Should I change my upgrade schedule?

T

That Linux Guy

Limp Gawd
Joined
Aug 24, 2008
Messages
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For the past two builds (each every 4 years), Ive been getting a new video card every two years. Unfortunately, I've never been able to get a nice enough card to last me the whole two years. The most I've spent on a video card was the $200 for mu 7900GS back in January 07.

My main question is, should I simply start plopping down a bit more cash every two years, or just spend less more often? I love the HD4870 (it'd have to last me two years), but was considering the 9800GT or HD4830 and upgrading again this time next year. what do you guys think? I need my games on high, filters preferred, @ 1680x1050.
 
wow..you really spend all the money?
You know that Hardware developers ( VGA mostly) always do that kind of thing..
They release something new, and 2 months later, there will be new type!

I usually change my VGA after I can't work or play with it. I change twice.. X800 then X1950XTX until now.. (not mentioning my MBP 8600M :) )

I surely want HD4xxx type >.< but.. my x1950xtx still can satisfied me.. :)
 
That Linux Guy said:
For the past two builds (each every 4 years), Ive been getting a new video card every two years. Unfortunately, I've never been able to get a nice enough card to last me the whole two years. The most I've spent on a video card was the $200 for mu 7900GS back in January 07.

My main question is, should I simply start plopping down a bit more cash every two years, or just spend less more often? I love the HD4870 (it'd have to last me two years), but was considering the 9800GT or HD4830 and upgrading again this time next year. what do you guys think? I need my games on high, filters preferred, @ 1680x1050.
Click to expand...
I can see what you're doing already. You're buying budget line graphic cards at high end prices. A 7900GS? or considering a HD4830? Those are low end cards, budget cards. And you don't have to get a budget card for $200.

Keep this in mind, a 'high end' version of the last chipset is better than a budget version of the newest chipset. And you could probably pick them up for similar amount of money if you look around.
 
I will say this upgrade every run or every other run of cards.If you upgrade every run then do a middle line card,something like $200
If you do every other un then go for like $300.You will still recoop some of the cash when you sell the card you are gonna replace so remember that.
 
I don't upgrade on a schedule... I usually go for best bang for buck deals (6600GT then 8800GT) both under $100.. The 'cutting edge' is jacked up way to high for me.
 
That Linux Guy said:
For the past two builds (each every 4 years), Ive been getting a new video card every two years. Unfortunately, I've never been able to get a nice enough card to last me the whole two years. The most I've spent on a video card was the $200 for mu 7900GS back in January 07.

My main question is, should I simply start plopping down a bit more cash every two years, or just spend less more often? I love the HD4870 (it'd have to last me two years), but was considering the 9800GT or HD4830 and upgrading again this time next year. what do you guys think? I need my games on high, filters preferred, @ 1680x1050.
Click to expand...

With that E8400 a 4850 would fit well at 1680x1050. There are deals on 512mb 4870's for less than $200AR. There was one for like $191 shippedAR that ended 10/30. Keep checking. Might be wanting a DX11 card come this time next year anyway ;)
 
I also think you might be overpaying. Maybe spend more time checking the [H]otdeals forum?
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1358557
I jumped on that one, EVGA GTX 260 for $170 shipped, $144 if you signed up for ebays promotion emails (which I had not). And you get far cry 2 for free as well?

That's well within your $200 budget, and you should get 2 years out of that card easy.
 
Buy the most powerful card you can afford not too far into the release cycle of it. I used to do like you until a few months after the 8800 GTX was released. Sucked it up and paid the big bucks - and the card lasted me quite well for almost two years. I just replaced it with an OC'd GTX 260 (which was half the price! ;)), but even if I hadn't it was still running the games I currently play quite well. I could have easily got another six months use out of it (or more).

Basically its the old adage "penny-wise, pound foolish".
 
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