PCI-E Videocards from TigerDirect...too many decisions!

G

Ghost$nipa

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jul 27, 2004
Messages
227
What the HELL do I buy? I am a noob and tired of researching all the crap when it comes to computers. I just want a video card that can play Far Cry at max settings. My new hardware:

Intel Pentium D 820
Intel 945P SN
Sata2 Raid 0/1
2 Gig DDr2 667mhz
550 watts PSU
XP pro

How ever I do want to know the difference of 128 bit memory and 256 bit memory speeds...whatever the heck that means. My guts tells me higher memory speeds would results better performance. Here is my problem...I see a 6800 with 256 bit speed comparied to a 7600 with 128 bit speed.....would the 6800 perform better? If so then I should pick up the 6800 with DDr3 256MB 256 memory speed? Right? Or I am so confused that I would rather pull my teeth out.....can some one clarify this crap? Seriously? My budget is would be happy with a $100 video card....but hey I can shell an extra $50 if needed for a 7600???


http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1828833&CatId=0

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1931188&CatId=0

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2069688&CatId=0

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2156263&CatId=0

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1911353&CatId=0

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2207285&CatId=0

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1945413&CatId=0
 
If that list is your only choices then defnitely get the 7900GT KO. Just curious...why only Tiger Direct?
 
It doesn't have to be TigerDirect. I checked Newegg and their prices are higher in most cases. There seems to be alot of rebates available currently at TigerDirect. I will be happy to check out other places if you have a better suggestion.

I can't afford a 7900 GT. (The correct translation would be....honey can I spend $300.00 for a video card that will be outdated in 2 weeks.)
 
Yeah, the 7600GT KO is the best of the cards you posted. $165 AR is a good deal, but I think TD has incorrect specs on the details page. evga.com states the 7600GT KO runs at 580MHz. TD put 750MHz core speed. :p

Newegg may or may not carry it. I can't find it with a search, but that doesn't mean it's not there. :rolleyes: They really need to fix their search.
 
So it's safe to say that the 7600 GT is the choice to buy.

I am still struggling on the 128 bit VS 256 bit memory (I am not asking about MB megabytes)....<--anyone care to clarify that for me pls?
 
Ghost$nipa said:
I am still struggling on the 128 bit VS 256 bit memory (I am not asking about MB megabytes)....<--anyone care to clarify that for me pls?
Click to expand...
A 128-bit memory interface is 16 bytes wide (it's actually 4 32-bit interfaces, but for simplicity all are counted together). A 256-bit memory interface is 32 bytes wide.

A 1GHz 128-bit memory interface has 16GB/s of memory bandwidth. A 1GHz 256-bit memory interface has 32GB/s of memory bandwidth. Some 128-bit memory video cards have very high memory clock speeds and some 256-bit memory video cards have medium memory clock speeds. It's possible for a 128-bit memory video card to have more bandwidth than a 256-bit memory video card (example: 7600GT vs 6800nu).

Depending on the games and resolutions you play, a 128-bit memory interface isn't necessarily a bad thing. More memory bandwidth per pipeline on a series of cards (G7x or R5xx) is usually better, but low core clock speeds and low pixel throughput can make too much memory bandwidth pointless.

At www.gpureview.com you can compare cards for spec ratings and there are a lot of reviews linked. It might be useful to compare other cards in your price range before making a final decision.
 
Those 7600GTs will do perfectly. If you want to go cheaper, the 6800XT from XFX is good. the XFX version is better than the other versions since they give the card GDDR3 instead of GDDR1 (better overclocks), and there's a possibility that the XFX card can overclock to 6800GS speeds (nearly) if you're lucky and have the right core. But the 7600GT seems good. I'd prefer newegg over tiger direct just because tiger direct has really expensive shipping costs.
 
Tigerdirect IS in the Guiness Book for worlds slowest rebate provider
Click to expand...

So is newegg....

The fastest rebate people is Fry's Electronics!!! I got over $200 bucks of rebates from 5 different items within 2 weeks.
 
chinesepiratefood said:
Tigerdirect IS in the Guiness Book for worlds slowest rebate provider
Click to expand...
There's a difference between store offered rebates and manufacturer's rebates. ;)
 
Ghost$nipa said:
So is newegg....

The fastest rebate people is Fry's Electronics!!! I got over $200 bucks of rebates from 5 different items within 2 weeks.
Click to expand...
I've got a rebate in limbo with ZZF that is taking a shot at the new record...how much will $30 usd be worth when I'm 70 years old?
 
Ghost$nipa said:
So it's safe to say that the 7600 GT is the choice to buy.

I am still struggling on the 128 bit VS 256 bit memory (I am not asking about MB megabytes)....<--anyone care to clarify that for me pls?
Click to expand...

To clarify on what pxc said:

Today, memory bandwidth is not as important as it used to be. Games used to use LOTS of textures to render effects, and this used to eat into memory bandwidth.

Nowadays games are using shaders more to create effects, and these don't eat up memory bandwidth like a texture read. So long as the memory is "fast enough," it will perform well, unless you're running really high-end AA levels.

Thus, you can get excellent performing cards with high-speed 128-bit memory like the 6600 GT (back when it was released) and now, the 7600 GT.
 
Sounds good....

I have decided!

Drums roll!

XFX 7600 GT!

Now I will need some magic words to slide this past the missy! :)
 
Well, that 7600gt went down 20 bucks on Newegg. It's the EVGA KO, it's now 164.99 with the $25 MIR, I just ordered it myself.
 
I have personally had difficulty with the rebates from TigerDirect. The OnRebate system does not always work smoothly. First of all, TD recommends that when you mail in the rebate, that you do so Return Receipt Requested. So right off the bat your rebate is reduced $4-5, maybe more if you count the time and gas to travel to a PO. Next, the multiple steps and minutiae (like 5 or 6 steps) required for the drawn-out OnRebate process can be irritating if not exasperating. Also, many rebates are in the form of multiple rebates, which means you have to go through the convoluted OnRebate process for each separate rebate - OUCH! The OnRebate experience is, IMO, too complex and next to broken. Be prepared to wait 6 weeks or more, before your rebate is delivered (in one instance, I had to wait over 3 months).

Next, any price advantage may be offset due to shipping costs - TigerDirect is not the most generous vendor when it comes to shipping expenses. These problems aside, TD is a reputable company - just beware that their "advertized" specials may not be as good as they first appear.
 
Ghost$nipa said:
Sounds good....

I have decided!

Drums roll!

XFX 7600 GT!

Now I will need some magic words to slide this past the missy! :)
Click to expand...

*cough* Whipped! *cough*
 
Personally, I'd save up a little more and get an eVGA 7900GT and a Zalman VF900-Cu cooler for it.

Then spend $10 for a conductive pen at Radio Shack and volt mod the 7900GT to 1.4V.

You should be able to run the GT from 500/1500 to 650/1700 at worst which will put it on par with a 7900GTX but with half the memory. With the improved cooling, the GPU will be fine with the extra volts.

However, eVGA has a lifetime warranty that even covers overclocking. If anything happens to the card simply replace the stock HS (easy to do), wipe off the pen ink with a lint free cloth and rubbing alcohol, and ship it back. You'll have a replacement within 2 weeks.

Right now the 7900GT CO is $265 after rebate at Newegg. Add $40 for the VF900 from Chiefvalue and $10 for the pen and you've spent $315 for a card that will equal (or beat, depending on how yours will OC) a $475 card and it will NOT be outdated in 2 weeks -- try 2 years.
 
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