What is the best card I can get for $200

[OMG!]

I'm really don't know what kind of card would be ideal to get for $200.

Oh and it is my friend that is getting this. Not me. I wish I had 200 to spend.

[kram 2.0]

Video Graphics Card? Definately the PowerColor Radeon 9700 PRO for 196 USD at Newegg right now. No doubt about that.

Hope that helps,
kram

[imbest123]

If he can spend a little more than the 9800 Pro is looking good right aboot now.

[Bushtree]

I just saw a 9800 Pro for $208 today. (OEM).

[pam123]

If your friend has patience the new ATI cards are due in April so that $200 might get him even more video power.
He's got quite a few good choices so tell him to wait ( the due date for Doom is now pegged at April 14 ).
Even if he can't afford the new cards the price drop for the 9700/9800 should make him very happy.

[Bushtree]

New ATI cards? Cool. where have i been? Ill go read up about them.

I'm going to wait tell April then for myself as well.

[kram 2.0]

Yeah, the new smaller micron chips are due to come in a few weeks. I, though, have always thought that its much later .As the prices are right now, they are dropping rapidly, so I would perhaps look at the 9700 PRO which is at its all time low so far. Other than that, wait a few weeks and your friend should be very happy.

kram

[OMG!]

Ok I'll tell him that.

[OMG!]

Please can I have your opinion on these cards too?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...alog=48&depa=1

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...alog=48&depa=1

Thanks!

If none of these are better then the this one I'll go with this one or the 9700pro

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...alog=48&depa=1

[kram 2.0]

They both look like FX5900 XTs to me (SE = Slow Edition). They compete well with the Radeon 9700 Pro, surprisingly, but I would still stick with the 9700 Pro or 9800 Pro. There isn't a huge difference between the 9700 Pro and the 9800 Pro, per se. There is, in intense gaming, but not noticeable in everyday computing. I would personally get the 9700 Pro (though when I made that decision, I went with the 9800 Pro because it was on sale - look at my sig ).

In conclusion, the FX5900 XT is a viable option but you are likely better off with a 9800PRO or 9700 PRO. The FX5900XT are basically a crippled FX5900 - much like the Radeon SE series.

Hope that helps,
kram

[SamuraiWarrior]

I have had both Nvidia and ATI, their both good cards, just one always trying to out do the others. The first two are excellent choices for Nvidia.

The third one Saphire for ATI is not a good choice right now. I have read numerous complaints on these forums about problems with Saphire. No matter how cheap it may seem stay away, because you will get what you pay for.

BTW: Most here seem to be ATI fans, so they will always choose ATI over NVidia. I have use both and have been very happy.

[kram 2.0]

I believe this all lowering of prices is a marketing strategy . It all began sometime in fourth quarter 2003 when the Radeon 9600XT was release. Then, to counter, nVidia secretly released its GeForce FX 5900XT (SE). Performance wise, it was about the equivelant to the Radeon 9700 Pro, and so, ATI lowered the price on the Radeon 9700 Pro to near, then under 200 USD prices. Now, the FX5900 and Radeon 9800 are coming down in price.

It seems to me that when there is competition, one strives to outdo the other, and that is how you get quality. nVidia made a horrendous move, in its scandelous benchmark reports that hinders their current reputation. I believe that is why ATI VPUs are better liked here...and ATI has amazing graphics.

To tell you the truth, I would say both the FX5900 SE and the Radeon 9700 Pro seem good to me. I would personally go witht he PowerColor Radeon 9700 Pro which is really nice.

Hope that helps (and sry about the long lecture ),
kram