Looking for a gaming video card? Well, you don't have to spend $500.00 for that snazzy lookin' video card that's going to be obsolete next month. These are the list of best video cards from [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (These are all opinion, however widespread that opinion is).
The majority of these cards are Vista, and all of them are vista compatible, unless otherwise noted.
Here's the list:
1. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
The first Direct X 10 video cards on the market were those using the GeForce 8800 chipset from Nvidia. Currently among the fastest cards you can buy, the 8800 GTX packs 768 MB of GDDR3 and has a core clock speed of 575 MHz. A single 8800 GTX typically outperforms even systems with dual GeForce 7 GPUs, so, aside from the incredibly expensive 8800 Ultra, it's the best gaming card money can buy right now. Of course, your wallet will take a sizeable hit.
2. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Also based on Nvidia's next-generation DX10 GPU, the 8800 GTS is a toned-down version of the 8800 GTX. They run at slightly slower clock speeds, have a few less shader units, and have either 320 MB or 640 MB of memory, but they still offer performance that's hard to beat. The 320 MB version is at particularly attractive price point right now, and I expect these cards to be a great value in high-end graphics for some time to come.
3. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
The HD 2900 XT is the first DirectX 10 offering from ATI, representing the high-end of their DX10 product line. A wonder of graphics card engineering, it has some 700 million transistors, 512-bit memory, and integrated HDMI output capabilities with sound. It has a 6-pin and an 8-pin power connector on it, although it will accept 2 6-pin lines as long as you don't want to overclock it. At current prices, running DX9 games, the 8800 GTS provides more bang for your buck, but it's a little too early to judge these cards on DX10 game performance.
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The Radeon X1950 XT was the last chip released in the aging X1900 series. There is a considerable difference in performance and price between Pro, XT, and XTX versions of Radeon cards, with XTX being the fastest. I wouldn't recommend an X1950 XTX at the moment because you can get a GeForce 8800 for a similar price. The 256 MB X1950 XT sells for quite a bit less, however, which makes it a strong contender compared to other DX9 offerings.
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These high-performance cards are the successors to the GeForce 7900 GT series, which has been discontinued. The 7950 GT is clocked faster than its predecessor and can be found in both 512 MB and 256 MB models. While the 7900 GTX benchmarks slightly higher in many games, the 7950 GT is less costly and is probably a better choice at this time.
6. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
The GeForce 8600 is a mid-range chipset with DirectX 10 compatibility, so far available in GT and GTS flavors. The GTS has the higher clock speeds of the two. They use a 128-bit memory interface, which is a bit disappointing given that many previous-generation cards have 256-bit memory. Nevertheless, their performance in DX9 is respectable, even if they can't quite catch some of the DX9 cards in this price range. If you want the option to move to DX10 in the near future and don't have a fortune to spend, the 8600 GTS is very appealing.
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A step down from the X1950 XT, the X1950 Pro is clocked slower and has fewer pixel shader units, but it will handle most games currently available with ease. These cards usually come with 256 MB of GDDR3, rather than the 512 MB of GDDR4 on XTX models. Recent price drops have made these cards a tremendous bargain, as I see them selling for around $150 right now.
8. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
The GeForce 7 series has proven to be a favorite for overclockers, and it's no surprise that many manufacters are selling GeForce 7 cards overclocked in the factory. This can boost the performance of a 7900 GS to almost standard 7900 GT speeds, which has made the GeForce 7900 GS quite popular with gamers. I expect them to get very affordable now that GeForce 8600 cards are out.
9. ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT
There are 256 MB and 512 MB versions of the Radeon HD 2600 XT, and you may want to look for one that uses GDDR4 memory rather than GDDR3. The performance is on par with GeForce 8600s using the latest drivers, and most of these cards need only a single-slot with no additional power connector. Like all Radeon HD cards, it features hardware processed High Definition Blu-ray and HD DVD video.
10. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Very nearly within the reach of "budget" game systems, the GeForce 8600 GT aims to make DX10 cards mainstream. As usual, the primary difference between the GT and GTS models is that the GT runs as slower clock speeds. While a Radeon X1950 Pro will outperform them in most DX9 games, these are still fast cards for the money. To some extent it depends on what DX10 compatibility is worth to you. If you're not switching to Vista anytime soon, DX9 cards remain worthy of consideration.
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