Need a new graphics card (geeky post alert!)

[slycat]

I'm hoping to get a bit of help here.  I bought a 128MB Gigabyte Geforce 6600GT AGP from Scan a few weeks back and subsequently sold my old card to clawz_skunk.  However the new card caused my PC to lock up at random.  I sent the card back and they confirmed it as faulty.  Rather than send me a replacement, they have refunded me for the card.  At the moment I'm using a 4mb PCI graphics card which gives me motion sickness just from scrolling web pages it's so bad.

Anyway. as the 128mb 6600GT didn't have enough video memory for the higher details levels in the game F.E.A.R., I have been looking at the 256mb models.  I've ended up finding the 256mb XFX GeForce 6600GT AGP, the 256mb Sparkle 6600 GT AGP and the 256mb Gainward 6600GT AGP.  I've not heard of Sparkle before and XFX seem to be pretty reputable, however the Sparkle is much cheaper.  The XFX is available for less online but it's not in stock anywhere.  Or I could just rebuy the card I had previously as it was silent and recommended in PC Zone.

Can any techies out there offer any advice in this department?  I've got £125 back from the old card to pay for a new one.  Although considering money is tight, I could do with just not buying another card until after going on holiday in January.  As for those who tend to favour ATI, the equivilent seems to be the X800GT but costs far more than the 6600GT and isn't available as much.

Comments

[paperkup.livejournal.com]

D:

Tru.

9800pro for win. Keep the rest of the cash for Xbox 360.
I'm selling my 9800 because my pc is shit with ATI cards.
Gimme a line if you're interested. IT BE CHEAP 4 U.

[slycat.livejournal.com]

No thanks, the 9800s are like 2 generations old now. The main reason I got a new card in the first place was so it supports all the new standards for 3D games.