Best video card values??

[pwnzor]

Hello everyone, I am new to looking into replacing hardware in computers, I never used to upgrade any parts, I always bought a new computer after technology has surpassed the ability of the machine. I now find myself gaming more and more but my question is, what is the best value of video card for the money? I am looking to spend $250 - $300 and I am not too familiar with all the tech specs of the cards. I am not a complete noob at computers, I just never got into hardware that much. i.e. I always thought GeForce was a brand.

Thanks in advance, Dan

[Midknyte]

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/10/01/the_best_gaming_graphics_cards_for_the_money/

for your budget, the 8800GTS 320MB is the best bet.

[pwnzor]

any particular brand?

[Midknyte]

BFG, EVGA, and XFX are popular. You gotta look for the products to get pricing first. prices can vary greatly.

[RockNRoll]

Are XFX's still known for DOA's? As Mid said, BFG's are awesome, and eVGA's are nice too, but the supplied drivers/software are poo. Download the forceware right from NVidia. MSI's are one of the best as well, but will probably cost more.

[pwnzor]

So to be clear, the forceware driver from nvidia will work on the BFG or eVGA card? Next, will it matter If I have an intergrated video card on a dell xps 400? I have been told that I can just use the new one i stick in the PCI slot and it should just work.

[Midknyte]

Vendors don't make their own drivers. They get them from Nvidia or ATI (or whatever chip manufacturer they run). I never use the vendor cds for driver installs. They are outdated by the time you get them.

PCI slot? I think you mean PCIe slot. big difference. it should automatically activate your new PCIe card. since when do XPS systems have integrated video? I thought they were supposed to be "gamer" machines?

if you have a Dell, then make sure you power supply can handle a 8800GTS. If not, then you'll have to upgrade.

[RockNRoll]

Well from what I understand also (I've never actually owned an eVGA), eVGA installs some utility'ish things along with the drivers that aren't very helpful.

[BadDriver]

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/10/01/the_best_gaming_graphics_cards_for_the_money/

for your budget, the 8800GTS 320MB is the best bet.

Midknyte, is a 320 enough to run at 1280x1024 at high settings or should I go for the 640?

[BadDriver]

Also, would one 8800 GTS beat a crossfired x1800xt? Both x1800's 512 cards? Maybe I should stay put for a while?

[Midknyte]

The 8800GTS should be more than adequate. I would probably go with a single 8800 card versus crossfire. you'll need a better PSU to run two cards, plus the game would need to support crossfire. If it doesn't, then you're stuck with the performance of a single x1800.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html

[pwnzor]

These look to be the ultimate of video cards. What yould be just one step below the 8800GTS????

[Train]

8600GT items, if I have it straight.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000380048+106791921&name=GeForce+8+series

[Midknyte]

The x1950 would be a better buy, if you want to go ATI