Need help buying a video card

[aumeer]

Hi Im new to the world of video cards, and all this hardware stuff. I recently bought a few new games, and had all the requirements except for my video card. I have an ATI Radeon X800 XT which is below minimum system requirements for most everything i bought, go figure...

I am looking to buy a new video card that would perform well with good quality and last a while before i have to upgrade again. The thing is, i dont want to pay $900 for one of these little things, and have no idea what would be good to buy.

Now im not sure exactly what would be compatible with my motherboard/other things i know nothing about. If there is some way i can find the specs i need and post them could someone let me know? Im just looking for some ideas on what would have what im looking for as well as being compatable with my computer. Thanks.

 

[pdyckman@comcas]

As of today, the NVidia 8800 GT is the best performer for the money. (under $300). E.V.G.A. is a good company to get NVidia based graphics processors.

 

[nickc]

agrees with pdyckman, and in my opion, EVGA is the best.

 

[Op2]

$900 for a little thing!!! Man, you don't really need help . Just go pick up the best video card in the store.

 

[alisbin]

xfx is also good if you can't get an eVGA (i've found the equipment to be just as good, but xfx doesnt have as good customer service)

 

[kpo6969]

Best price/performance/warranty/customer service:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318

o'c it yourself

 

[tastegw]

if you shop around (newegg, tigerdirect, ect) you can find a good 8800gt for just over $200

what is your budget on the video card anways.

if its less than $150, id suggest ati's 2600 series or nvidia's 8600gt(s) series
if its more than $150, definatly get the 8800gt.

ati's asus 2600 @$120 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121081R

nvidia's MSI 8600GTS @ $139 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127284

nvidia's XFX 8800GT @ $209 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3509852&CatId=1560

 

[kpo6969]

if you shop around (newegg, tigerdirect, ect) you can find a good 8800gt for just over $200

what is your budget on the video card anways.

if its less than $150, id suggest ati's 2600 series or nvidia's 8600gt(s) series
if its more than $150, definatly get the 8800gt.

"if you shop around (newegg, tigerdirect, ect) you can find a good 8800gt for just over $200"
That price would be for a 256mb.

 

[Frostmonkey]

If you'll be gaming at or below 1680x1050 an 8800GT 256mb will work just fine, at least from my experience with my 8800GT 256mb from XFX.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

I concur. The extra memory helps only at higher resolutions where more framebuffer is needed. The 256MB version is perfect for ~$200, although if you want to go below that the HD 3850 is an excellent buy as well.