Which Video Card should I get?

[andrewst2]

I am building my fist computer and I want to do it right. Here is my buld so far:
CoolerMaster CM690 Case
CoolerMaster 550W PSU
ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe
AMD 64x2 6000+
Corsair XMS2 2GB
XP SP2
Zalman CNPS 9500

The main thing I am waivering on is the Video Card. The two that I am interested in are these:
EVGA GeForce 8600GTS 512MB 128-bit DDR3 for $179.99
EVGA GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit DDR3 for $289.99

Is the 8800GT worth the extra $110? The only real difference that I can see is the higher bit rate? I plan to use this computer for gaming and general use.

I am trying to stay under $900 for the system including operating system and the higher card would put me over that price. Is there another card that I should be looking at?

Thanks for any hep you can provide.

[Jamie Nixx]

The 8800GT would rip the the 8600GT about 100 new assholes, its about 10 times more powerful at least.

It WILL put you over budget, but you WON'T regret it ;)

[andrewst2]

I am new to all of this. How is the 8800GT that much faster then the 8600GTS? Does the 256-bit make that much of a difference?

[Jamie Nixx]

I could explain why the 8800GT is so much better, but that would take long.

Just look at these reviews :)

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1210/msi_geforce_nx8800gt_512mb_graphics_card/index.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/10/29/geforce_8800_gt/

[priji]

8500GT would excel in video w/ Nvidia's PureVideoHD. 8500GT is also a DX10 card, so it is more future-proof. Go, get the 8500GT.