Need help deciding which video card to get.

[musiclvr86]

I am pretty computer illiterate so I was hoping somebody could help me pick out a video card. I want a nice computer (better than one than you can get at say Best Buy) but I also have no idea how to begin to build one myself so I am getting one customized from this site: avadirect.com

And I need some help deciding on a video card. I'd like a nice one and I am down to the 9800GTX, the gtx260, and the sapphire 4850. Even within those 3, there are slightly different models. I am so clueless as to what the differences between all of them are and which one is the best. Although I am not a big gamer, I would still like a nice graphics card. I would just like something nice but not over the top expensive.

Oh and I am open to other suggestions besides those 3. If there is something better out there in that same price range, I'm all for it. I mainly just picked those 3 because they are brands I've heard of so they seem like they'd be reliable. But I'm open to anything.

Thanks!

Edit: I forgot to mention one thing. I also would like would to get a TV tuner, I don't know if that has anything to do with the video card or not but just thought I'd mention it incase. Yeah, I told you I'm computer illiterate, at least regarding the hardware aspects of a computer.

 

[metalweenis]

9800GTX+ imo

 

[dirtmountain]

The HD4850 has a bit better performance then the 9800GTX at the same price or a bit lower. The GTX260 out performs them both, but runs at least $100 more.

 

[Onus]

If I were buying a new high-end card, I would choose the HD4850 from that list.
What games do you intend to play, and at what resolution?

 

[musiclvr86]

I don't really play many games. I just do a lot of media stuff, audio/video and would like a nice graphics card.

 

[kyeana]

if your not a big gamer then a 4850 should be more then enough for you

 

[musiclvr86]

So the radeons perform better than the evga?

Ok then, how about the HD4870? That one has twice the amount of memory as the 4850. Do you think I need that much?

 

[gamerk316]

Question: What type of motherboard do you have? If its not a NVIDIA board, I'd go for the 4850. If it is a NVIDIA board, you should consider the 260 for the ability to SLI later.

 

[musiclvr86]

I don't have a motherboard yet. I am customizing my computer from avadirect. As of now, I am getting an Asus P5Q Pro. Is NVIDIA better, though? Because I can easily switch.

What does the ability to SLI mean? Sorry if I sound stupid but I'm just now learning about all this stuff.

 

[osiris2k8]

hey man if you're not a huge gamer i would recommend getting a 4670 or a 9600GT whichever is cheaper you wont play crysis on high but should be capable of COD4 and such games