Need video card suggestion

G

GuruX

Gawd
Joined
Jul 8, 2001
Messages
639
Well, I'm going to be building my new computer system within the next month or two, and I've pretty much settled on what I'm getting -- with one major exception: the video card. Being that my current system (a laptop) uses the Mobility Radeon 9600, you can tell I'm a little outdated when it comes to gaming hardware.

Here's what I'm looking to get system-wise:

AMD Athlon64 3000+ (the 90nm part that apparently overclocks well)
1GB PC3200 DDR memory
ASUS A8N SLI motherboard

Now my question is this: If I plan to do my gaming at 1280x1024 (the limits of my current LCD), would a Geforce 6600GT be more appropriate, or should I step up to something like the BFG 6800OC (I can't quite afford the 6800GT, as that one costs around $650 Canadian). My goal is that I'd be able to run games like HL2 and FarCry at 1280x1024 with some AA/AF, and I could probably toss in a second card for SLI later on should I find a game that doesn't quite meet my performance expectations.
 
Two 6600 GTs in SLI mode are almost equal in performance to one 6800 GT.

Two 6800s in SLI mode perform better than one 6800 GT.

Yeah!!! Knowledge is power.
 
I understand how two graphics cards will perform as opposed to one, but I'm still not sure if I should save up a bit extra for the 6800 non-ultra, or if a single 6600GT will run virtually all current games at 1280x1024.
 
GuruX said:
I understand how two graphics cards will perform as opposed to one, but I'm still not sure if I should save up a bit extra for the 6800 non-ultra, or if a single 6600GT will run virtually all current games at 1280x1024.
Click to expand...

I'd go for a 6800 256 MB card then add another later.
 
I definately can't afford a 6800GT..... and they make 256MB versions of the 6800 non-Ultra? Guess I might look into those ones.
 
They do make 6800nu with 256MB. However, the price difference between 1 of those and the 6800gt is within $50. If you are really in the market to spend that kind of money (ie, 256MB is what you have to get) I'd almost justify the 6800gt.

You are correct with the resolution. With 1280x1024 the performance difference in most games will be slight with a 6800nu versus the 6800gt. Not to say they are _equal_ but they are pretty close. If you do decide on a newer monitor to kick up the resolution, the 6800gt would be a better long-term (if there is such a thing with performance cards) solution.

The cheapest 6800nu's on 'egg with 256MB of ram are $335. 6800GT's can be found for about $400 or less depending on the sales.

I can see where you stand: Right now, your gaming is at the resolution that the difference between nu and GT doesnt make a whole lot considering the price difference. But you know, EITHER card is going to knock your friggin socks off coming from that mobility 9600. Get the cheaper one, you wont notice the difference. Get the GT for bragging rights or if you are going to upgrade your monitor. :D
 
yea im in the same situation im going for a new AMD 3200 64 based system but got no clue for video card. 299 gets me a 6600GT 128 from Asus but im thinking of waiting for the X800XL its 100 bucks more but i think its worth the wait, that is if it goes on sale.
 
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