Video Card Brand Experiences?

[Ziek88]

Finally getting ready to buy a new video card. My Geforce 9800GT needs to be put to rest. Looking at Radeon HD 7850's. Keeps me in a good price range (under 200). Does anyone have any experience with the three brands listed? Currently planning to go with the ASUS but for some money saving the Powercolor would be nice. It doesn't look nearly as robust though. Basically, unless someone can say the cheaper ones are awesome I'm probably gonna go ASUS. I am however open to suggestion for higher performance with similar price or lower price same performance.


ASUS
ASUS HD7850-DC2-2GD5-V2 Radeon HD 7850 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121651)

PowerColor
PowerColor AX7850 2GBD5-DH Radeon HD 7850 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131473)

XFC
XFX Core Edition FX-785A-ZNL4 Radeon HD 7850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150642)

[ROFLBRYCE]

The price is only $10-15 off the ASUS at the non-sale price, so I can't see them being a huge loss in quality. It is only $20 extra though atm so if you do wanna play it safe for another day pick up the ASUS.

That's a great video card, though. It's what my brother uses and he plays 99% of his games maxed out. Keep in mind though that it's a big heat generator. His whole rig idles at like 45C, hits up to 70C when he's playing, lol.

[Ziek88]

Yea I figured temperature would increase. My case should be able to handle it though. Got tons of fan action in it. Besides. I've always wanted a reason to get a liquid cooling unit.

[Trunks]

I've personally always gone with XFX, never had an issue with their cards. I had an 7900 GT for almost 5 years before I decided to upgrade, of course I got another XFX card. They're definitely my go to brand for Graphics cards.

I've never heard of Power Cooler, so I wouldn't suggest them. I heard Asus being very good as well, so it's more of just personal preference.

[Ziek88]

Good to know. I think I may actually end up going with a Sapphire. Same specs, cost and games but the physical card is shorter and has great temperature reviews. I want this card in my system now haha. I'm gonna have to relearn how to play most of my games after I upgrade. Everything will look different.

[Trunks]

My brother uses Sapphire, that would probably be my go to brand for Radeon cards if I didn't get XFX, but I'm not of a Nivida guy.

Also, remember to look at the Memory and Core clock for the speed as well. They may have same specs in the titles, but be sure to check the speed as well.

[Ziek88]

Good point. The Sapphire unfortunately doesn't list either but I can probably find that info on a different site. In theory, using the same memory interface and GPU they should be the same but one can never be too sure of these things.

*
3dMark lists the sapphire as number 1 for that model with a pretty nice score. Gotta love benchmark testing results.

[Ziek88]

Finally ordered my card. Now if only it could arrive instantly.

Ended up getting a Radeon HD 7850. Gets a 3700 on passmarks benchmark test.