Looking to replace 9800GX2

Z

Zorn

Limp Gawd
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I have been using a 9800GX2 for a while now, and I've been having some issues lately. I mainly play WoW, and if I ever try to run that in a window instead of full screen, my computer will completely lock up and require a reboot.

Anytime I am booted into Windows 7 and play a game (whether it's fullscreen or windowed) the PC will hard lock and require a reboot. Yes, I know it's a beta OS, but virtually everyone has nothing but praise for it so I know my PC shouldn't just be hard locking with WoW all the time.

Plus the computer feels like a space heater sitting next to me here. What would you guys suggest to replace my 9800GX2? I have been looking at the 4870X2, since it can be had for $399 now. Figure I can get around $200 for my GX2 on eBay. My resolution for all purposes is 2560x1600 if that helps. Thanks in advance

*EDIT: Something I'm factoring into this is the fact that ATI actually has proper Windows 7 preview drivers on their site, whereas nVidia just suggests to use what is on Windows Update, drivers which fail to install several times for me through Win Update.
 
I would search the forums on how WoW plays on the 4850x2 at that res. If all you do is play WoW, you sould look at your cheapest options while still getting what you want. I have seen people buy 2 4870x2's just to play WoW... What a waste. Hell, I would think a 4870 1gb would do you just fine if I'm not mistaken.
 
Almost sounds like something is wrong with your video card, or your PSU is going bad.

Before you sell it you should install a clean copy of XP and make sure it even runs games first.

As for what to "upgrade" to, that's difficult as the 9800Gx2 still holds it's own with pretty much any of the new gen cards out there.

Sure it's SLI and some see "microstutter", but the performance is there.

That said, if you just have to "upgrade", the 4870X2 is a solid choice indeed.
 
BravO))) said:
I would search the forums on how WoW plays on the 4850x2 at that res. If all you do is play WoW, you sould look at your cheapest options while still getting what you want. I have seen people buy 2 4870x2's just to play WoW... What a waste. Hell, I would think a 4870 1gb would do you just fine if I'm not mistaken.
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No that isn't the ONLY game I play, it's just one of the main ones. I also play Fallout 3, GTA IV, and any other new stuff that comes around.
 
Well then this is easy. A 4870x2 or a GTX295 will be perfect considering you play all the newest games at that resolution.
 
Ok I have heard that the 4870 has a slight edge over the 295 at 2560x1600 due to the higher memory. Considering it's about $105 cheaper, seems like a no brainer. Is this about accurate?
 
To get a good upgrade, you're best off getting at least dual gtx 260s. With that being said, your should just wait for the final release if win7 before wasting hundreds on an upgrade you don't need.
 
I recently sold my 9800gx2 for 200 bucks and had a crapload of people interested in it, even one that contacted me almost a month after it was sold. So selling it (at least on this forum) should be very easy. I upgraded to a 280 since I'm only on a 22incher, but for you, I would say the 295. Yes, it's a pcb sandwich like the 9800gx2, but apparently microstutter has been fixed. And from what I've heard, nvidia drivers TEND to be better than ATI's, so perhaps that would be the best choice. Either that or maybe 280's in sli, since they're very cheap now. 4870x2 is still a great option though.
 
Zorn said:
Ok I have heard that the 4870 has a slight edge over the 295 at 2560x1600 due to the higher memory. Considering it's about $105 cheaper, seems like a no brainer. Is this about accurate?
Click to expand...

well its more of an architectural difference then the 100mb difference. but yes if your cranking the settings at 4mp a 4870X2 is on par or beats the GTX295. at 2.3mp I think it goes the other way. the GTX295 is more powerful (fps) but in playability its pretty well a wash at 4mp with the 4870X2 having an edge with AA.

for 20% price difference I would def go with the 4870X2.
 
Something to consider, if you run a crossfire setup (including the x2 cards), WoW will only use both GPU's if you run in fullscreen mode. If you run in windowed maximized, you will only use one GPU.
 
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