which graphics card to buy?

ive narrowed it down to 2 possible choices:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127284

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150229

i know that the MSI card is more powerful, but (according to the reviews) it is REALLY loud. (i don't know how loud, but my case is already around 40-50db anyways)

the XFX card is less powerful, but it has more positive reviews.

the MSI card also comes with a free game...

(the reason i'm upgrading is so that i can play bioshock with higher framerates)

 

I would have to say the MSI card. I have had GREAT experiences with MSI products all across the board. We use MSI all the time at work, mostly thier Motherboards, as well as thier Video Cards. My co-worker bought a similar MSI 8600 OC card and i haven't heard any squawking from him.

 

Go for the xfx. Its a more trusted brand for graphics cards, its cheaper, has a single slot cooler so it'll be smaller (the 8600 doesnt need very much cooling), and can easily be over clocked to the same or close to the same levels as the MSI version using rivatuner.

 

I'd have the GTS, it's quite a bit more powerful and I very much doubt the GT model can be overclocked to nearly that performance myself - not with stock cooling.

The main reviewer at Newegg seems to think the GT card is loud, and doesn't mention it's a problem with the GTS from what I read.

I've already been researching both cards myself for an upgrade in the near future, and the GTS gets my vote by a long way

 

Another vote for the MSI card. It's only about $20 more, and the performance increase is pretty significant..... I've always liked MSI products too.... my current motherboard and previous motherboard are MSI. :cool

 

My mistake I didnt notice that the MSI one was a GTS and came with a free game, go for that one.

 

the MSI card it is, then

 

8800GTS 320mb $114.99 AFR at newegg :major

 

ooooo!

i will consider that, i didn't see the rebate

 

I'd definitely advise steering away from MSI, since my experience has been all bad. That in mind, that last card looks to be worth your extra money.