Decisions, decisions....

E

evilKat

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Nov 6, 2005
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Hey guys, I'm in the process of doing a temp upgrade because my main computer is falling apart on me :(. I suspect the main reason is because I have bad memory modules, but it seems like this might be the right time to make a tiny upgrade. Unfortunately, though I had wanted to do this upgrade much later on (i,e when I had some money!), so I've decided to gut my Dell server (which is considerably newer: 915 Express/ P4 3.0 Ghz/ 256MB RAM) and use the mobo/proc and add RAM and a PCI express graphics card :D

So the question is; what graphics card should I get? Here's what I'm looking for:

1. Two DVI ports (one for the monitor, one to possibly hook up to a TV)
2. Should last at least till the first generation of DX10 cards are out
3. Should be arnd $200
4. Decent framrates if possible @1280x1024 (although i have a monitor with 1600 native res:( )

I was going to go for a 6600GT, but I am wondering if that card might be a bit underpowered for what I want. And I figure 256MB is the sweet spot for onboard mem? Would it be better just to go for a 6800 over the 6600 GT?

The Avivo technology from ATI looks VERY promising, and after much consideration, I'm really tempted to go with a x1800XL (but the price, oh the price!).

Would appreciate your input on this one guys.
 
You could probably swing an X800XL for $200 in FS/T, I got an MSI one with dual DVI for $200 awhile back, and I saw one with a bundled ATI Silncer 5 for $190 recently, can't remember off hand if it had dual DVI. My X800XL delivers 12x10 with 2X AA and 8X AF in most of my games, but the most intense game I play is Warhammer 40K Dawn of War. It is obivously not going to get 12x10 done in FEAR or anything like that. If you want AVIVO, there may be an X1600 SKU around $200 coming soon if you are willing to wait.
 
Thanks for the advice! I was hoping to wait till around black friday and try and catch some deals, but I think the memory is failing fast (I can't even play old games like the Longest Journey without it crapping out on me). If I go look at the x800 series, do you think an X800 XL would be better than the X800 GT (or GTO). From the reviews I've seen if one is going to get an x800 card, the GT or the GTO would be the best buy there. In some cases, even besting the 6600GT....for roughly the same price....

Your thoughts?
 
X800XL guarantees you 16 pipes. You would have to mod an X800GTO to get 16 pipes, and I don't think X800GTs and be modded at all. If you can pick up one of the X800GTO2 for anywhere close to $200, they are a steal as they have R480 dies and better RAM (1.6ns) that pretty much guarantees higher clock speeds than the R430 and 2.0ns RAM on X800XL.
 
Great point.But I just thought of something I forgot to bring up in my last post...if I do go with an X800 series, I'd be foregoing SM 3.0 support completely. I know not many games are out there at the moment that actually make use of SM 3.0, but I'm sure by next year there will be (already there are a few that do).....if I'm dropping some money on a card now, wouldn't it be better to future proof the card a bit?
 
IMO (and I may get bashed for this) $200 and future proof do not belong in the same dicussion. Most any $200 card is already hopelessly outclassed in games like CoD2 and FEAR, whether it has SM 3.0 or not.
 
DougLite said:
IMO (and I may get bashed for this) $200 and future proof do not belong in the same dicussion. Most any $200 card is already hopelessly outclassed in games like CoD2 and FEAR, whether it has SM 3.0 or not.
Click to expand...
QFT

If you want to be future proof save your money!! Then in the future you can buy a better card without having spent the $200 already.
 
GFreeman9 said:
QFT

If you want to be future proof save your money!! Then in the future you can buy a better card without having spent the $200 already.
Click to expand...

Alright, alright, I get the picture (when applied with a sledge[H]ammer) :D

Maybe the X800 XL might be the way to go afterall. I should probably use some of that money and get a better power supply anyway (current one is 350W Allied). Not that I'll have any left over....x800 XL is running around $274 on the egg :(

Would a 350W PS be enough you think to run a Prescott/X800XL/3 HDDs, CD and DVD? Probably pushing it huh?

FS/T = For Sale/Trade forum ??
 
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