Video Card recommendation? 1

[algae1]

Hi all,
My system specs are A7N8X Deluxe Mb, Athlon 2500+ CPU, I G Dual Channel RAM. My current video card is an ATI Radeon 9600. I haven't done a lot of research yet but I'm hoping you can point me to a decent card where I will notice a difference (Doom 3, Far Cry, Brothers in Arms) and that is at a "sweet spot" price.
Tia for any info.

Gary

 

[franklin97355]

http://www.tomshardware.com

http://www.pricewatch.com

 

[paparazi]

algae1
Well I guess the cards that have been creating the most interest in the middle sector recently have been ATI's X800XL and Nvidia's 6600GT, both are the best in their respective price ranges.

The 6600GT has recently been boosted with a 256mb version (usually 128mb) but both versions use the super faster 1.6ns DDR3 memory and have a very respectable 500/1000 default core/memory speed and 128bit interface.

The X800XL is a bit more expensive with a full 256bit interface as apposed to the 6600GT's common 128, it has 256mb's of DDR3 as standard so definately has the edge, this card plays ball with the big boys and literally snaps at the heals of other products carrying twice it's price tag.

Of course it's a buyers market when it comes to high end AGP cards, this is because so many users are swapping over to PCI-E, there is definately an ayre of desperation in the retail sector over stocking such expensive, potentially obsolete hardware on the shelve's and so there are definate bargains to be had.

Look at discounted Nvidia 6800GT's and the equally impressive ATI X800XT's but only at the "right price"

Martin



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[paparazi]

algae1
It wouldn't be responsible if I didn't mention the fact that these newer, faster cards will not perform at 100% in your system due to chipset/CPU restrictions.
Don't be too alarmed, you are still going to experience a threefold boost over your present card whichever you choose.
Martin

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[algae1]

Great info. Thanks!

Gary

 

[addy]

Regarding what paparazi said about your CPU/chipset restrictions, this is valid up to a point although newer games are becoming very dependant on Video Card power, probably more so than older games due to the levels of shading etc. present in them. So although your CPU may provide a bit of a bottleneck, it won't be as noticeable in games such as Doom3 and Half Life 2.

Personally speaking, I would look for a 6800GT - the power of these cards is awesome. I run Half Life 2 at 1290*960, with 8x AF and 4xAA applied and the game is smooth and looks stunning.

 

[paparazi]

Just a small correction on a previous post I made.
These newer 256mb 6600GT's appear to have a 256bit interface as well as twice the memory.
A plain 6800 128mb would also be a good value choice, with 256bit interface but slower memory and core.
True the 6800GT is an awesome card if you can get one at a good price.
Martin

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[algae1]

Thanks again everyone. I've decided on a 6600GT. This is a big change for me as I've used mostly ATI cards for the past few years


G.

 

[paparazi]

algae1
Now to choose which one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?cid=3&id=1551

http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20050404/

http://www.hardwarezoom.com/viewcontent.php?docid=235&page=1&doctype=Reviews

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2295

Martin

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1780515,00.asp

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