Good news...

[PaulTa]

I contacted newegg and they cancelled my order for the Open-Box version of the HIS X1950XT. So now I can either order the regular version, or something else with your guy's recommendation.

My budget is 250 shipped. I have a slight preference for ATI cards since I haven't used one in a while and I think it would be fun to try it out again. Oh, and I really can't figure in rebates to get under the 250 part, since I only have 250 available.

[TLH]

If you can stretch a bit I'd get this 8800GTS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082) otherwise the best x1950 looks to be this xt version (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102082) for the money.

What are you using at present?

[Rattle]

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=8800gts+320&btnG=Search+Froogle&lmode=online&scoring=p
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=x1950xt+512&btnG=Search&lmode=online&scoring=p

the gts 320 is a better card at low res for raw power, and has dx10 support the x1950xt/x 512 is better for high res gaming, even my x1900xt512 was better at 1680x1050 than my 320 gts.

[PaulTa]

It comes down to 512MB vs a quieter, cooler VGA cooler. I've heard of tons of people overclocking the HIS one to 675/2000, so it's just an X1950XTX with half the RAM...

[Rattle]

what res you game at is what it should come down to, 1280x1024 and down 256 is fine, over that and 512 and up is needed.

[PaulTa]

The highest I go is 1280x1024, usually 1024x768.

[zagood]

Gack! Pick a card, any card!

Add $10 to your budget.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130082

-z

[mp666]

Gack! Pick a card, any card!

Add $10 to your budget.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130082

-z

Good choice, but he opted for a crossfire capable board. I guess ATI is the way to go for him.

[zagood]

Ah, haven't kept up on the 48 upgrade threads PT started lol...some new prices...

x1950XT for under $200? Say it ain't so!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102067

512mb version, $249 (plus shipping minus $20 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102082

-z