Need Help Finding Best Video Card for Around $300!

[Jeremizzle]

I'm finally getting rid of this old GeForce 4 MX420, and buying a nice video card so I can actually play some of the games that are on the market today. I'm looking for the best video card for circa $300.00. I would also like 256mb of RAM, as I will be using the card that I purchase on graphic intensive games i.e. Doom3, Far Cry. . .so the more the better.

Right now, I'm looking at the RADEON 9800XT and the RADEON 9800 PRO (I could flash the PRO to XT speeds, though that might require buying an aftermarket cooler upgrade).

If you guys have any opinion on what card to buy, please help me out. I'm having trouble on deciding what to buy!

[Bulldog]

ATI 9800 Pro is probably the best bang for your buck right now. Plays Doom3 and Farcry awesomely (sp)

[Jeremizzle]

Do you know how well it overclocks? If I did end up buying that, I would probably get an ATI silencer 3 for it.

[fire1811]

i have mine overclocked to 449/380
stock is 412/365

the 9800's run pretty hot normally.

i can run any game on max settings with my 9800XT including DOOM 3

[Jeremizzle]

i have mine overclocked to 449/380
stock is 412/365

the 9800's run pretty hot normally.

i can run any game on max settings with my 9800XT including DOOM 3

Do you have the Powercolor version or the Sapphire version? The Powercolor is nearly $100 cheaper, and I'm just wondering if thats just brand name stuff, or if it has anything to do with the product.

[B.A.M.]

dont just limit your self nvida makes some pretty nice cards. Just get one with 64 or 124 mb

[Jeremizzle]

dont just limit your self nvida makes some pretty nice cards. Just get one with 64 or 124 mb

The reason I want to get ATI is just because I really just wanna try it out and compare it to Nvidia. I've used a lot of Nvidia cards, and I want to see which one turns up better. As far as the RAM size, I would rather go with 256 MB, because I think I'm going to need it.

[Bulldog]

I've got the ATI version, mine doesn't run that hot, but I hear ya. I run doom3 on max. For the price of an XT, I'd probably go for the Nvidia 6800. That's just me tho.

[Jeremizzle]

I've got the ATI version, mine doesn't run that hot, but I hear ya. I run doom3 on max. For the price of an XT, I'd probably go for the Nvidia 6800. That's just me tho.

I also considered the GeForce 6800...but for just above the price of a 9800XT, and slower speeds than it I would go for the XT.

I think I'm going to go with the 9800XT. I want to try and Overclock it too, like fire1811

[Bulldog]

The 9800 series are great cards, you'll like it alot.

[fire1811]

what every you go with use these drivers.

http://omegadrivers.net/

[MonsterMag]

i am a fan of geforces , so here you go

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-125-142&depa=0