Need Advice... ATI or Nvidia

Anyone?

cheapest 9800gt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814187030

i would go with nvidia since you can sli....I know 4830 is a great card but then hes not using his integrated

Read http://www.extremetech.com/article [...] 569,00.asp If you are considering spending $120

"The 8200 allows the end-user to use an 8400GS or 8500GT card to increase performance by up to 40% over the integrated graphics alone. The application only works with the lower-end cards on NVIDIA’s lineup. "

So unless you are going to buy one of those 2 cards then SLI with the on-board video isn't an option.

If you are dead set on either the 3870 or 9600 go here and compare for yourself.
Tom's Hardware - 3870 and 9600gt comparison

Pick whatever you like more. They are close in performance and trade blows in performance depending on resolution and detail settings, but the 3870 takes the lead more often than not.

4830 is faster than 9800GT. Period.

Before you buy a 9600GT do a search for 9600GT black Screen Issues ( http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php [...] 0826&st=40 ). I had a 9600GT and ended up after 6months of black screens and issues (ended up down clocking the card to get it to run semi stable) I got a 4870 ATI couldn't be happier. But just a heads up do Ur home work before you buy or u might be like me and waste money .

PS this is a wide spread issue has something to do with a module on the card over heating so its a design flaw in the chip

http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/asus_eah_4830/
http://www.guru3d.com/article/rade [...] chnology/1
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/pc4830/

Notice that it even outperforms 9800GT in Crysis, which is the game best represents nVidia. And thats with 8.9 drivers, and there are more improvements with current 9.2

The 4830 is 90-95% the same as a 4850 and is a great deal. The 9800 GT can't compete.

i have a nvidia geforce 9500gt i enjoy it a lot here is a link to a video review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJPkJyDmH10 this is an entry level $50 to $80

From what I've see the 4830 is faster than the 9800 GT, but I wouldn't throw the word much because it does exchange blows with it. generally speaking the difference between the cards can be minimal to none in some games and very big in others. I would say they are about the same, and should be judged on the game played. From what I've seen the 9800 GT seems to win GRaw 2, far cry 2, Crysis etc, while the 4830 favors Grid, devil may Cry left 4 dead, mass effect (loves this game).

I would say 4830 in my opinion though it does tend to stay above the 9800 GT in alot more games...but its only by a bit. (guru3d.com 4830 HIs review is where I base my opinions on).
Also you might look into Hybrid sli, though it won't help ur fps much its sure to save you some cash on ur power bill