Which graphics card should I get?

Question

Here are my options:

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5223877?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5227347?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5340828?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Maybe the 3rd one? I don't know. Thanks if you can help!

Answer 1

Third card is slow. It only uses ddr2 v-ram. The first 2 are just standard clocked 8600GT. Better consider the factory overclocked version like this one:
http://computers.pricegrabber.com/video-cards/m/35860991/
Inno3D, Palit and other makers have similar overclocked variant.

Answer 2

It really depends on what you are going to use the card for...

First things first you need to decide whether you're going to be doing: 1) general computing 2) video playback 3) gaming

This will make a big difference on what you choose. Definately go with an NVidia card - stay far away from ATI(AMD)! I'd also highly suggest buying an EVGA card - they have won every benchmark for every series of video card, plus they have a great "step up" program! If you want to upgrade anytime within 90 days of purchase you send them the card and the difference in price and they'll upgrade your card for you! Not to mention, EVGA has been ranked #1 for the past 10 years!!

So...

You definately want to go with a DX10 compatible card which is the future of gaming/video/etc... So that narrows you down to the NVidia 8xxx series.

If you're a hardcore gamer, have a big display, and want nothing but the best you're going to want to go with an 8800 series, nothing less!

However, if you plan on watching any HD Video (HD DVD, Blu-Ray) you will want to go with an 8500/8600 series. They used a newer chipset that has special video instructions to take a load off of the CPU - without one of these cards HD Video playback is almost unwatchable!

If you're just looking for a nice DX10 card for general computing the 8400 256MB card is just fine. It has HD Video capabilities, DX10, and will make things like aero glass in Vista much more smooth.

My suggestion would be either an 8600GTS 256MB for HD Video / general computing - 8600GTS 512MB for HD Video and DX10 gaming - 8800GTS 640MB or better if you're a hardcore gamer, this is a little overkill for anyone and doesn't include the HD Video support...

If you update your post with a little more info on what you're current computer specs are and what you'll be using it for I'll check back and point you in the right direction :)

You may also want to check out Newegg or TigerDirect for better pricing!


BTW, there's a GREAT unbiased site that will give you reviews and fully explain the benefits of each card at www.anandtech.com - I check it out all the time, even as an IT pro in the industry...

Forgot to add one thing - never judge a video card by just the amount of RAM, or speed of the GPU, etc - there is much much more to a video card than just this! Pixel pipelines, bus-width, GPU structure, there's a lot under the hood that isn't listed on the box - check out anandtech ;)

Answer 3

try Nvidia they got good ones. if not try the 3rd one. sorry I diddent give a more professional answer but I still know ALOT about graphics cards.