So I spent $225 on a $140 video card

[Twigglish]

I needed a video card quick to see if my mobo was bad or just my vid card, so I went to Best Buy. I still plan to return it because I can get the same card for like $80 cheaper on newegg. Its the card in my sig.
Over my 256mb radeon 9550... its an insane upgrade. I can run just about everything Ive played so far on highest settings. BF2142, CS:S, Company of Heroes, WoW. Im thinking about just buying the same card from newegg, or somewhere else if I can find it cheaper.
Im wondering though, if someone could help me find a card for a similar price ($150ish) thats any better. I would like to have a DX10 compatible card if possible for that price. As long as its a trustworthy card and site, Im ok with buying it somewhere besides the egg.
So, what are my options if any?


Just realized this should prob be in General GPU. Bah :/

[Twigglish]

There is this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161098
Which is actually like $10 cheaper and supports DX10 which not even the 1950 supports... But is it actually a better card all around?

[Twigglish]

Wouldnt it be a bit of a step back going down to a 256mb card? I dont know much about video cards, so I could be wrong of course.

[Skeen]

Whoops I meant to edit but not delete to include a ATI card...but anyway you read it so I'll just go on. The extra memory does help but I think the better core will help more. I'm no expert either but there's my $0.02.

[Twigglish]

Whoops I meant to edit but not delete to include a ATI card...but anyway you read it so I'll just go on. The extra memory does help but I think the better core will help more. I'm no expert either but there's my $0.02.

I mean, if Im not going to notice the 256 instead of a 512 and theres nothing out thats pushing the limit on 256 then I could go with this card. But I really dont know enough to make any assumptions. :/

[Semjonov]

$225, well, you are allmost getting into range for an 8800gts 320MB, that will ge an insanely nice upgrade.

[jivetrky]

yikes, you spent $225 on an x1650pro?

I agree with semjonov, spend a few bucks more and get one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082

[Twigglish]

yikes, you spent $225 on an x1650pro?

I agree with semjonov, spend a few bucks more and get one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082


See the problem is, Im not looking to spend a few more... or even close to the same amount.

[jivetrky]

See the problem is, Im not looking to spend a few more... or even close to the same amount.

ahhh I see....well in that case, I'd say to go with an x1950XT

SAPPHIRE 100186L Radeon X1950XT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102067)


It's the best performer for the price range

[Twigglish]

ahhh I see....well in that case, I'd say to go with an x1950XT

SAPPHIRE 100186L Radeon X1950XT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102067)


It's the best performer for the price range


Still the same question though. Would it not be somewhat of a step backwards dropping down to a 256card?

[Evilsizer]

Still the same question though. Would it not be somewhat of a step backwards dropping down to a 256card?
no, your not stepping backwards. you are talking about the x1650 that has a 128bit wide memory path vs the 1950 that has a 256bit wide path. even with less memory its gonna move more data. that and even at higher res the x1650 will be eaten by the x1950xtx linked above.

This is kind the same question from a long time ago, with GF3's and 64mb's of fast memory vs 128mb of slow memory. in that case though we were talking about the same core, not different ones like you are.

[Dan0512]

Definitively stay away from the HD2600 products. You'd be heavily disappointed about their performance. And the fact that they are DX10 compatible won't be of much help when you notice the games only run at 10fps. Right now, DX10 is reserved for the big boys who can afford 8800 and 2900 cards, anything else will only be good enough to take screenshots.

I also suggest you buy the x1950xt suggested before, it will destroy, dismember, and annihilate both the x1650 and 2600 cards in performance. Don't worry about the memory as well.

dan

[Twigglish]

no, your not stepping backwards. you are talking about the x1650 that has a 128bit wide memory path vs the 1950 that has a 256bit wide path. even with less memory its gonna move more data. that and even at higher res the x1650 will be eaten by the x1950xtx linked above.

This is kind the same question from a long time ago, with GF3's and 64mb's of fast memory vs 128mb of slow memory. in that case though we were talking about the same core, not different ones like you are.


Thank you for explaining that to me. After reading that I finally understand it. Thanks to everyone else for the help as well. Ill be purchasing a new 1950 today :D

[Twigglish]

haha, new questions!


$199
* SAPPHIRE 100186L Radeon X1950XT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail
* ZEROtherm GX810 2 Ball VGA Cooling - Retail

$189
* SAPPHIRE 100186L Radeon X1950XT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail
* ZEROtherm GX710 Ceramic VGA Cooling - Retail

$187
* SAPPHIRE 100186L Radeon X1950XT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail
* ZEROtherm GX700 Ceramic VGA Cooler - Retail


Ive read that the stock cooling on the card is very loud for a video card. I dont know how loud that actually equals and Newegg is offering these combo deals. Is the cooling on the card loud enough that I would want to replace the cooling?
Im ok with a little noise but I dont want something that sounds like a tornado or anything. How loud is it?

[sp33dball]

The 1950XT is very loud only if you turn the fan on 100% with programs such as Ati Tool, I have yet to get the fan near 50% when playing games such as oblivion (full details HDR + AAx4 @ 1280x1024). I'm planning on going almost passive for this since I don't like a lot of noise on my computer by slapping on the HR-03 and a quite fan. So it depends, there are lots of aftermarket coolers that are more efficient (and quieter) than the stock.

[Twigglish]

The 1950XT is very loud only if you turn the fan on 100% with programs such as Ati Tool, I have yet to get the fan near 50% when playing games such as oblivion (full details HDR + AAx4 @ 1280x1024). I'm planning on going almost passive for this since I don't like a lot of noise on my computer by slapping on the HR-03 and a quite fan. So it depends, there are lots of aftermarket coolers that are more efficient (and quieter) than the stock.


Its not a huge deal I would much rather save the $15-25. Ill just buy the card alone then. Thanks.

[jivetrky]

I'd say just buy the card and if it's too noisy for you then seek a heatsink in your price range that is quiet.

[JamesXP]

OR use a old CPU heatsink :P