TWiT Picks

BFG NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 OC 1 GB Graphics Card

The best of the last generation of graphics cards, refined, and sold for a song.

Of the last generation of graphics cards, the 9800 gtx was one of the best cards you could buy. It is in keeping with the performance of this generation of graphics cards, though not quite as as fast as the gtx 260 and gtx 280, it is certainly enough to play anything all the way up through Crysis while looking good.

Also, like the current generation of NVIDIA graphics cards it offers 3-Way SLI, CUDA GPGU comatability, DX9 compatibility, and the ability to run PhysX.

The 9800 gtx was so good in fact, that they decided to refine it a bit, and release it as a value card for this generation as the GTS 250. It now only costs $130-$160, it only needs on 6 pin power plug, it is shorter to fit in small cases. It is so short in fact, you can squeeze them into some Mini ITX cases.

Also cool, is the fact that if you have a 9800 gtx, you can get yourself a GTX 250 and it will work with it in SLI mode for a cheap $150 upgrade to nearly double your graphics power.

I recommend BFG for your GTS 250 as they are based in the USA and have excellent customer support. It is often difficult to get support from Taiwanese brands of graphics cards... so pay a few extra bucks for the BFG. This version has one gigabyte of video ram, which is essential for gaming at higher resolutions.

BFG also tests for the best GTS 250 GPUs, and sells these cards overlocked it from the factory.