The problem with the low end stuff, is that you really have to realize, the developers arent going to do you any favours if your looking to buy their low end stuff. in many cases, they are simply stock that didnt conform to the standards placed on the mid to high end components.
why would you engineer three or four chips? it costs money to do that, when all you have to do is say, oh, this one wont run at this speed, or with these specs, squish, sell it as this or that.
the company still makes money, even if they are selling defective parts ^^;;
I dont know, If i had the money in my hands and a way to order online, i would buy a 8500LE. I have had like 3 8500LE cards and they are fantastic cards. the only thing that will ourperform them in their class is the ti 4600 *at stock* Ti 4200 cards can, but generally, have to be overclocked to win by any great margin.
Thats another topic that i think really needs to be mentioned.. its all well and good to quote this pricewatch site for prices and stuff. however, i want to state, from my own experience that its not always possible to order stuff online.
Not all parents are willing to buy stuff online for their "15 year old kids"
but, even with that said, I can say i wouldnt mind a 9200 now. Compared to my geforce 2 onboard, it would be godly, and it woulndt suck my main memory down. but, money doesnt just grow randomly.
Getting your start in computer hardware is time consuming. it really takes patience and a lot of reading to pick it all up. first thing you will want to do is disregard all the passionate opinions. the only thing that matters is the facts.