Which video card for this Monarch system?

S

splooger

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 21, 2004
Messages
239
I was waiting for the 939 FX-53 and x800 Platinum video card to buy a complete system from Monarchcomputer.com. Well, they now have the 939 FX-53 but not the X800 PE. They are offering the BFG 6800 Ultra OC. My question is should I wait for the X800 PE or just order this system now?:

Monarch GT64 Custom PC/WS (Athlon 64/FX 939) $49.00 $49.00
Cases: 100634 - NO PS - Lian-Li PC 6070A Aluminum Ultra Q $146.00 $146.00
Power Supply: 100925 - PS 550W - Enermax EG651P-VE (FMA) $119.00 $119.00
Case Fan: None
Monarch Logo Stickers: 270642 - Monarch GT 64 Logo
Motherboards: 110723 - Asus A8V Deluxe K8T890 Audio/GB-LAN/IEEE/ $199.00 $199.00
Processor: 120461 - AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 (939) $833.00 $833.00 $833.00
Thermal Grease: 800018 - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease $13.00 $13.00
Heat Sink Fan: 130129 - Thermaltake A1838 AMD Opteron/Athlon 64 H $27.47 $27.47
Memory: 140308 - DDR (400) 3200 - 2 GB (2 pcs 1GB) Corsair $559.00 $559.00
2nd Memory: None
Hard Drive: 150239 - SATA - Western Digital (WD740GD) 74 GB/10 $197.00 $197.00
2nd Hard Drive: 152239 - SATA - Western Digital (WD740GD) 74 GB/10 $197.00 $197.00
RAID Setup: 80011 - RAID 0 (Zero) $10.00 $10.00
CD/DVD-ROM: 160700 - DVD-ROM - Sony DDU1621 16X DVD 40X CD-ROM $39.00 $39.00
CD-RW/DVD-RW: 160807 - CD-RW - Plextor PX-Premium/SW 52X32X52 CD $82.00 $82.00
Floppy Drive: 170105 - Mitsumi 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive (Silver $18.00 $18.00
More Storage: None
Sound Card: 180329 - Creative Audigy 2 ZS 24BIT/5.1/IEEE/MIDI/ $96.00 $96.00
Video Card: 190436 - BFG 6800Ultra-DVD256 nVIDIA GeForce 6800- $580.00 $580.00
TV Tuner: None
Modem: None
Operating System: 210112 - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition w/CD an $89.00 $89.00
Network Card: None
Add On Card: None
Case Function Add-On: None
Noise Killer: None
Round Cables: None
Warranty: 800072 - 24/7 Tech Support + Plus 3 Year Onsite Wa $99.00 $99.00
Hot Rush: None - Standard Order ( ships within 8-13 business
Antivirus: None
Additional Software: None
Far Cry Promotion: 270846 - FREE Full DVD Version of Far Cry - $39.95
Subtotal for 800063 with your selected options: $3,352.47

I'm primarily a gamer and I want the most future proof card with the fastest frame rates and best image quality. I don't overclock or know how to upgrade a system myself so keep that in mind before you flame me. I buy a brand new computer every 3-4 years and pay someone to upgrade the video card after 2 years or so.

I have $4,000 burning a hole in my pocket and I'm tired of waiting for the best system. I plan to get the monitor (NEC/MITSUBISHI FP2141SB-BK 22") and Klipsch Ultra speakers form Newegg.

Any advice appreciated.
 
I think this all boils down to personal preference. Get the one you feel more comfortable with. This type of question falls into the Ford vs Chevy type of argument.
 
I would go for the x800xt pe because it wins in most real world applications and games. With resolutions and AA/AF maxed out, the x800xt pe usually leads by quite a large margin. Plus the x800xt pe requires only 1 molex connector versus 2 for the 6800 ultra and it is a 1 slot card.
 
trungracingdev said:
I would go for the x800xt pe because it wins in most real world applications and games. With resolutions and AA/AF maxed out, the x800xt pe usually leads by quite a large margin. Plus the x800xt pe requires only 1 molex connector versus 2 for the 6800 ultra and it is a 1 slot card.
Click to expand...

This is why I was going to wait for the x800 PE because my research tends to agree with you. But this BFG is supposed to be a faster card than the other 6800s right? Also, I'm not sure if NVIDIAs drivers will make much of a difference down the road.
 
I think you will be more than happy with either of the 2 cards your considering. It really is just beating a dead horse when comparing the two.


Also can I ask why you aren't putting together your own system and saving some mulah?
 
y0bailey said:
I think you will be more than happy with either of the 2 cards your considering. It really is just beating a dead horse when comparing the two.


Also can I ask why you aren't putting together your own system and saving some mulah?
Click to expand...

As I said in the opening (and I knew someone would bring this up), I don't even know how to upgrade a system, much less build my own. I don't want to take the time right now and I don't want the hassle. Besides, these days, you really save very little money by building your own, if you save at all.
 
