How do you choose a video card now?

[Techdec42]

With all the new technology out, how do you choose video cards now? Choosing the core and memory frequencys.

[rspassey]

It really depends on what you need... PCI-Express is going to be the next main bus type for cards pretty soon. But there are so many types of cards out; each for different individual needs.

[Techdec42]

yeah sorry I was a little low on details, I was in the middle of class lol....anyway, I need a AGP 8X one, and im just alittle confused on the memory clock and core clock and the advantages at the different kinds of RAM. Well, really I need to update, im running a FX5200 64-bit card, I only have about $150 to buy one, I was looking at the 9800pro since its about that price range, any other suggestions around that price?

[Jaggannath]

If I were you I'd save up for a little longer, until you've got about $250. You should be able to get a much nicer card then.
However, for $150 a 9800 PRo should do a good job

[Techdec42]

Thats the problem i cant get any more money I have to buy a car

[rspassey]

The 9800 Pro, like Jag said, will probably do a pretty decent job. But I also agree that if you save up for a little longer you can get a really nice card for 250, which will last longer and not become outdated as quickly. Try bartering for that car.. tell him you need 100 bucks knocked off the price for various reasons (don't say for a video card lol :) ).

[LoC]

how much longer until the next gen. of video cards worth $250 come out? and do you have any idea on the specs?

[Hi Ho]

The 6600 GT outperforms the 9800 Pro for about the same price. That would be my recommendation in that price range. I have one and I haven't found a game that did not run on maximum settings with decent frame rates.

[jfk]

I like ATI cards, but I have to go with Hi Ho. For your price range, the 6600 GT is the best performer. As others have mentioned, if you can save another $100, you will open up a MUCH better level of video cards that won't be outdated as quickly.

[Techdec42]

Well by the next few months the new graphics card is outdated

[Techdec42]

OK I found these on newegg

6600GT- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130220

9800pro- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102286

What i dont get the 9800pro is 256-bit and the 6600gt is 128-bit. Also the only thing I see that could make the 6600gt better is the higher core and memory clock, but would it really help that much. Or is it the fact that the 6600gt is a new core which makes it better?

[Hi Ho]

The 6600 GT is a generation newer than the 9800 Pro. Despite the 128 bit bus it outperforms the 9800 Pro in most cases. The 6800 will get you a 256 bit bus and even better performance.

[glc]

Either card will make your 5200 look like doo-doo. I doubt you would casually be able to tell much of a difference, get whichever is cheaper or whichever you prefer.