High Quality Nvidia Card Manufacturer(s)?

[PeterT]

Been using using ATI cards for a couple of generations now, but I'm building a C2D rig now and it looks like Nvidia is the way to go. When using ATI, I always went with "built by ATI" cards, because they have always been high quality. I usually keep my computer parts a long time.

There are no "built by Nvidia" cards. So, which manufacturer(s) makes high quality Nvidia cards? EVGA? XFX? Asus? MSI?
Based on what I've seen so far, it looks like EVGA. Am I mistaken?

Currently looking at the EVGA 8800GTS 576MHz/ 1700MHz, 320MB:
Newegg.com - EVGA 320-P2-N815-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Or, if I can wait 1-2 months, one of the new 9X00 series cards, for around the same price range?
TIA!

[SRTDodge05]

Evga is first comes to mind, also leadtek makes some good ones also BFG.

[FightingChance]

eVGA is the closest thing you'll find to 'built by Nvidia'; they are the first in line for Nvidia manufacturing.

I'd stay away from PNY; I see a lot of refurbs or broken cards from them on eBay.

[FearFactory]

Wait for the new cards or get the 640MB version. I think 320MB is not enough (on high settings) for new games like Crysis and UT3..

[WhiteEclipse]

evga is probably the best - 90 day step up and real lifetime warranty (even if you overclock). If you have a good idea when the new cards are coming out - you can buy an evga now and buy the new one for just the difference in price.

The 640 version seems to be doing much better in dx10 benchmarks.

[Acid8000]

I've had very stable experiences with ASUS and Gigabyte Nvidia cards, much better than either of the ATI ones I had prior. I only run at stock speeds.

[PeterT]

Well, it looks like eVGA is the way to go. Thanks for the input everyone!

[ATINUT]

I'm having great luck with two 640MB ASUS 8800GTS cards.

[PGIV]

eVGA is the way to go. Great Customer Service and great products.

[zapionics<alt>]

Originally Posted by WhiteEclipse

...If you have a good idea when the new cards are coming out - you can buy an evga now and buy the new one for just the difference in price...

How does that work?

[shaihulud]

I myself prefer EVGA. They get my vote, and the step up I did from the 7950GX2 to the 8800GTX could have not been easier.

Here is information concerning such. But do note that not only do you have to register within a time frame, and there is also a period in which you can trade your card. EVGA | Step-Up Program

The main caveat:

Q: What if I am over 90 days from my original invoice date?

A: Unfortunately, you will not be able to take part in the program. You must register and use the Step-Up™ Program within 90 days of your invoice date, no exceptions.

[zapionics<alt>]

The EVGA Step-up™ Program is limited to residents of the Continental US, Canada and Europe only.

[WhiteEclipse]

sorry zap. but it is easy for those of us in the right areas. you register the card, go to the website, select the new card you want and only pay the difference between what you paid and the value of the new card. you ship them your old card, they ship a new one back.

[Keri]

I Vote EVGA 100% for nVidia GPU's!

[zapionics<alt>]

Originally Posted by WhiteEclipse

sorry zap. but it is easy for those of us in the right areas. you register the card, go to the website, select the new card you want and only pay the difference between what you paid and the value of the new card. you ship them your old card, they ship a new one back.

Fantastic deal. If any of them are reading; please start this up in Australia and I'll be your first customer.