Why is this video card so cheap

[brownbox]

http://pcpacific.net/product_info.php?c ... 95ed1d6292

Looking at this card, im wondering why its so cheap. Especially how its a GST model, overclocked from the factory so it pumps out a further 52% more power than the 7600GS. Look here
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/345/6
The 7600GS OC.

Also, should I think about getting it? It would out perform the 7300GT i was looking at with one hand tied behind its back

[Zöltuger]

they're a new player in the graphics market. so don't have the same reputation that the other brands like MSI and Asus have. it's up to you really, seems like a good deal to me.

i can't remember, what do you have at the moment?

[brownbox]

at the moment I have nothing technically. In the computer which is coming in the mail now, I have a very weak Asus 7300GS.
Lets hope the 3gb of ram helps for the time being while I save up some money again so i can buy something decent

[Zöltuger]

7300GS to 7600GT might not be a big enough increase in power IMO. you might be best to wait until nvidia releases an 8600GT early next year and buy that, especially since vista and DX10 supposidly transfers loads from the CPU to GPU in games. (or at least get a 7900GT since they'll be cheaper)

but only if you can wait...

[brownbox]

wait... my least favorite word
How long must I "wait"

[Codge]

Remember 'all good things come to those who wait' Many times I've been glad I waited. If something is cheap there is areason for that. There is an old saying 'Fools rush in where angels fear to tread'. If you can find someone who has one already and find out what they think would be best.
Overclocking is all very well but it does shorten the life of the card. Cooling is the big thing. Usually you keep increasing the clock speed a bit at a time untill it starts playing up and then back off a bit and keep a good eye on the temp. Much like a worked car engine where you can get a huge power gain at the cost of reliability and life of the engine.
Running a flight sim is one of if not the most demanding thing you can ask of a PC and graphics card, which is why these other games easily get 50-80 FPS and we are happy with anything over 15.
Good luck anyway and It'll be interesting to see what you end up doing.
Cheers Codge

[Zöltuger]

i was annoyed because i bought a socket 478 motherboard, where if i had waited a few more months, i could have have a socket 775 motherboard with far greater upgrade options.
having said that tho, you could easily wait forever to get the next big thing... sometimes you've just got to take the plunge and get whatever is available when you want something.

[brownbox]

mmmmm. See the thing is the Overclocked version and the regular version of the card are both exactly the same price. Also, the Palit 7600GS card is the same price. Which one to get?

Also, I dont want to get a 7900GT. See the thing is you can wait as long as you want (like Zoltuger said). And seeing as my budgets very tight, Id rather just get something that will go well enough for my needs, and thats all.