If you search hard enough you can find an 8800GTS that is cheaper than most 8800GT's.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134037
Also, go with a stock video card if you are looking to save money, because the overclocked ones have the same hardware but with a larger fan. They also flash the bios, which you can do yourself, to permanently overclock the card.