Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
not only that i think it costs more than it should becuase they are keeeping an old technology alive.......because this is AGP only it requires the HSI chip, and because that chip costs money to produce and stick on a PCB the whole card costs more.
That chip doesn't cost that much, from what I hear it's only like $10. Altho you do have to figure in the new PCB traces, instead of using the newer PCIe PCB. So there is a small amount of charge for that chip and what it takes to change it from PCIe to AGP.
Now, as mentioned they do have the market cornered so to speak. ATI/nVidia both want it this way. More money means everything to stockholders, that's who will benifit from this along with the companies.
Does the 7800GS card suck? No more than an AGP X850XT PE does. Ask people what they think of the ATi counterpart and you will have your answer. It is a great card for someone who wants a better gaming experience without buying 2-3-4 more parts for a rig. Not exactly exstatic about the pricing, but it will settle in time. But still, it is cheaper than X850XTPE.
No matter how you try to trash this card, it is still worth atleast a look from an AGP owner. A 6800GS AGP may be a better choice, 'if' it can be unlocked. Even if it stays locked though, it still does a decent amount of work.
For someone like myself, who has never experience any type of high end gaming, this is a dream come true. I would love to play/see DoD:s on a 7800GS. Currently I am playing that game @ 800x600 medium. Wouldn't you wanna try 12x10 4AA? That would be sweet!
In the end, it is still up to the individual to decide. Each of us have our own values, likes and dislikes. I may choose to buy this card and think it's the best thing since sliced bread, but you, on the other hand, may think it's the biggest piece crap ever. To each his own