Video Card Advice

[grndragon57]

Hi am about to purchase a new video card, I had planned on the 8800 GTS 512, but with the new choices and pricing I've changed my mind. the problem is I'm not sure what card would be best. The choices are the 9600 GT in SLI, the 9800 GTS, 9800 GTS+ or maybe the GTX 260. I use the computer for gaming at 1280 x 1024 (max resolution for my monitor). The most intensive game I play is Flight Simulator X. I would like to get the best possible frame rates, but go up to a card that would be overkill at that resolution.

Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks.

Edit: This will eventually go in a more powerful system(CPU,motherboard and RAM) so I am not concerned with a CPU bottleneck with the X2 4800. I have a 650 watt Corsair PSU for the card.

[thideras]

At the resolution that you play, you will be CPU limited. Getting a GTX 260/280 would be bottlenecked severely by the processor.

I'd suggest picking up a 8800GT or 8800GTS 512 and upgrade the processor or overclock it more.

[Badbonji]

Most cards can handle 1280x1024 with ease and with things like AA and AF up high. Playing games you probably wont notice a difference between a sli gtx280 and a 8800gts at that resolution, it is CPU bottlenecked. My 8800gts 512mb can handle Half life episode two 1920x1200 16xAA + af maxed out with constant 60fps (capped with vsync).

[WorshipMe]

I think at 1280x1024, you need no more than an 8800GT.

[jobrien2001]

I wouldnt consider a 260GT since your CPU is no good and the card costs 300 bucks. You wont get the performance from it because of the CPU bottleneck. By the time you upgrade your CPU/MOBO the 260GT will probably cost less.

The 8800GT is the best pick for you. Its cheap and gets the job done.

[BlackEdition]

+1 for the 8800gt.

good overclockability, great performance, low price...

check out buy.com...they have some great deals on a few 8800gt's right now :)