Gonna build a computer probably, need advice on vid card

[Aracha]

So... im looking for a new vid card, and I really dont know what to get, im looking to spend around 300$. I found a Nvidia 9600 geforce here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134038&ATT=14-134-038&CMP=OTC-pr1c3watch&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3watch&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3watch-_-Video+Cards-_-ECS-_-14134038

And would get 2x of them, anyways, does a) that card suck and b) is there a better alternative for the money im looking to spend?

 

[Chombo]

A) No its a great mid range card, 9600 SLI is pretty much one of the best bargains for $300.
B) If you can find a 8800GTX for the same price then, I would always go with the single GPU

 

[Rocksta107]

You can get either an 8800gtx or 9800gtx for the same price, around 289-299 at Newegg. Either would be better as SLI doesn't always work as well as we would like. Something like this would likely be the best you can do.

You might look at an 8800gtx if you have a big monitor (1920x1200 or bigger) as the larger memory bus can make a difference. Overall though, the 9800 is going to draw less power, be quieter and do a better job with HD video content. You can save money on your PSU as something like a Seasonic S12 550 will run 2 in SLI later if you decide to upgrade (Whereas you might need a 1000 watt PSU to run 8800's in SLI)

 

[HardwareGuru]

What resolution do you expect to game on? What type of games do you play or intend to play? If you only have a 22" LCD with 1680 x 1050 res or smaller, than you don't need SLI as it will be a waste and not be taken full advantage of. SLI will benefit more if your run 1920 x 1200 on a 24" lcd with AA and AF settings turned up. But, at 1680 x 1050, the 9800GTX, 8800GTX, 8800GTS 512MB and 8800GT 512MB is enough for that resolution. Also, just to let you know, you can still game at a 1680 x 1050 res on a 24" display. You do not need to run the game at its native 1920 x 1200 resolution. The game will still look good. I do this on my 28" lcd and 1 x 8800GT video card. Running very low resolution like 1024 x 768 on a 24" lcd you will notice it does not look good. But, 1440 x 900 or above, it still looks decent.

 

[Aracha]

Games i will be playing: CS:S and EvE Online premium graphics. I will have a 20 inch 2 ms one running prob not at 1900xwhatever, will be a smaller res

 

[Slyr7.62]

I'd go along the lines of what Rocksta linked(the 98GTX), if not that card specifically. Go with which brand is cheapest and/or you favor.

 

[Aracha]

Well... looks like I will be going to spain instead of buying a new computer, might buy one over there, as I will be there for the year, if i have the funds.

 

[ValidusX]

Well... looks like I will be going to spain instead of buying a new computer

Did not see that one coming! Problem solved