ATI vs. Nvidia And Suggestions Please

I have been pretty busy here of late due to my recent problems. It seems my woes have spawned a few posts. I may need a new video card, so I am trying to stay a few steps ahead and be prepared for any eventuality which may eventually include an entire new rig.

I know there are many threads in many places regarding video card choices and comparisons, but I had a few unique queries and I have been out of the upgrade loop for so long so I am not familiar with new developments, nomenclature of cards, and their quirks. So . . .

I currently have an Nvidia 8800GT that has done surprisingly well (until now, it might be dying). It handled just about everything magnificently on my seasoned AMD 5600 X2. In fact, I am amazed at how I can run many recent games. Regardless of my current card and satisfaction with it's performance, I am not brand loyal. Bang for the buck for me. So . . .

My first question regards Nvidia vs. ATI. The newer Nvidia cards have onboard PHYSX (spelling?), what will I in that regard if I choose ATI?

Second, it seems that ATI leads most benchmarks. I like that. I don't mind paying a little extra for some more performance. My budget is around 200 bucks, give or take a few.

A caveat is that if my current rig has deeper problems, of which I am still diagnosing, I will be upgrading the whole shabang. I was planning to upgrade in December/January anyway - either way I am looking at a new build in the next 5 months at the latest. More than likely a quad core, 4 gigs, and Windows 7. As for processor and mobo brand, I am yet undecided.

So, based on my situation, what might be a good card at a good price?

Thanks for any input.

 

If you are upgrading in 5 months, I would look at what cards are out in 5 months. What is the latest and greatest now, may be on sale in a few months.

Good luck! New computer parts are always fun. :-D

 

With your current system I would recommend sticking with the 8800GT until you rebuild the whole thing or it dies. I say this because your system is fairly evenly matched at the moment and any new high-spec card will just get bottlenecked by some other part of your computer.

 

Thanks for the replies fellas. I just went ahead and ordered this:

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-768-P3-1362-AR-Superclocked-PCI-Express-Graphics/dp/B003V8ATWW

It seemed to get pretty good reviews and the price is $189 after rebate. Not the fastest card in the lot, but it will due. My upgrades are always pretty modest. If this card does not fix my woes (I am not sure what problem I have with my current rig, I think it is my graphics card) I will end up upgrading anyway.

Does anyone want a 2 1/2 year old possibly failing Nvidia 8800GT for cheap? I know where you can get one!

 

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