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best video card for $150


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My ECS 8800gts 512mb video card is going dead. About a week ago when booted up, right from the very start (bios load etc) the letters are kinda scrambled, and lines across the screen. Windows loads, but at 800x600 resolution (my moniter is 1920x1200) and it won't let me go any higher resolution. Device manager says something about windows not being able to load the driver. Nvidia settings program and evga precision program both will not load, saying there is no nvidia graphics card installed. The card has always been kept pretty clean from dust, but I cleaned it up and have tried reinstalling. I thought maybe it was a heat issue but I can't even get into programs to adjust the fan speed. I've tried restoring and different drivers. Since the problem can be seen before windows even loads, it's not a windows or driver issue. The ECS warranty period is 36 months, and I've had the card for a little more than 37 months. So my first question is; has anyone been able to get RMA/warranty service from ECS when it's just outside the warranty period like this? Should I even try?

 

Next question is, what would be the best video card for around $150. I don't game as much as I used to but I may some with the winter months coming. I don't expect a top performing card for this much money, but I certainly don't want something worse than the 8800gts 512mb.

Edited by Fight Game

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The GTX 460 1GB is still a monster card, and usually found at $120 these days. A great overclocker, and another in SLI will at least match, if not top a GTX 580.

 

 

Been looking around and can only find used 460s for less than $160 USD. They do overclock like champs and are great cards. Here you can get a EVGA 460 for $100! Although they are B-Stock from EVGA.

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Been looking around and can only find used 460s for less than $160 USD. They do overclock like champs and are great cards. Here you can get a EVGA 460 for $100! Although they are B-Stock from EVGA.

 

 

What exactly is "Bstock" anyway?

Are these products that failed some kind of QC or are these products that have been returned or what??

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The 560 is a rebranded and 460, don't fall for their crap....

 

Just get a 460 1GB (with all 336 of it's shader cores!): http://www.evga.com/products/prodlist.asp?switch=20 , $115 after shipping

 

Basically if it says SE anywhere near its name, don't get that 460 1GB it's probably the crappy 288 shader core version

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