Need advice picking a video card

[tgraszat14]

I'm thinking of running a Core 2 Duo E6850 with my XFX 680i LT SLI Mobo and I'm trying to find the best video card for running World of Warcraft on it at maximum settings. I'll probably be playing Counter Strike but other than that WoW will be my main game. I'm just looking for any advice on what would be the best video card in a 100-300$ range for this. Any help would be great! Thanks!!!

[BALISTX]

I would say either an Radeon 3850, 3870 or 8800GT

[SugarJ]

Depends what resolution your monitor is capable of. I can tell you I run a 8800GT 512mb at 1920x1080 on my 24" monitor at max detail in most games, while maintaining over 40fps. Crysis is the only game I had to drop down to 1600x1200. I've seen the 8800GT 512 as low as $229. This card kicks the 3850 and outperforms the 3870 as well. Anitec.ca has a special on them right now. Anitec.ca - Chaintech GeForce 8800 GT 512MB PCI-Express2.0

You have an SLI motherboard, if you are interested in running an SLI solution you have to go with an Nvidia card. Although every test I've seen says Crossfire and SLI don't scale well in price vs. performance, i.e. you're better off spending your money on 1 good card rather than 2 ok cards.

Now, if you're running on a 19" monitor and your max resolution is only 1280x1024, pick the 3850 or 3870 and save your money for a new processor/mobo/cooling fan/drink cooler.

Oh, and if you haven't bought your E6850 yet, pick up an E8400. Same 3.0Ghz, larger cache, about $60 cheaper.

[tgraszat14]

I was looking at the 8400 but the 680i doesn't support the new chips and I'd need a bios update and I really have no clue how to come across that. So I figured the e6850 would have to do for now :P i don't have the money for a 780i board.

[SugarJ]

Originally Posted by tgraszat14

I was looking at the 8400 but the 680i doesn't support the new chips and I'd need a bios update and I really have no clue how to come across that. So I figured the e6850 would have to do for now :P i don't have the money for a 780i board.

If you have a 775 pin processor now, use it to boot the mobo. Then download your new bios version p07 from XFX. This supports the new Wolfdale processors.
XFX - Support#

Product code should be MB-680I-LT9. Download winflash utility as well. Use Winflash to put new Bios on, stuff your new e8400 in, boot it up and go "woot". Spend the $60 you just saved on beer, UPS half to me. I drink Sleeman's.

WARNING: Bios flashing can be risky. Research it before you do it. You may have to clear the CMOS by removing battery and shorting a jumper on your mobo before your system will boot.

Or you can spend the extra money and buy the E6850. That's the processor I was going to buy until I heard about the E8400 last month. It's still a good processor. Just not 45nm.

Cheers.

[Eldonko]

Originally Posted by BALISTX

I would say either an Radeon 3850, 3870 or 8800GT

I agree, any one of those is the way to go.

[tgraszat14]

I think I"m going to go with an xfx 8800gt to go with my mobo but I have no idea which one to chose there are so many lol. Does anyone have any idea which one would give me the best bang for my buck?

[bobletman]

the xfx card is a good pick you will be happy with that. But if you are runnign a very large resolution then go with the ATI card,

[icodeit]

This is a really great thread, answers questions for me too. Keep it going.

I want to add to it by asking the 8800GT really that loud?? What about the Asus installation of the card is any good?

[bobletman]

its only load if its past a certain fan speed, the card can be kept quiet and you will still see very good temp levels even when overclocking.