Best graphics card for gaming in <$140 range?

[Warpspasm]

Okay, I think I've got most of the stuff figured out for my son's budget gaming rig, but still not sure about the graphics card. I've always kind of been a NVIDIA kinda guy, but I'm not fanboy for anything. How about some suggestions on a good gaming card that would come in under $140. Also, please tell me why you think it's a good one.

Thanks.

 

[aevm]

eVGA 9800GTX+, $155, includes Call of Duty, free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130416

XFX 9800GTX+, $160, includes Far Cry 2, no idea how much for shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150314

Sapphire HD 4850, $130, free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770

The last one is a bit faster and cheaper but doesn't have any game included. Assuming that the those games are worth $40 to your son, then all three cards are very similar bang for the buck IMO.

 

[aevm]

I forgot to mention that you need a PSU around 500W for any of those cards. Around 600W if your motherboard supports SLI (for 9800GTX+) or Crossfire (for HD 4850) and you want to add a second card later.

Why I think these are good cards... For $130 they are wonderful cards. They can't compete with HD 4870 X2 or GTX 295 or other things that cost several times more, but they will still do a very decent job. On a typical LCD with 1680x1050, these cards can handle anything, except maybe Crysis and Frontlines. Even in those games they will do OK at lower resolutions.

 

[aevm]

Here's an example:

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3341&p=14
Call of Duty 4, 1680x1050, those cards will deliver 64 fps (98000GTX+) or 78 fps (HD 4850).

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3341&p=19
Oblivion, 1680x1050, 48 fps (9800GTX+), 41 fps (HD 4850).