Need help choosing a video card...

[twotoes]

Ok, here is my current situation. I recently sent my 7900GT(extreme edition) to be replaced since it was displaying artifacts on my screen. Today, XFX responded, giving me a couple of options, since they no longer have the 7900GT in stock.*edit* Forgot to add, they also gave me the option, for a fee, to upgrade to the 8800GTS 320mb version. Now I know most people would say take this choice, but I'm not sure I'm willing to buy another graphics card that I don't really need, since I'm not even using vista yet.

I can have the card replaced with either a 7900GS or the 8600GTS. Now, I'm planning on going with the 8600, since it would allow me to eventually play DX10 games without the need to pay for a new card. However, I'm concerned that the lower memory bus might make the performance worse than my old card using my 22" widescreen monitor.(1680x1050 res)

Any thoughts?

[Scott]

I would go for the 8800. It is a dang fast card and does the speed of of 7900GT's in SLI for DX9 games.

But I am a nut and have a 8800GTX Ultra coming since I love speed.

[Victor]

I agree with Scott. Go for the 8800 GTS if the fee is not too high. The 8600 GTS would offer a similar performance to the 7900 GT (wait for our review which will be posted soon:)). So you will be getting the similar performance but with newer technology. Technically speaking the 7900 GS would probably be the same class as your 7900 GT, but if they offer you the 8xxx, you should definitely get it as the technology should worth it even if the similar performance 8600GTS.

Man, Scott, you always got the fastest card, you are just crazy for keeping up with the technology:icon_tiphat:

[twotoes]

Will my performance suffer with the 8800GTS since my current setup is somewhat outdated? This hardware will probably limit how much the card will be able to do.

FX-55
2gb DDR
400W PSU
k8n neo4 MB

[werty316]

A dualcore CPU would help as your CPU is a bottleneck but even so you should see a noticable jump in performance when compared to a 7900GT.

[PP Mguire]

CPU is a bottleneck? Maybe if he was playing Crysis or something or doing HXC 3dmarking. The 8800GTS will be fine with your FX dude. The only REAL problem i see is your power supply. My 450watt just went out today and im using a 7950GT Xtreme. something to think about.

EDIT:
Oh yea, and i said that about the cpu becasue ive been off and on using an X2 4800+ and an OCed 3000+. For real time there is no real difference. Loading games maybe but thats about it.

*X2 4800+ Stock
3000+ @ 2.52ghz*

[Chakka]

Hey Scott can I get my 7900gt upgraded too? I would really like a 8800gts 640mb...

[werty316]

CPU is a bottleneck? Maybe if he was playing Crysis or something or doing HXC 3dmarking. The 8800GTS will be fine with your FX dude. The only REAL problem i see is your power supply. My 450watt just went out today and im using a 7950GT Xtreme. something to think about.

EDIT:
Oh yea, and i said that about the cpu becasue ive been off and on using an X2 4800+ and an OCed 3000+. For real time there is no real difference. Loading games maybe but thats about it.

*X2 4800+ Stock
3000+ @ 2.52ghz*
So are you saying a dualcore wouldn't help?

[Schwarz]

twotoes check this out if you want.

7900GT 256MB vs 8800GTS 320MB
http://www.bjorn3d.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13355

[PP Mguire]

So are you saying a dualcore wouldn't help?
Not really. Im just saying that its not neccesary. I mean come on, how is it really bottlenecking the video card if the game isnt multi-threaded? I have the 7950GT which IMO isnt something to smudge your nose at right? Well the only difference ive seen really between my X2 and 3000+ are loading times and maybe a 5 frame difference. Like i said, unless hes playing Crysis or HXC benching it wont really make a difference bettern his FX-55 (Which is way better than the 3000+) or an X2 or something of the like. He needs to get a new PSU. Even if he gets another 7900GT.

[twotoes]

nevermind, i figured it out. gonna go with the 8800gts. thanks guys.

[tomato]

Good choice! ;) 8)

[werty316]

Wise decision.

[Santa]

All the others gave good tech advice, me just costumer satisfaction. I have the 8800 GTS... and it is sweet. :dancingparty:


Santa

[euro sport]

nevermind, i figured it out. gonna go with the 8800gts. thanks guys.

What was the additional price you had to pay?

[PP Mguire]

If i remember correctly i believe he said free of charge.

[werty316]

"Free"??? I think you meant "fee":
Forgot to add, they also gave me the option, for a fee, to upgrade to the 8800GTS 320mb version.

[PP Mguire]

hehe misread that, sorry.