Best card to play in resolution 1280x102 +AA/AF

[gvblake22]

That is a good review, but you have to keep in mind that 2xAA is not maxed. It will usually go up to 6x or 8x AA, that is maxed. High levels of AA really kill performance, but 1280x1024 is still a reasonable enough resolution that a decent performance mid-range card with 512MB of memory should be able to do it pretty well (even an HD3850). The 8800GT is probably one of the best bang for the buck cards available right now but the 8800GTS 512MB is the better performer (aside from the 8800GTX and Ultra obviously). The HD3870 comes in just below the 8800GT and the HD3850 is just below the HD3870.

[MaxRyan]

I thanks everyone again for their input, i have decided to go for the 8800GT 512MB. My final question is there, which of these two 8800GT 512MB would you pick, they are both nearly at the same price:

Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK
Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

I think it will go down to the cooler fan, which card you think got the best cooling fan?

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by MaxRyan

I thanks everyone again for their input, i have decided to go for the 8800GT 512MB. My final question is there, which of these two 8800GT 512MB would you pick, they are both nearly at the same price:

Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK
Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

I think it will go down to the cooler fan, which card you think got the best cooling fan?

That Leadtek card looks like a little better cooler with the heatpipes and such. My only concern is that I don't see any heatsink on the voltage regulator chips (notice the extra little heatsink on the Asus board). Usually eVGA, BFG, and XFX are among the most popular nVidia based video card makers because of their good customer service and warranties. This Gainward card might be worth looking at too.

[Quakindude]

Asus customer service sucks. I've made posts in these forums before about them. I've read Asus is trying to fix their customer service reputation, but I still won't buy anything from them until it's known far and wide that they're good.

Personally, I'd look for an EVGA card. No one in the industry can compete with the EVGA warranty IMHO. But if I had to pick from those two, it would be the Leadtek.

As far as the resolution you'll be playing at, buy the 8800GT and be reassured that should you buy a higher resolution monitor, you'll still be able to play your games.

Gainwards had some massive financial problems not too long ago and their customer support went in the shitter. I bought nothing but Gainward Golden Sample GPU's from the MX440 up to and including my 6800GT. They make a great product, back then anyway, but the waters were aweful murky for them not too long ago.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by Quakindude

Gainwards had some massive financial problems not too long ago and their customer support went in the shitter. I bought nothing but Gainward Golden Sample GPU's from the MX440 up to and including my 6800GT. They make a great product, back then anyway, but the waters were aweful murky for them not too long ago.

I was not aware of their past problems, thanks for the history lesson there Tom! I just remember reading some reviews on GeForce 6 series "Golden Sample" cards being the best thing since sliced bread so thought they were still on the ball. I did wonder why they have been out of the loop since then though, I guess that explains it!

[Yellowhello]

Yeah, personally I would go with a Evga (really great customer service I hear) or XFX (they have that awesome double lifetime warranty). BFG isn't a bad choice either, but I'm not sure about there customer service...

[Quakindude]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

I was not aware of their past problems, thanks for the history lesson there Tom! I just remember reading some reviews on GeForce 6 series "Golden Sample" cards being the best thing since sliced bread so thought they were still on the ball. I did wonder why they have been out of the loop since then though, I guess that explains it!

IIRC, due to some lawsuits, Gainwards withdrew from the U.S. market completely. But yeah, used to be you couldn't get a better card than the Golden Sample.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by Quakindude

IIRC, due to some lawsuits, Gainwards withdrew from the U.S. market completely. But yeah, used to be you couldn't get a better card than the Golden Sample.

Oh damn, I think you're right! Gainward isn't listed in the brand list on Newegg. :dong:

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by yellowhello

BFG isn't a bad choice either, but I'm not sure about there customer service...

BFG's customer service is arguably the best in the business, and IMO, there's no argument. As coincidence would have it, I filled out their online form this morning inquiring about a replacement chipset fan and rear I/O plate, and received a non-automated reply literally minutes later. FWIW, that's not the first time I've received a lightening quick, non-automated response from them.

[Yellowhello]

Originally Posted by One4yu2c

BFG's customer service is arguably the best in the business, and IMO, there's no argument. As coincidence would have it, I filled out their online form this morning inquiring about a replacement chipset fan and rear I/O plate, and received a non-automated reply literally minutes later. FWIW, that's not the first time I've received a lightening quick, non-automated response from them.

Wow, that is pretty damn good! Do you know about their policy on removing the stock cooler on their GPU's in favor of an aftermarket one? AFAIK, Evga allows it, but I'm not sure about BFG...