So this morning I turned on my pc and my second monitor failed to turn on. Checked cabling, reversed the plugs between ports and the second monitor failed to work so I knew it was the primary DVI port on the graphics card.

Same behaviour in linux too so it's not a random windows driver issue..

Pulled the card out, and its covered in mouse crap(!) and there's little bits of alfoil absolutely shredded all over the bottom of the case. I've cleaned it as much as I could without feeling like I'm going to damage the card.. Chucked it back in with no change, so I carried on with my work for about 45 minutes of very low gpu usage (ssh sessions mostly) before it gave me a navy blue screen. I could hear google talk making noises in the background so I knew the pc hadn't locked..

Same thing happens in linux after about 10 minutes (probably more stressful because of compiz bling).

So, it looks like I need to RMA this card for a second time.. I've stolen my partners card temporarily so I can keep working, but I'm going to need a replacement ASAP and the last RMA took about 4 months so thats just not an option.

SO! What video card would people recommend that's at least as powerful as my currently dead 1GB Powercolor 8650HD ?

I'd prefer to go back to Nvidia for the better linux support. Budget could probably be stretched to $200ish, and I'd prefer to go through MSY because its a local pickup (redbank plains/ipswich) but I'm open to suggestions..

What card's give ya the best value for money these days ? Should I be looking at a gtx560, or deal with glitchy linux support and move to an ati 8670HD ? I feel so out of touch...

Just grab an nvidia GTX560 card. They seem to be best value for money.

nVidia GTX550 or 560.

new video cards are coming out soon if u can wait

Oh wow, would you look at their comingsoon! Isn't it amazing!

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