Help me choose videocard!

[DJSfurry]

Hi. Been a while since ive posted here but im going to be needing some help here regarding a possible video card purchase. Firstly, my reason for upgrading (see sig for current rig):

Im not so sure how many of you have been anticipating the release of Splinter Cell: Double Agent but im a big fan of the series and have been waiting a LONG time for it to be released. (6 months of delays) and anyhow, looking at the minimum spec posted on the Ubisoft website, the game seems to only support Shader Model 3.0 capable cards, unfortunately my X800gto^2 doesnt and this really bums me out to know that I may not be able to play.

However, Splinter Cell Chaos Theory released last year supported SM3.0, along with options for SM2.0 and even SM1.1. Now, it would seem quite stupid for them to restrict themselves like this with the new game, as it would kill a lot of sales. (Although im all for moving forward rather than focusing on optimizing for lower end systems, though this seems annoying that it comes at a time like this after ALL the delays)

So anyhow heres my deal: last week my dad surprised me with a dell 2407WFP which replaces my old 1280x1024 19inch LCD. This in itself puts a great deal more stress on the graphics card but to my surprise performs quite well (CS:S at native 4xAA/16xAF, HDR off) although at times FPS drops to 30-50s (at which i notice lack of smoothness, possibly due to not syncing properly with the monitors 60hz refresh rate) Anyhow, i was planning to hold off till R600 but since i have this new monitor and game (which i do want to enjoy at high/full settings) it shakes things up quite a bit.

Im somewhat of an ATi Fanboy, however ive considered 7900GTs and 7950GTs because of the insane overclockability with voltmods and such (running a SLi board) but prefer the user interface and IQ benefits of ATi cards. I will only be purchasing a single card and nothing else and i believe the x1950XTX would last me for about a year with this monitor. Would this be the best purchasing decision (despite G80 being around the corner) or would you guys recommend another card? x1900xt? I want the ability to drive this monitor fairly easily with high settings. Also how well do these new GPUs overclock? Thanks in advance for any help

 

[Roguestar]

You think the X1950XTX will only last you about a year [with this monitor]?

...? I daresay in two years' time it won't be cutting edge any more but it'll still be great. I tend to upgrade my graphics card every two years. 9700Pro, X800Pro (and most likely soon an X1950Pro). You can only expect a certain time at the top for any graphics card, to be fair, but perhaps then you'd be better off buying a not-quite-the-best card now, and saving the money for a sooner upgrade?

 

[DJSfurry]

well actually i just read that the G80 is out on the 2nd week of november. something i would wait for if only just to see how it performs..

 

[jtenorj79]

hi there.

just joined so maybe i can help you out.

was glancing about the web this morning and found

a neat gem called the 7900gto. It has same:

gpu, mem, hsf, pcb and core mhz as 7900gtx, but

lower mem mhz. this is somewhat controlled by

allowed voltage in card bios. some have flashed to

7900gtx bios with luck while others ruined card. you

said you might volt mod which seem to let it clock to

7900gtx ref. levels or higher. best part is its only 255usd

at zipzoomfly for evga which offers step up program so

you could get the 7900 gto now and apply the purchase

price to G80 card within 90 days. free shipping too.

sure ati has better af now and it's possible to do aa and

fp hdr together, but you can adjust nv drivers and the

current ati cards dont do the aa/fp hdr combo that well

anyway. check out the 7900gto. you may be surprised.

hope this helps.

 

[hardwareking]

that is a good idea.The evga step-up program+7900 gto is a killer deal.I usually recommend an ATI card bt there isn't much that beats evga step up + 7900 gto in terms price,value and the ability to buy a G80 as soon as it comes out at a reduced price.(in exchange for u present card)

 

[ingenue007]

i just ordered 7900 gto. best bang for the buck.

7900 gtx is ~380-400 on newegg. 7900 gto is ~260. the 7900 gto is essentially a 7900 gtx. some boxes just have a gto sticker over the gtx label. basically you get a badass card at a much lower price.

 

[DJSfurry]

Seems nice although i live in hong kong, where i dont have access to Evga or BFG. Nvidia manufacturers that we have here include XFX, powercolour, inno3d. I believe XFX would be the best brand out of these. on the other hand we get pretty much all ATi manufacturers that count. Ill wait for the G80 to see how it performs