 screens), and a little tired today (got a bit of sinus).
If you already have the GF8600GT, then never EVER should you consider moving to the GF7950GT. Sure it's OK and will game in somethings better, and while I wouldn't upgrade the other way either, the GF7950GT is not worth the move IMO.

I could understand the other way around for DX10 stuff although I still wouldn't recommend it, and your jump from the GF8500 to the GF8600 was likely worth it, but IMO, your next jump should be nothing less than the GF8700/HD2900Pro.

Sure I'm dissapointed in the GF8600 and HD2600 as series cards, but really even a jump from the GF8600 to the X1950Pro IMO isn't worth the hassle, and I'd say it's a better option than the GF7950. Nothing less than an X1950Xt would make me tell you to return to the previous generation, and IMO, with those new cards so close, I'd say wait for them, they should offer you the power consumption of at least the X1950Pro and likely the GF7950, and yet offer you the power of the X1950XT or greater, and then add all the nice new features of the GF8600 series, and actually make those features playable.

I think at this point enjoy your rig, maybe overclock it as much as you feel comfortable with, but your next upgrade IMO should focus on those soon to arrive cards they have the most to offer (on paper sofar) IMO.