GTX 260 vs 9800 GTX vs 8800 GT

Hello all.

I am building a computer for a friend of mine. He is going to use it for gaming, video editing, modeling, animating, music recording/modifying etc, tho gaming mostly. The games he is looking to play seriously are Starcraft 2 and Spore. The max resolution he will play at is 1680 x 1050.

I have looked at 3 cards, the GTX 260, the 9800 GTX and the 8800 GT. we live in Canada, and the site we are looking to order from has the 3 cards listed at the following prices:

GTX 260: $405 (normally $445, this one is one sale right now)
9800 GTX: $210 (normally $250, this is on sale too)
8800 GT : $170 (aslo on sale, regular $210)

So, as far as future proofing as much as possible, while keeping costs as low as possible, which card is the right choice? I am trying to decide. I figure that the GTX 260 is the way to go expecially at that price. It supports PCI-E 2.0 (as does the mobo we will be using) and is faster, but I dont wanna spend money when I could buy a 9800 GTX and not have him notice too much of a diference.

Any input would be much appreciated!

whats your budget?

The GTX 260 is the correct choice if your really future proofing, but the 9800GTX is pretty compelling based on its price right now!

actually, having done a little more research, I think I am gonna cross camps for the first time in like 4 years and buy an hd 4870. You cannot tell me, at $300 their is better card. outperforms grx 260 in most cases and costs 150 less. even beats the gtx 280 in some tests. thanks for your opinions!

The HD4870 is tough...

You can get a HD4850 for about half the price, but you lose about 30% performance.

Cross fired HD4850's is an excellent option

how about the bfg 9800+ oc.looks a good card for £150??

That's not a very good deal anymore.

You can get a 9800gtx for about $150 US.

Well for the purpose stated I would be looking towards the HD4870 or GTX260 if the card will need to do for some time to come.

Well if you ask me.........There no such thing as the Best(anymore).
When you buy a High-End Videocard.......the best is just around the corner....which could be weeks........I guess thats why EVGA has their Step-Up Program.........People always want the best...........I learned the hard way ...bought a 7900GT for $468 and 2 weeks latter 7900GTX hits the market.
Wait a few months (8-9) and now I got a 8800GT that blows my 7900GTX out of the water and it only cost $165.

Maybe we can get this young buck to fold for us !!!
Which if that is the case go for Nvidia

It does not. All it needs form the PCIe 2.0 is power (though with both top power connectors on, does not need even that).


Seach better, at this price you may found GTX280 (in Canada)