What video card to get

Hello, im looking to upgrade my video card at the moment since i have a geforce 6600GT 128MB card, its pci-e. Heres the rest of my setup, P5n-e sli mobo, c2d e6300 oced to 2.5GHz, 1GB ram 800mhz, 120 gigs of hd space. and a samsung 206BW 20" monitor. the monitor is HD and supports up to 1680X1050 resolution. What would be a good card for me to get, i dont want to spend a ton of money, like over 250 dollars on the card.

 

For about $280 you can pick up a GeForce 8800GTS 320Mb or Radeon HD 2900Pro. If you would rather spend a bit less then that, an X1950XT is around $200. In my opinion, a second gig of ram and the X1950XT would be a good choice if you don't want to have to save up for the HD 2900 or 8800GTS.

 

1gb of ram and an x1900GT. the GT will set you back around 90 bucks, and the ram, around 40.

 

Makes sure you get a card with HDCP, if you want to enjoy HD content later on with your monitor.

 

what do you all think about the ati 2600XT HD 512 card? would this be a good one to get?

 

No not really, it isn't any faster than a 256mb 2600xt

 

The GPU can't really utilize the full 512Mb. On Newegg, a 256Mb HD 2600XT is only $100 which for the price is a decent deal, but the HD 2600s aren't really good choices for gaming, as they are outpaced by 7900GS and X1950Pros. For $110 you can get an X1950GT which is basically a downclocked X1950Pro. If you aren't opposed to overclocking, it is $25 cheaper then the X1950Pro and should be able to reach Pro speeds easily. One of those an another gigabyte of ram would probably be the best option for gaming at your resolution in your price range.

 

Don't get a dx 10 card if you play old games like system shock 2, and thief 1+2.