Asus 8800GS 384MB DDR3 or XFX Geforce 9600GSO 768MB DDR2

I'd get the 8800gs with the DDR3. While the GS0 has more memory, the memory is slower and is more useful at higher res, but if you are running say a 19 inch monitor or something like that, then the 8800 is better.

Basically the 9600 gso and the 8800gs are the exact same card. They came in a few different flavors, but the more common was the 384 mb version. The thing about the gso, it's the same basic card as the 8800 gs, but the 8800 has faster memory, even though it has less memory. That being said, you really only use more memory when you go to higher resolutions, however, being that you are using a 19 inch, it's not going to run too high of a resolution. Therefore I'm thinking you would be happier with the 8800 gs. If I had to pick one of the 2, that is what I would pick. However, if you are in the US, might want to check out newegg.

You can get an ATI 4830 for about 90 bucks, which is about the same performance as an 8800gt or 9800gt. Or you can look at the 4670 which is about the same performance as the cards you are looking at, but is a lower power card and requires no external power connector which means you would not need to worry as much about if your PSU can run the card or not.

Also keep in mind on those 3dmarks, it depends on the rest of your system too, if you have a junky processor and not much memory, you won't get those scores, however, if you have a killer rig, you may see those scores.

I guess the other question is what is budget for your upgrade and what power supply do you have?

Ok, so on those 2 cards, I'd get the 8800 gs. Like I said, if in the US, check out newegg.com. They have a lot of great deals on graphics cards. Definitely better pricing than the stores.

Like I said, if I were in your position, I think I would take the 8800 gs myself. Feel free though to look at reviews online and what not, but if it were me, I'd pick up the 8800 gs.

If you are in the US, this card competes with those 2, it was one of the 4670 cards I was talking about, pretty comparable performance to what you are looking at.

And it comes with a free game.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161252

Should be about the same price range new as the other 2 cards. But if you are getting an excellent deal on those cards, if it were me, I'd get the 8800 gs 384 with ddr3 if picking between the 2 original cards.

Try newegg.ca

also check out tigerdirect.ca

They might have some better pricing on one of those sites than you can get locally, maybe save a few bucks on the card.

instead of those get the 9800GT

Out of all the cards you say are in your budget, 9600gt is probably the best.

Rankings to me would be

9600 gso<8800 gs=4670<9600 gt.

However, I looked at the prices for the 9600gt cards on newegg.ca, because your link didn't work, but regardless, they are running right about 100 bucks. For about 5 bucks more than the cheapest 9600 gt on there, you could get this card

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6814161260

This is an ATI 4830. Comes with a nice game to start off, but performance wise will be on par with, maybe even a little better than a 9800gt. For a 19 inch monitor, that should run almost anything with some nice graphics. So if your budget is about 100 dollars canadian, if you can stretch say 5 bucks, pick up the 4830 and be happy. Otherwise, go with the 9600gt.

Honestly though, you will probably do fine with any of those cards. Between the 4670, 8800 gs, and 9600gt or 4830, I don't think you can go wrong for the resolution you will be playing at. I'm currently running an overclocked 9600gt on my 22 inch monitor, and it does well, but I can feel it's limitations at times. That said though, it's a great card and does what I want. But keep in mind I'm running like 1680x1050 resolution and your monitor is probably like 1280x1060 or somewhere around there.

Personally, that's why I recommended the GS as I think he's gaming on a 19 inch monitor.

Let's not forget there's the G94 version of the GSO, which is inferior than the G92 version one.