I am prepping my computer for Age of Conan and need to upgrade my 7900GTX.
 
I would like to spend close to $200.
 
All the cards in the table below have a G92 GPU.  To keep an even comparison, all cards are branded EVGA and all prices are from Newegg on May 4th.
 
9800GTX 512MB 128 Shaders
Core     Memory     Price
675      2200          $300
700      2200          $320
738      2250          $330
770      2300          $350
 
8800GTS(G92) 512MB 128 Shaders
Core     Memory     Price     After Rebate
678      1944          $255    $225
 
8800GT 512MB 112 Shaders
Core     Memory     Price     After Rebate
600      1800          $190    $160
650      1900          $210    $180
720      2000          $240    $210
 
8800GT 1GB 112 Shaders
Core     Memory     Price
600      1800          $245
 
What are your thoughts?  I also have read http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] 1805.html.
 
 

The GTXs are overpriced and way out of your price range.  I'd get either the 8800GTS or GT 512MB.  If you don't mind OCing, you could get the mid priced GT and OC it up to the top (and save $30).  That GTS does look tempting, though.

I was also thinking of OCing a GT.
What do you think about the cooling potential of a single slot GT verses the dual slot GTS?
How much will 16 shader difference effect performance?

What resolution do you play at?  I'm not sure how GPU demanding AgeOC is though.  If you must stick to evga, that 8800GT is the best value there.  For lower resolutions (1280x1024) the evga 8800GS superclock for $110 AR is an excellent value.  16x10 or above res, move up to the 8800GT.  
 
If you switch brands, there is an 8800GTS 512MB for $170AR on th egg.  Also, 9600GT's for $120 AR.

as far as the fan, the dual slot is obviously better.  But the new larger diameter reference fan is alot better(noise and temps)  than the original 8800GT fan.  
 
Here is the old style cooler pulled off a BFG 8800GT OC, compared to the new larger fan on the evga 8800GS and GT.  Avoid ones with the puny diameter fan.  

24" monitor 1920 x 1200

24", lol, forget the 8800GS.  
 

Hmm, pretty steep system requirements:
http://arstechnica.com/journals/th [...] s-revealed

HAHA ya I figured anything lower than a GT would be a waste of time.
 
I can run AoConan on my 7900GTX at lowest possible settings at around 10FPS.
 
I believe AoConan is as demanding as Crysis especially since it is a MMO and there will be 100+ person castle sieges

 
Problem is the card you are suggesting has a G80 GPU not a G92, hence its cheapness.

I am in the AoC Beta atm, my system specs on my "Loaner" PC, take into effect i know nothing of this rig lol, a socket 939 AMD OC'd to run at 2200, 2 gigs of Corsair XMS DDR, and 2 7900's in sli running on an ASUS mobo.  I typically get around 30-50ish Frames on this set up.  Forgive the lack of info on this system i am just using it till all of my stuff gets in this week, will repost specs tomorrow night.

Even the guy pictured on the card realises how big a FAIL that cooler was.

I have seen 8800GTS(G92) 512M for like... $180 after rebate...that would be the best...
 
From what you listed the $160 8800GT is the "best bang for buck".

 
G80 GTS didn't come in 512mb flavour mate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814134037
 
^ Yes, like you mentioned, there is no 512MB G80 version. It was G92, but now out of stock.
 
 
The PNY is $189 AR, or the XFX is $220 AR but comes with COD4.

I have the eVGA 8800GT base version and despite the specs saying 600Mhz core, its standard is 650Mhz and is easily OC'able to 700Mhz.  I have the original 8800GT though so the cooler sucked and was loud so I replaced it with a Zalman VF-900, thing is cool and quiet now.
 
 
$/fps is best for the 8800GT.  But I'm not sure how well it will handle 1900x1200.  Does just fine for me on my 22" monitor though.

Well it all comes down to a $30 difference.
PNY GTS $240 $190 After rebate.
EVGA GT $190 $160 After rebate.
 
December 8800GTS to GT comparison.
http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,1743.html
 
April 8800GTS to GT to 9800GTX comparison.
http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,1800.html
 
Articles summed up
-Heat: GT is 15% hotter.  I prefer the new dual slot GTS.  I do have a ZALMAN VF900 on my 7900GTX that I might be able to transfer to the new card.
-Noise: Both cards are similar.
-Performance:  "Overall, the GeForce 8800 GTS 512 MB is interesting for a few reasons.  Based on a largely more powerful G92 (24%) than the one on the GeForce 8800 GT, it manages to outperform the GeForce 8800 GTX."  I think the average difference in performance is more like 10% between the GTS and GT.
 
Due to my 24", I would rather have the extra throughput and memory bandwidth that the GTS has to offer.  The GTS also has a much better cooling option than the GT which I could only find with the small diameter fan.  Though possibly my VF900 would be the better cooling option on the GTS?  My Antec P180 case has great airflow.
 
My plan is to wait a week and look for a lesser rebate option and hopefully end up with a GTS for $190 or less.