Best GFX for $250.00

[OpStar]

But if it is for the 1.5gb version, I would consider the HD7950 3gb simply because the GTX580 1.5GB cannot do certain games at max setting because of lack of VRAM, unless you can live with framerate spikes

C'mon Mikey that is absolutely false. Not even Max Payne 3 runs out of vram on a 1.5 gig 580. I can't believe you'd fabricate stuff like that While games like BF3 will use up any vram that is available that isn't the same as saying you'd run out of vram. Not to mention single card/single monitor you'd run out of GPU power before you'd run out of vram.

Personally at 2560x1440 with all settings maxed (Except MSAA, which is at MSAAx4) and Windows 7 aero disabled, highest I have seen is 1.8GB, as you can see 2GB is plenty even at 2560x1440.

From a mod over at OCN. So basically you'd have to run settings a 580 wouldn't be fast enough to run to use more vram than the 580 has.

you can get them used for $300-320 easy... opstars's deal was a refurbished so its the same thing IMHO

It's from SabrePC with a 60 day warranty. That isn't the same thing as used at all.

[mikeysg]

Go to Steam, there are threads on it. If you have MP3, try adjusting the ingame setting and it will show you the amount of VRAM required....if your card does not have the required VRAM, I hear it will dynamically adjust so that even if you had set it to use more VRAM than you have, it will run at a lower setting within the limit of your VRAM. Others have said higher ingame options were not avaiable to them due to their cards.....or VRAM perhaps. I would suggest you install MP3 and see it for yourself before you accuse me of lying about something.....I actually have the game and have tinkered with ingame setting. At very high res, 2560x1600 or EF mode, even 3gb may not be enough.

I am insulted that you actually think I would resort to such an underhanded means to make a point. If you believe I am spreading falsehood, let me know and show me the error of my way, besides, do you think that after all these years, I would deliberately spread lies?! Bah, I am done with this thread anyway.....to the OP, I hope you will be happy with whatever card you choose, be it nV or AMD, and have fun gaming with it.

Edit - Gonna take a break from here for a period of time. I really do not need to be called a liar from someone I had considered a friend....farewell and adieu, guys!

[kpxgq]

It's from SabrePC with a 60 day warranty. That isn't the same thing as used at all.

i have seen multiple used 7950's with warranty intact (some lifetime) under $320... i was actually selling my xfx 7950 with lifetime warranty for $310 shipped at hard ocp... so yes its not the same thing.. with due diligence, the radeon is still the better deal

[OpStar]

I would suggest you install MP3 and see it for yourself before you accuse me of lying about something.

I have Max Payne 3 and I've read tons of articles about it as well. The VRAM issue with Max Payne 3 is completely overstated.

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?...ght=680+owners

Also I didn't call you a liar, I just implied that your statement about the vram issues of the 1.5gb 580 was more fabrication than truth - but I never said you'd maliciously lead someone astray. You're not the first person I've heard talk about Max Payne 3 and vram either. In fact there are discussions about it everywhere. The simple fact is the 580 gpu itself would be too slow for a game at certain settings before you'd run out of vram.