Ok, I need help deciding...

[nodle]

Ok I am at a loss here and need some input please. I have a X2-4600+ 2gigs of memory and currently a evga 6800gs. I am looking for a new video card (pci-xpress). I would like the keep the budget under 300 if I could. Maybe somewhere around the 200-250 mark or below. I have always been a Nvidia fan, but I want the best picture quality available for all the effect HDR, smoke effects etc. I want to be wowed! So I dont care if it's Nvidia or Ati. I just want the best bang for the buck with the best picture quality. I have spent about a week solid on Newegg and can't decide. Can anyone of you please recommend me the best bang for the buck card at the moment, with the features I want? I am at a loss here. Thankyou for your time...

 

[Endurancevm]

X1950XT would be my choice for that price. It consumes more power, produces more heat but is faster and has better image quality than the competition in that price range.

EDIT: Just checked, the $249 Sapphire X1950XT is out of stock, but if you want to spend the extra $20-$30 extra, its still worth it.

 

[Sovereign]

If you for some reason can't find an ATI card (i.e. it is sold out as the previous poster indicated) try to find the 7900GTO. It's an underclocked 7900GTX. Remember, no overclock is guaranteed, no matter how many people post about it. However, these cards have been known to achieve some relatively high clocks.

 

[nodle]

Thanks for the help guys, I am just frustrated not being able to decide. I think I just may go with a 8800 series. I know it's alot more but at the same time i know it will be top of the line.

 

[Zero82z]

Thanks for the help guys, I am just frustrated not being able to decide. I think I just may go with a 8800 series. I know it's alot more but at the same time i know it will be top of the line.

That would be a good plan . The 8800GTS is about 1.5x the speed of the previous fastest cards.

 

[geekcomputing]

8800 is a great choice..