What's a good graphics card?

Question

I'm building a desktop and I was wonder what is a good graphics card for under $200......

Answer 1

The highest performance video card under $200 is the ATI Radeon X1950XT, it's a little more expensive but much faster than Nvidia's GeForce 8600GT.

Keep in mind that no games utilize DirectX 10 yet, and it's only supported under Vista.

Here's the latest Tom's Hardware breakdown of best graphics cards for every price range:

Answer 2

8600GT is your best bet at that price range. Although, I would spend the extra $30 over the Asus & get the BFG. Better performance, typically PLUS a lifetime warranty.

Answer 3

The best for the money is currently the x1950pro ($114) and x1950xt ($167):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102067
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161060

Here are there gaming benchmarks (look at the blue lines):
http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=725&model2=724&chart=276
http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=725&model2=724&chart=286
http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=725&model2=724&chart=300

As you can see, the x1950xt is a steal at $167.

But keep in mind, they both need a DECENT power supply as they're power hungry beasts. If you have a store bought Dell/HP/etc, you will have to upgrade your power supply to a unit with 450+watts and 35amps+ on the +12volt rails.

This is the cheapest one worth buying:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104034

Answer 4

Asus makes a great 8600gt. $139 on newegg.com. ATI is nothing but trouble.

Answer 5

i would say a GeForce video card, if you can find one for under $200

Answer 6

under 200? I dont know but the nVIDEA or what ever 8800is great