Best video card for around $250?

M

m0ore4ustin391

n00b
Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Messages
41
So im looking at another gaming build this time will a little higher budget and was looking into getting a video card that will at last keep me playing the latest games (FPS, RTS, MMO, ETC) for the next 2 to 3 years. Im not really a fan boy although i have bought nothing but EVGA in the past due to their lifetime warranty, so if i do go with a card i would like to get a lifetime warranty for sure (i know XFX has lifetime) so keep that in mind.

Im look at a $200-$250 budget for the video card and with all the cards out their to day im just overwhelmed by the choices and have no idea what the best card for my price range is. Right now im using a EVGA 9800GTX+ (single card) and it has done wonders. But im going to keep my current rig in place for a backup so im not going to take any parts from my current system.

I will be using a single 28" monitor for gaming and watching blue ray movies and i want to run it at max resolution (1920 x 1200) with no lag at all. Will a card(s) in my price range do it?
 
Before I recommend any cards, does the lifetime warranty really matter I mean look at what you're doing now, you're upgrading....you aren't keeping your old card a lifetime, nor have you used that warranty yet.

Just my opinion, I'd get a 470 or 6870

if 470: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187110&cm_re=GTX470-_-14-187-110-_-Product
(this one is cheaper after MIR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127501&cm_re=GTX470-_-14-127-501-_-Product )

if 6870: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161349&cm_re=6870-_-14-161-349-_-Product
 
6870, 5870, or high clocked 460GTX. some will also include the 470GTX due to the price drops but its hot and noisy for what may amount to a little more performance over the 6870 and the high end 460GTX (the 810ghz models). if you want a lifetime warranty that does limit your choices somewhat.

here is an XFX 6870 for 260 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...sp?EdpNo=6817295&sku=P450-6870&srkey=XFX 6870 note that it carries a 20 dollar price premium for that warranty.

here is an EVGA 470 for 260 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130550

these will trade blows back and forth so its a matter of preference. if you want a Nvidia card I would go with this http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6758897&CatId=3669 as its not that far behind the 470 or the 6870 but quieter and cooler. (uses much less power even with a 850mhz clock)

and for the fastest in your price range here is a 5870 for total 243 shipped AR of 30. http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1559228 the XFX versions is still selling for 340AR.
 
Last edited:
6870 or GTX 470 in the $250 range.
Nvidia is going to refresh soon though so that may change. But for now those are the best cards for that price range.
 
Check the hotdeals section. Theres a 5870 for under 250 right now. That would be your best bet.
 
in a similar position and considering gtx470 or 5870. would the 5870 run cooler/quieter?
 
gurusan said:
that's a nice deal on the 5870, I'd hop on that one.
Click to expand...

Would i be better off looking for a reference card? since i might be looking to watercool it, would that open up my choices as far as looking for a waterblock?
 
another vote for the 470, though I would hold off for a few weeks. There may be some decent discounts on black friday.
 
How much are willing to spend on the both block and the card? That should drive your decision making as much as anything.
 
The only downside with the 470 is the power sitch, dont expect to be running a second one with the same PSU (as I guarantee your PSU isn't above 850W)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top