Best $200 video card

I know these questions are pretty commonplace, but I couldn't find anything updated since the 4800 Radeons came out. I noticed the new 4800 series has GDDR3 memory while some of the 3800's had GDD4. Does this actually make any difference? What do you guys recommend as the best $200 range video card?

Cody

 

The 8800gt from nvidia is a great budget card, $150 after mail in rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318

 

It can and it can't in some cases there are GDDR4 (ATI or nVidia) cards getting stomped by GDDR3. It is not just the memory speed alone but more the whole "architecture" of the card in general that will define the differences.

At the moment many are touting the 48xx series as the best bang for buck (you will get those for $200) and they are beating 8800GT and even 9800GT in some benches. They have caught many by surprise. I should say I got one today and love it (to highlight any potential vested interest). Just do some research on 4850 ($200 and lower) and look at reviews and you will find the info you need.

 

Agreed on pretty much everything said.

The GTX200 is the fastest single card solution whereas the RV770 is the best bang for the buck. Right now $200 can buy you an HD4850 before tax & shipping. 9600GT/8800GT can be had for $150-ish. 9800GTX is about the same as HD4850 in terms of prices & speeds.

What you need to do is look at the benchmarks of the games you're playing or gonna play to determine which card to go with. There's no one size fits all solution.