Question/help with video card purchase.

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Magicskrew

Weaksauce
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Sep 25, 2009
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Ok, so I've ordered the majority of my computer I'm trying to build. I will be going i7 920 and I want a good video card with a budget of around $300. First, I was going to buy a used 295 but now with the new cards so close to release I was thinking about buying a brand new 285 and then using the step up program to get one of the new cards when they come out. I was wondering what [H] thought of this and if you guys had any better suggestions.

Thanks guys :D
 
So much is unknown about the new NVidia architecture.
I feel optimistic about it but the proof is in the pudding, ATI may well have it this round and may produce a refresh when NVidia finally release.
For now, I'd get a cheap GTX260/275 and upgrade to whichever is the most compelling when all cards are on the market.
Step ups are a big rip off in the UK, maybe they are a better idea where you live... ?

A GTX260 or 275 is great for almost any game at 1080p, even PhysX based.
The only PhysX game they may struggle with (as single cards) is Cryostasis.
Batman runs great if you have a fast enough CPU.
 
Magicskrew said:
Ok, so I've ordered the majority of my computer I'm trying to build. I will be going i7 920 and I want a good video card with a budget of around $300. First, I was going to buy a used 295 but now with the new cards so close to release I was thinking about buying a brand new 285 and then using the step up program to get one of the new cards when they come out. I was wondering what [H] thought of this and if you guys had any better suggestions.

Thanks guys :D
Click to expand...
Looks like the new cards may not be out until February or March. I don't know how the step-up programs work, but is it that long? Also, I notice a plethora of NVIDIA in your post. Are you a lifer? :)
 
HD5850 would be a fine card for that build with the ability to crossfire at a later point if you need more gpu power.
 
Magicskrew said:
Ok, so I've ordered the majority of my computer I'm trying to build. I will be going i7 920 and I want a good video card with a budget of around $300. First, I was going to buy a used 295 but now with the new cards so close to release I was thinking about buying a brand new 285 and then using the step up program to get one of the new cards when they come out. I was wondering what [H] thought of this and if you guys had any better suggestions.

Thanks guys :D
Click to expand...

First off, I've been immensely happy with my Evga 260 core 216 superclocked. Evga is a great company and stepup is a great idea. The problem is that the new cards from nvidia will likely be more than 90 days away (all signs point to Feb '10 atm) which throws that idea out the window. Check out [H]'s review of the 5850...does your mobo support crossfire? If so grab one of those and if you feel the performance is lacking grab another! If not, and you're really on the fence about what video card to get, maybe grab a used 4870/4890 1gb from someone for cheap to hold you over until Nvidia releases its cards and resell the ati card at that point. It will likely have close to its value now and should perform well enough to keep you satisfied until you upgrade.
 
Oh I see feb eh?? man I am really on the fence about all this stuff haha On the one hand I really want to wait to see what nvidia releases, which is why I was so partial to the step up program. However, once I spend the money I won't be able to buy another card flat out for a while (I'm a college student). On the other I would hate to spend $300 on the 285 and have no option of grabbing the next gen vid cards. Although the 285 is really good. I am going to start looking into the 5850s anyone know first hand how 285 vs 5850 stacks up?? Also I am immensely interested in the 5870 if I could get one for $350 I would prob just buy that. Does anyone know how the 5850 vs 5870 is? I did a forum search but didn't really find anything adequate or conclusive.
 
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Buy the 5850... 291.xx w/ california tax... this state... i swear
 
Wow that was a great article, so it looks like the 5850s are pretty close. I think i'm going to try and get a 5870 for $350 max but if that isnt possible i'll go with a 5850. Thanks for all the help [H]. :D
 
Magicskrew said:
Wow that was a great article, so it looks like the 5850s are pretty close. I think i'm going to try and get a 5870 for $350 max but if that isnt possible i'll go with a 5850. Thanks for all the help [H]. :D
Click to expand...

You're gonna need bing and credit card cashback to pull that off. Maybe some sneaky coupons too.
 
Magicskrew said:
Wow that was a great article, so it looks like the 5850s are pretty close. I think i'm going to try and get a 5870 for $350 max but if that isnt possible i'll go with a 5850. Thanks for all the help [H]. :D
Click to expand...
I know you said you'd already purchased most of your rig, but I thought I would post this, just in case:

The HIS 5870 is bundled with an Antec TruePower New Blue 750 on Newegg. With the discount, it's about $330. The PowerColor and Sapphire cards appear to be $320 with similar bundles.
 
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