Need a new video card - which should I buy?

[cwhein]

My ATI x1600 burned out and I need a new AGP card for about a year until I switch over to PCI-E. I'm looking at a Geforce 7800GS w/ 256MB and 256-bit GDDR3 memory for $209 (w/ $50 rebate) and a Radeon x1950 w/ 512MB and 256-bit GDDR3 for $289. I have a Pentium 4 2.66 with 3GB DDR400.

 

[BaYa]

these 2 are not comparable, the 1950pro is definitely better than the 7800GS

 

[Zefilio]

If you like changing beta drivers 3 times per week and are a techie I'd go for the Nvidia, if you look for stability and no hassle, choose an ATI, that's from someone who went from Matrox to 3Dfx to Nvidia to end up in ATI's segment

 

[cwhein]

Thanks for the input. I realize the cards aren't comparable, but the ~$80 is not insignificant in that I don't plan on using the card for much more than 12 months. Also, my x1600 barely lasted 12 months before it blew out.

Is there a truly significant performance difference between the 2 cards? Would the performance boost be readily apparent as opposed to a few extra fps?

 

[mattrans]

I just upgraded from Nvidia GeForce Mx440 to Radeon 9250 256mb.

The gameplay speed has greatly improved and the mow patterns now look good. I had no mow patterns with the mx440.

The radeon 9250 is an OK cheap graphics card, that will do me for another couple of years.

 

[cwhein]

I ended up ordering the Radeon after reading through the reviews.

 

[BaYa]

good choice

 

[walpurgisng]

Honestly, dont waste your money on a good card now if your just going to get a new setup in a year.