Video Card Upgrade Time! Budget: $150

1ddqd

I've got a budget of $150 for my next video card.

What I've got now is a 8800 GTX OC, but it's having issues (see my Whatchoosit? Thread). Since I already RMA'd once and this card went bad a few months later, I've decided to go with a brand new card.

I want something with a lifetime warranty (BFG, eVGA, etc) - I don't mind either brand. The problem is, I haven't bought a new video card in 2 years, so I'm a little off my game. I know the 280 chip is king, but it's out of the price range (unless I find a deal). So, I'm thinking more mid-range - a 9800 or 260, or 4870/4890.

Would the 260 be equivalent in performance to my 8800GTX?

wunderbar

I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but the best card you'll be able to find for $150 is a 9800GT, which offers less performance than your 8800GTX.

I'd RMA your 8800GTX again and save up until you can afford a bettery card.

EDIT: Please ignore this.

1ddqd

wunderbar wrote: »

I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but the best card you'll be able to find for $150 is a 9800GT, which offers less performance than your 8800GTX.

I'd RMA your 8800GTX again and save up until you can afford a bettery card.

Well, I'd qualify mail in rebates as within budget - I've found a few GTX 260s that come to around $160-170 with rebates.

Maximum price is $200, and the rebate would have to drop it back past $170.

Macro9

You can get this 4870 512 for $155 with free shipping and a $15 MiR.

I would suggest you save up another $30 and get a GTX 260 Core 216 or 4870 1GB.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150361

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161269

edit:

Since rebates are part of your budget I would get the XFX GTX 260 Core 216 I linked. It has XFX's warranty and a free copy of Call of Duty 5.

1ddqd

Macro9 wrote: »

Since rebates are part of your budget I would get the XFX GTX 260 Core 216 I linked. It has XFX's warranty and a free copy of Call of Duty 5.

I just found this post in HardOCP forums that shows a promo code dropping the 260 to $157 after rebate. That's tempting!

wunderbar

Gah, my bad. I was looking at newegg for prices, but I was looking at newegg.ca, not .com.

Just ignore me. Nothing to see here, move along.

1ddqd

wunderbar wrote: »

Gah, my bad. I was looking at newegg for prices, but I was looking at newegg.ca, not .com.

Just ignore me. Nothing to see here, move along.

Haha, thanks for checking in anyways

tsmvengy

1ddqd wrote: »

Macro9 wrote: »

Since rebates are part of your budget I would get the XFX GTX 260 Core 216 I linked. It has XFX's warranty and a free copy of Call of Duty 5.

I just found this post in HardOCP forums that shows a promo code dropping the 260 to $157 after rebate. That's tempting!

Do it - it's a good deal!