Sorry I didn't read all of that about you not learning how to built a system....I have a small attention span.

splooger said:
Besides, these days, you really save very little money by building your own, if you save at all.
Click to expand...

But this statement simpy isn't true....do a little research and you can keep $1000 of those dollars in your pocket

No more thread crapping on my part....my bad dude



But seriously, flip a coin and pick your videocard. Or just go with NVIDIA since they can already ship it out to you.
 
The Nvidia card has some future proofing to it. Whereas the X800XT doesn't really. So if your planning on keeping the machine for a couple years or so I'd go with Nvidia this time. As far as the comment concerning the molex connectors, since your not building the system and all the components are being installed by someone else, this is not your problem.
 
Sir-Fragalot said:
The Nvidia card has some future proofing to it. Whereas the X800XT doesn't really. So if your planning on keeping the machine for a couple years or so I'd go with Nvidia this time. As far as the comment concerning the molex connectors, since your not building the system and all the components are being installed by someone else, this is not your problem.
Click to expand...

You think this is true even though I plan to get a new video card after 2 years anyway?
 
Sir-Fragalot said:
The Nvidia card has some future proofing to it. Whereas the X800XT doesn't really. So if your planning on keeping the machine for a couple years or so I'd go with Nvidia this time. As far as the comment concerning the molex connectors, since your not building the system and all the components are being installed by someone else, this is not your problem.
Click to expand...


"Future proofing" only counts if the card in question is fast enough to run the new tricks. We have no proof of that as of yet. nVidia has a long history of adding functions without the speed to back them up. Good for us as it lets the developers work on new methods. Bad as it lets marketing trumpet about new functions on the card that A: are not in use in any application and B: the card doesn't have the performance to run.

My opinion: You will be very satisfied with either card. The x800XT:pE seems to be a bit faster on todays games (see [H] review), but the 6800U is no slouch. IF the 6800U is there now, and the XT:pE may show up "sometime", just get the 6800U.

Of course, the 6800U still has problems with FarCry, which IMHO is the best game out.
 
If you can, wait until the next official whql Nvidia drivers are released. Once those results are published you can then make a more informed decision. This decision will be based on the raw data versus some opinion.

When they come out you know that there will be reviews and re-reviews. Maybe or maybe not the [H], but the net will be full of them.

Just wait a little longer if you can guy.

I'm tempted to buy a Monarch system myself.

Good luck whatever card you decide. :)

:D :D
 
LabRat said:
My opinion: You will be very satisfied with either card. The x800XT:pE seems to be a bit faster on todays games (see [H] review), but the 6800U is no slouch.
Click to expand...

People seem to be under the impression that [H] has actually reviewed the 6800U. It hasn't. That was a preview. They'll do a review with retails cards and WHQL drivers. The current beta drivers [61.34] are putting a beating on ATI though. Can't wait to see the final results.
 
IMO, I would go with whatever you can get now..or soon. If it's the 6800U, go with that. Using the FX53 and either the X800XTPE or 6800U will probably show negligable differences. They're both extremely fast, however I believe the 6800U is more futureproof. As I said in another post, I like both, but at this point I am going to go with whichever I can get a hold of first.
 
StArWaRrIoR said:
IMO, I would go with whatever you can get now..or soon. If it's the 6800U, go with that. Using the FX53 and either the X800XTPE or 6800U will probably show negligable differences. They're both extremely fast, however I believe the 6800U is more futureproof. As I said in another post, I like both, but at this point I am going to go with whichever I can get a hold of first.
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity, why would you want to upgrade when you already have an FX-53 and x800 Pro?
 
splooger said:
I was waiting for the 939 FX-53 and x800 Platinum video card to buy a complete system from Monarchcomputer.com. Well, they now have the 939 FX-53 but not the X800 PE. They are offering the BFG 6800 Ultra OC. My question is should I wait for the X800 PE or just order this system now?:

