Looking for replacement GPU

Hello All,

I'm looking for a new graphics card to replace my 7950gx2. The main use of my computer is to play games. My current specs are ASUS p5b Deluxe MB, E6600 OC'd to 3.0 Ghz and 4GB DDR2 800 4-4-4-11 and I play at 1680x1050 resolution. I'm starting to notice a slowdown in some of the games I'm playing and so I'd like to up the ante in the graphics department. I'd like to spend less than $200 (Less than $199.99 as well). Having a cool card is important to me as the 7950gx2 is like a toaster and it impedes my ability to overclock as it heats up my whole case. So, I was thinking of getting either an 8800gts if the price comes down since it vents out the back or a 9800gtx if they drop enough. I'm not sure about the new ati cards. Yeah, I've read the benchmarks and they seem great, but I've heard they run hot and I doubt they will come down in price any further than $199.99 since they do seem to be very competitive at this price. However, assuming the prices on those do come down, do they vent out the back or into the case and how does installing an ati card onto a system that has nvidia drivers work?

So, to summarize, I'm looking for a cool card at least as powerful as an 8800gts, with a sub $200 price. I'm willing to wait a little bit, so what is the current concensus on where prices are heading for the various cards.

If I left out any important information, please let me know. I look forward to hearing your suggestions and comments.

Thanks,

X

Actually, I am quite good at math (took calculus, linear algebra, etc in college). Unfortunately, I don't think being able to solve matrix equations will help me pick a new graphics card, otherwise, I'd be all set.

Thogrom, I appreciate your advice, however, I can't SLI anything as my board is not an nVidia chipset.

Currently, the price for an 8800gts, 9800gtx, and 4850 are all around 200. Do you see a further price decrease coming for the 8800gts or 9800gtx? I figure the 4850 won't drop as it seems well positioned already.

Also, does the 4850 vent out the back of card or into the case?

Lastly, should I end up getting the 4850, how does one go about installing an ATI card on a system that had used an nVidia card previously?

Bump.