9800 gtx+ or GTX 260?

tenchim86

New Member
Hi everyone. I'm new to the forums and I'm planning to build a budget gaming this summer. After looking at benchmarks, I've narrowed my choices down to nVidia 9800 gtx+ 512MB/1GB or the GTX 260 896MB based on their cost and performance.

XFX 9800 gtx+ 512MB: $115
Sparkle 9800 gtx+ 1GB: $145
Evga GTX 260 896MB: $150

Based on the cost above, which one would be a better value? I know the 260 is better than the 9800 gt+, but would the 1GB outperform the 260? Anyways, any help would be greatly appreciated.

By the way, I'm looking to spend $600-$700 on this system. I'm planning to use AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz BE as my processor ($120) and 4GB of fast RAM. I don't really know how to choose a motherboard yet, but please let me know if my rig sounds good thus far. My goal is to play most games on maxed/high settings at a low cost. Thanks again.
 

tenchim86

New Member
Wow, I didn't know there was a difference with the cores before. The one I was looking at was the 192 cores (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130372) for $150. Now I'm really debating what I should get... I don't understand the differences between some of these cards. I'm split between the 260 and 4870 now.

GTX 260: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150330
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434
HD 4870: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102815
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394

I've only been reading up on this for the past 2 days now and it's a lot to take in.

@Bodaggit23: The 260 is $150 after rebate, but sadly, it's only 192 cores. I wonder if that would make a large difference though.
 
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Shane

Super Moderator
Staff member
260 216 CORE! :)

I was looking at one again today,Theyre quite cheap now.
 

bomberboysk

Active Member
Bodaggit23;1269076[B said:
]The Core 216 versions are more. [/B]

Not sure where you can get a GTX 260 for $150.00 either. :confused:
Didnt i show you that the cheapest GTX260 that newegg or zipzoomfly sell's are both a 216 core model?:p Im pretty sure the 196 is being/already phased out as yields improved.
 

Bodaggit23

Active Member
Didnt i show you that the cheapest GTX260 that newegg sell's are both a 216 core model?:p

I'm not sure why you have such a hardon for following my posts and "correcting" me, but it really gets old.

I know what you're saying, but it's not entirely correct either.

Among the 5 cheapest (sub $150) GTX 260 cards that Newegg has, as of this post, only 2 of them are 216's.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...2E16814133270,N82E16814143140,N82E16814130462

So, let me correct myself.
"In general, the newer, updated Core 216 models are higher priced".

In contrast, the 5 most expensive GTX 260 cards that Newegg has, as of
this post, are all 216's. :p
 

bomberboysk

Active Member
I'm not sure why you have such a hardon for following my posts and "correcting" me, but it really gets old.

I know what you're saying, but it's not entirely correct either.

Among the 5 cheapest (sub $150) GTX 260 cards that Newegg has, as of this post, only 2 of them are 216's.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...2E16814133270,N82E16814143140,N82E16814130462

So, let me correct myself.
"In general, the newer, updated Core 216 models are higher priced".

In contrast, the 5 most expensive GTX 260 cards that Newegg has, as of
this post, are all 216's. :p
No idea why you think im "following" you around, i read through any topic that has new posts so....:confused:
 

bomberboysk

Active Member
Also, noticing you plan on going with a phenom II 720, a 4870/4890 might be a better option, as AM3 boards are only crossfire atm(although there are ddr2 AM2+ motherboards with SLI, just need an nvidia chipset);)
 

kookooshortman55

New Member
I'm not arguing against the GTX 260, I would take it over a 9800GTX any day. But, what games are you planning on running? The 9800GTX+ beats my 8800GT no problem, but my 8800GT also has no problem maxing all of my games.
 

linkin

VIP Member
on the note of your mobo selection: go with what your processor is compatible with. for example why buy a 1033mhz fsb motherobard if your cpu only supports 800mhz fsb?
There are some great deals for motherobards on ebay, I picked up my intel 945GTM/PLM mobo for $45 AU, features include: DDR2, 4 RAM slots, PCI-E, Gigabit lan, SATA and IDE, and that tiny slot for gaming lan cards or whatever.

GET THE GTX 260. or Radeon equivalent. all depends on the games you play and your preference.
 

604action

New Member
I say the GTX260.
3f4366aeb9c157cf9a30c90693eafc55.jpg
 

StrangleHold

Moderator
Staff member
on the note of your mobo selection: go with what your processor is compatible with. for example why buy a 1033mhz fsb motherobard if your cpu only supports 800mhz fsb?
There are some great deals for motherobards on ebay, I picked up my intel 945GTM/PLM mobo for $45 AU, features include: DDR2, 4 RAM slots, PCI-E, Gigabit lan, SATA and IDE, and that tiny slot for gaming lan cards or whatever.

What has that got to do with this thread. AMD doesnt use a FSB anymore, they use HT lanes. AM2+ and AM3 boards have the same HT speed so its not a issue. The only difference is DDR2 or DDR3.
 
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