Best card for $100 or less?

[96s10]

Hoping you guys can help me here. Trying to put together a budget gaming rig. I've put aside $100 for the graphics. Some of the cards I've been looking at are:

GTS 250 512MB

GT 240 512MB DDR5 (or 1GB DDR3) - Both are the same price? both 128-bit

9800GT 512MB 256-bit

8800GT 512MB 256-bit



Thoughts?

 

[ratbuddy]

Is the PSU strong enough to handle a GTS 250?

Also, you could probably get a 4850 for under $100 in the classies here..

From the ones you listed, unless the PSU is really weak, the GT240 is pretty overpriced for what it offers. 9800GT/8800GT pretty much the same thing, so just shop on price there.

 

[96s10]

There are a few GTS 250's in the 99 range with rebates. Would that be the best choice?

 

[Special7]

250 is the best out of all of those, mind you the 8800GT is the same as the 9800GT it's just a different name with identical performance.

 

[ratbuddy]

There are a few GTS 250's in the 99 range with rebates. Would that be the best choice?

Assuming the PSU can handle it, yes.

 

[deadlysyn]

250 is the best out of all of those, mind you the 8800GT is the same as the 9800GT it's just a different name with identical performance.

I seem to have been reading that the 250 is similar in performance to a 9800GTX+.

 

[MattNo5ss]

I seem to have been reading that the 250 is similar in performance to a 9800GTX+.

I'm pretty sure the GTS 250 is a 9800GTX+

 

[Special7]

I'm pretty sure the GTS 250 is a 9800GTX+

That would be correct.

 

[96s10]

Hmm there's actually a 9800GTX on the egg for 99 after rebate. Would that be a better route? It's been so long since I've purchased a card or new pc for that matter. There's so many out there.

 

[ratbuddy]

Hmm there's actually a 9800GTX on the egg for 99 after rebate. Would that be a better route? It's been so long since I've purchased a card or new pc for that matter. There's so many out there.

If you're looking at 512MB cards, the 9800GTX+ and GTS 250 are going to be pretty much the same thing. If you're looking at 1GB, the GTS 250 will have a smaller PCB and use less power.

I wouldn't pay $99 for a regular 9800GTX, at least get the + model or a GTS 250.

 

[96s10]

If you're looking at 512MB cards, the 9800GTX+ and GTS 250 are going to be pretty much the same thing. If you're looking at 1GB, the GTS 250 will have a smaller PCB and use less power.

I wouldn't pay $99 for a regular 9800GTX, at least get the + model or a GTS 250.

Since the price is within $10-20 how much better is the 1GB version of the GTS 250 vs the 512MB?

 

[ratbuddy]

Since the price is within $10-20 how much better is the 1GB version of the GTS 250 vs the 512MB?

Well, the 1GB version does use a bit less power, and if you're keeping the rig for a few years it will pay for itself.

Otherwise, don't bother unless you play at 1920x1200 or higher.

 

[96s10]

Good news. I think the highest I ever go is 1650x1080.