New system, torn on my VC options.

C

Citizen Philip

n00b
Joined
Oct 11, 2005
Messages
17
It's time for a new box!

I will be going AMD, no question about that. I don't overclock and certainly don't mod my system: I doubt I will go SLI or Xfire immediately, I do intend to have my powersupply and mobo ready for it. I'm not much of a tech, but I can put together a system from components and have a good chance for it to work on 1st power-up :rolleyes: I am really torn on my video card options!

A quiet card is a selling point, and I don't know if the ultra/OC'd videocards are a good choice for me, with my decidedly limited technical background (worrying about my powersupply, enough ventillation, etc).

ATI or NVIDIA? I've waited 2-3 years since I last upgraded, so I don't mind waiting another month or so for the 512 X1800 ATI card (to either buy, or drive down prices [hopefully]).

I believe in the long run the new offerings by ATI have more potential for longevity if I spend a large amount now, and Xfire does seem to be more flexible; on the other hand NVIDIA has offerings *right now* that are tried, tested and proven.

I can look up components now and cobble togerher an NVIDIA system now, but am forced to sit on my hands and wait for any ATI mobos.

Opinions?

If I'm missing a technical critera that would help me get a better system, by all means, let me know!
 
This is probably going to turn into a flamewar.. but just go with whatever you have the budget for. With the current gen cards, they all will last for a while. If you want power now, go with an sli setup and get a 7800gtx. Later down the line when you want more power, you can upgrade to another 7800gtx (and the prices will be down by then)
 
lloose said:
This is probably going to turn into a flamewar.. but just go with whatever you have the budget for. With the current gen cards, they all will last for a while. If you want power now, go with an sli setup and get a 7800gtx. Later down the line when you want more power, you can upgrade to another 7800gtx (and the prices will be down by then)
Click to expand...

I have an open budget, so I am quite flexible, recent arguments aside, what is most important to me is, quiet, the least hassle and potential. There's no arguing either choice is going to last a long time. I just don't like opening the box for maintance unless I really, really, have to.
 
What resolution will you be polaying at? What games will you be playing? If you play at 1280 or lower, a 7800GT, X850XT, or X1800XL will do just fine. If you plan to play at like 1600 or above (widescreen) than consider a 7800GTX or X1800XT in a few weeks. If you're going to be playing more DOom 3 engine games go with a 7800 series, if you play more source engine than go with an X1800 or X850 series.
 
You shouldnt worry about the longhaul with either brand. Ati has a good warranty (knocked down to a year, but usually at that point if you card dies, its tempting to just buy a new one). With Nvidia, it depends on who you go with for their cards. I have delt with Evga, Xfx and BFG personally and I was the most inpressed with evga. I was amazed to find tech support in under 30 seconds from dial time and I talked to a tech.. not some 17 year old who works for a telemarketing company who contracts with the manuf.


Sound wise, its a shot in the dark. If you want completely silent, gigabyte sells a 6800nu with heatpipes but I dont think that you will have a problem with noise (my bulky x850pro has stock cooling and its quieter than my cpu fan).

Maintenance is almost a must these days. Its always good to at least pull out your cards and see what kind of conditon they are in. I usually do this about once every 4-5 months when I see the cans of air in walmart on sale. I dust out my entire system. I figure that my computer is a big investment, and like any investment, should be tended to.

You shouldnt have any problems with any card you get.. If you are trying to avoid sound at all costs, do like I said and go with the gigabyte card (no fans, no moving parts). Otherwise, I honestly dont think that a new stock cooler is by any means "loud".
 
I think with any of the current top tier cards noise will be an issue for you since you obviously want quiet, as you have mentioned it a few times. If this is the case you may want to get a zalman or arctic cooling silencer on whatever card it is you decide to get, they are roughly 30 dollars and will be almost silent and cool better than most stock hsf.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top