Monarch GT64 Custom PC/WS (Athlon 64/FX 939) $49.00 $49.00
Cases: 100634 - NO PS - Lian-Li PC 6070A Aluminum Ultra Q $146.00 $146.00
Power Supply: 100925 - PS 550W - Enermax EG651P-VE (FMA) $119.00 $119.00
Case Fan: None
Monarch Logo Stickers: 270642 - Monarch GT 64 Logo
Motherboards: 110723 - Asus A8V Deluxe K8T890 Audio/GB-LAN/IEEE/ $199.00 $199.00
Processor: 120461 - AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 (939) $833.00 $833.00 $833.00
Thermal Grease: 800018 - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease $13.00 $13.00
Heat Sink Fan: 130129 - Thermaltake A1838 AMD Opteron/Athlon 64 H $27.47 $27.47
Memory: 140308 - DDR (400) 3200 - 2 GB (2 pcs 1GB) Corsair $559.00 $559.00
2nd Memory: None
Hard Drive: 150239 - SATA - Western Digital (WD740GD) 74 GB/10 $197.00 $197.00
2nd Hard Drive: 152239 - SATA - Western Digital (WD740GD) 74 GB/10 $197.00 $197.00
RAID Setup: 80011 - RAID 0 (Zero) $10.00 $10.00
CD/DVD-ROM: 160700 - DVD-ROM - Sony DDU1621 16X DVD 40X CD-ROM $39.00 $39.00
CD-RW/DVD-RW: 160807 - CD-RW - Plextor PX-Premium/SW 52X32X52 CD $82.00 $82.00
Floppy Drive: 170105 - Mitsumi 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive (Silver $18.00 $18.00
More Storage: None
Sound Card: 180329 - Creative Audigy 2 ZS 24BIT/5.1/IEEE/MIDI/ $96.00 $96.00
Video Card: 190436 - BFG 6800Ultra-DVD256 nVIDIA GeForce 6800- $580.00 $580.00
TV Tuner: None
Modem: None
Operating System: 210112 - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition w/CD an $89.00 $89.00
Network Card: None
Add On Card: None
Case Function Add-On: None
Noise Killer: None
Round Cables: None
Warranty: 800072 - 24/7 Tech Support + Plus 3 Year Onsite Wa $99.00 $99.00
Hot Rush: None - Standard Order ( ships within 8-13 business
Antivirus: None
Additional Software: None
Far Cry Promotion: 270846 - FREE Full DVD Version of Far Cry - $39.95
Subtotal for 800063 with your selected options: $3,352.47

I'm primarily a gamer and I want the most future proof card with the fastest frame rates and best image quality. I don't overclock or know how to upgrade a system myself so keep that in mind before you flame me. I buy a brand new computer every 3-4 years and pay someone to upgrade the video card after 2 years or so.

I have $4,000 burning a hole in my pocket and I'm tired of waiting for the best system. I plan to get the monitor (NEC/MITSUBISHI FP2141SB-BK 22") and Klipsch Ultra speakers form Newegg.

Any advice appreciated.
Click to expand...

man get win xp pro and a x800xt-pe!!
the x800xt-pe is more powerfull for game and do give some video file better output!!
 
killermmn said:
man get win xp pro and a x800xt-pe!!
the x800xt-pe is more powerfull for game and do give some video file better output!!
Click to expand...

Why would you go with Win XP Pro over Home edition? I really have no need of the extra security/networking features in Pro.
 
Kinda off topic. I used to work for Monarch Computers building their systems. Didn't know they were this famous.
 
killermmn said:
most gamer go whit the pro!!
the pro is more stable(for me!!)
Click to expand...

Really? Anyone else reading this thread think Pro is more stable than Home? My research suggests they have the same stability. I wouldn't really care except the Pro is $65 more expensive at Monarch.
 
Harkamus said:
Kinda off topic. I used to work for Monarch Computers building their systems. Didn't know they were this famous.
Click to expand...

Well, I don't know how "famous" they are, but they have a 9.6 rating at resellerratings.com with over 1200 reviews. They also have much better system prices than the boutique shops. I did a lot of homework before deciding to buy from them.
 
pro is no more stable than home, because they are built on teh same kernel.....its simple logic.

its like saying my 2001 tacoma is more stable than yours because i have a sweet sound system installed.....yes this a horrible example but you get the point
 
This has absolutely nothing to do with video cards, but i recommend you get a case fan or two. Unless my eyes deceive me it says :

Case Fans: none

I'm not the best with hardware but I know that you need some case fans to keep that mega machine from over-heating.

Smcgee85

P.S. If u look down you will see that I have a pretty good comp (not as good as the one your buying, but pretty good compared to most people). I have three case fans. I'm pretty sure if I didn't have any, my comp might get a little to hot. Yes I know, I have a crappy graphics card. I just bought this system and got that card with it until the X800XT PE comes out. Then I'll upgrade. I'm not sure if the ATI is out, but I don't really care. I'm going with Asus.

http://usa.asus.com/products/vga/ax800xt/overview.htm
 
good point about the case fans but i'm assuming they already have them installed.....if not their computers wouldn't be crash and no one would buy them.
 
smcgee85 said:
This has absolutely nothing to do with video cards, but i recommend you get a case fan or two. Unless my eyes deceive me it says :

Case Fans: none

I'm not the best with hardware but I know that you need some case fans to keep that mega machine from over-heating.

Smcgee85

P.S. If u look down you will see that I have a pretty good comp (not as good as the one your buying, but pretty good compared to most people). I have three case fans. I'm pretty sure if I didn't have any, my comp might get a little to hot.
Click to expand...

I was tempted to put this thread in the General forum, because I want feedback on other parts of my system as well. The description of my case states it comes with 3 fans. Do you think that is enough?
 
Well it depends on what kind of fans their talking bout. They could be ripping you off and the three fans are really the heat-sink fan, the power-supply fan, and the gpu fan. If you look again at your original post you will see it says:

Case Fans: none

Smcgee85
 
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