Which Graphics Card?

[Nomel]

Hello guys,

I haven't concerned myself with video cards for some time now, but right now I'm thinking of upgrading my current graphics card. I have googled a lot lately and looked over several forums/benchmarks, but I can't quite get to a result, which graphics card I should buy. Currently I'm using a Geforce 7800GT, and I'm not sure what new card I should get. At first I looked at the Geforce 9600 but I have come to the decision to prefer the Geforce 8800GT (512 MB) over the 9600. Then, I noticed the Radeon HD 3870 and found out that it has better specs on paper. So now, I'm pretty much confused on which is the better card and which one I should get. I'm looking forward to get a powerful card for gaming (Crysis and so on) maybe some computer animating stuff and a one that has a good future.

Right now I'm looking at these cards:

8800GT:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127329
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261012
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130319
maybe even this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130335

HD 3870:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127315
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102732


Of course I'm looking for low budget prices.
My current system looks like this:

Mobo: XFX nForce 680iLTSli
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
Memory: 2GB DDR2 GSKILL
Video: Geforce 7800GT 265MB
PSU: XION 600Watt

In a nutshell, I want to know which is the better card with the most performance and fits best into my system.

I hope somebody can help me out on this problem.
Thanks in advance.

 

[doubletake33]

the 8800gt will beat the hd3870 hands down! cooling is priority with the 8800gt 512s so go with the AKIMBO version as 1st option or the MSI. this will keep you from having to spend more money on a aftermarket cooler like me. i have the original spec EVGA card and had to get a zalman HSF to cool that puppy down!


also, if you're willing to spring the cheese for that AKIMBO 8800gt at that price, then you might as well go a step up for that same price : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130337

for the money this would be the best buy! good luck.

 

[Nomel]

All right, it seems like the 8800GTS would be my best choice for it's not that much more expensive that the GT. Thanks for your help