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Best graphics card for gaming in <$140 range?

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  • Homebuilt
  • Gaming
  • Graphics Cards
  • Systems
  • Product
Last response: in Systems
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January 29, 2009 11:41:27 PM

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.

More about : graphics card gaming 140 range

a b B Homebuilt system
a b 4 Gaming
a c 143 U Graphics card
January 30, 2009 12:35:24 AM

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.
a b B Homebuilt system
a b 4 Gaming
a c 143 U Graphics card
January 30, 2009 12:39:57 AM

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.
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