Which Card?

[bindo]

I've just built myself a media PC, so I've transfered my X850 into that. Meaning I now have no graphics card in the main PC, bit of a problem!
I've had a little look around but am a little oblivious to what's a good card, I'm looking to spend around 150, but could probably stretch to 200 if I really had to.
My rigs on the side panel, so any suggestions? I had a look at some comparisons but I'm not sure how sound they are, due to dodgy drivers on ATI's part.
Any advise very welcome!

[staffsMike]

That pc is begging for something like an 8800GTS 320mb

You can pick them up for about £170 and will play any game you wish to throw at it at full details

[Mithrandir]

I second that suggestion from staffsMike

[sawyen]

The HD2900XT should be a good buy if you can stretch even further by about £30.. I have heard from members who actually own that card admit that its a total screamer..

If not, the 8800GTS 320MB should fit the bill fine..

[Mad-Max]

Sounds like you need a 8800 GTS 320mb

ABout £186 on Scan

[bindo]

Ok so it looks like I'm looking at an 8800 GTS or a 2900XT, both are looking rather nice. Out of interest where can I find the latter for £200, looking on scan they're going for £240 and above...

[sawyen]

You wont get the 2900XT for 200.. when i meant £30 more I mean £30 more above £200..

Ebuyer has it for £230..

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...128181&_LOC=UK

[Tel_Tech]

Overclockers.co.uk have the 2900 for £225 ATM.

[slypie]

One thing to point out are these cards (2900XT/8800GTS) not pretty loud for a media centre PC???
If you are wanting to play games on it then fair enough but if it's for media centre type use then it's a bit of an overkill to spend that much on a graphics card.

[Pob255]

also be aware that these cards are fairly large and power hungery

[sawyen]

Yes they will be fairly hot, but not loud by any means..

Also, you can get away with a well branded 450W under the hood.. 400W even..

[Mossy]

also be aware that these cards are fairly large and power hungery

Power Hungry, Hot in small cases and drivers are not special.

[zephod]

I dont know if DX10 is an issue for you or not, but I'd be tempted to save some money and go for a high end dx9 card. the x1950 pro would make a good choice at a little over £100 and could arguably get a second one at a later date and xfire in that system. The 2900XT lacks good driver support atm which is stopping it from performing as well as it seemingly should in many places, although as this gets sorted out it may start to look a better buy. Still, for £230 you really are expect mindblowing performance from day one! Any of the discussed cards will make light work of any games out on the market today, although the 2900XT is probably the most futureproof, and has the extra memory should you ever need it. If you are likely to want to play Crysis though - the dx10 may be a necessity.

[bindo]

The card is for my main PC, not the HTPC, so heats not so much of an issue, but i'd still like the card to run quiet and cool. I'm verging on an 8800 GTS 320Mb at the moment, it's looking like the best bang for buck, but the 2900XT does look tempting too...