New video card search...

[Bonesdad]

I have a C2D system with 2GB RAM. Currently using a 7600 GT and need to upgrade to a newer card for gaming (currently the only game I have that pushes the 7600GT is Bioshock, but more DX10 games will be coming my way in a few weeks).

I want a 8800GT or 8800GTS...512MB models. I'm currently leaning toward the GTS due to the supposedly quieter(?) stock fans. I like the eVGA units due to the warranty and tradeup program, but I'd definately consider others. Noise is a huge issue for me as the computer is in my bedroom. Are the stock coolers on the G92 units (GTS) quieter than the GT fans? OR am I better off with the GT unit and purchasing an aftermarket cooler such as a Zalman?

Price is no real concern here, as I'm willing to spend up to $350. As always though, I'm always happy to save a few bucks, if I don't sacrifice a lot.

Any real difference in the different manufacturers (for equivalent cards)?

 

[M0R0NI]

I will say this I love my GT and it is super quiet! Here is a link (http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...No=3525668&CatId=2306) I also believe I saw it here for $279 (http://www.xpcgear.com/).
Isnt the GT the card with the G92 not the GTS.

 

[LTG]

Usually "price is no concern" + "quiet is important to me" = water cooling

But that could be a fair amount of rework to your system.

 

[M0R0NI]

Originally posted by: LTG
Usually "price is no concern" + "quiet is important to me" = water cooling

But that could be a fair amount of rework to your system.

I agree and didnt even think of that. If cost is really no concern then water cooling is the way to go.

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: M0R0NI
I will say this I love my GT and it is super quiet! Here is a link (http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...No=3525668&CatId=2306) I also believe I saw it here for $279 (http://www.xpcgear.com/).
Isnt the GT the card with the G92 not the GTS.

There are two G92 based cards (regardless of memory configuration), a G92 8800GT (112 sp) and a G92 8800GTS (128 sp).

 

[Relion]

I was kinda on the same boat as you some weeks ago... I got my GTS yesterday. I could only buy my card at Amazon so the prices were higher thatn the egg for example and the price difference between a GT and a GTS was neglible so I went for a GTS. If the price difference would be higher Id choose the GT. Actually if I d have a chance to buy at the egg...Id go for this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150252 .

 

[Bonesdad]

not interested in doing water...

aren't the double slot coolers quieter than single slot?

Here is a GTS I was considering...

EVGA @ Newegg

 

[Relion]

Thats the exact card I got....except it had Crysis bundled... it's a nice card from the experience of forumers

 

[thilanliyan]

Originally posted by: M0R0NI
I will say this I love my GT and it is super quiet!

I guess quietness also depends on the person...because I have the 512mb version of the exact card and it is definitely not quiet above 50% fan speed.

Great card though.

 

[Bonesdad]

Can anyone comment on the fans on the GT vs the GTS. Seems like most/all of the GT's are single slot, while the GTS are mostly fatter fans that push air out of the case...true? And also, not much real diff between major manufacturers (in terms of quality?) other than warranty stuff?

 

[rgallant]

Originally posted by: Bonesdad
Can anyone comment on the fans on the GT vs the GTS. Seems like most/all of the GT's are single slot, while the GTS are mostly fatter fans that push air out of the case...true? And also, not much real diff between major manufacturers (in terms of quality?) other than warranty stuff?

My take on this,

-88000gts 512-is the full card ,not cut back to meet ATIs price point for the 3870.
-3 power feeds to two
-higher voltage in the bios for higher overclocks
-bigger, slower fan = cooler (than stock GT fan)-one reviewer (can't find the link )thinks that more 8800GT were released in the colder climates,just to get the 8800gt to market , to counter the 3870 and that once summer hits there could be lots of RMA from people that have a over heating problems,From the first batch of cards.

-today, most of the 8800GT have larger fans and updated bios with better fan speeds, so you should look at each 8800GT before buying.

- For me the higher cost ($30.00)for the 8800GTS with EVGA stepup, card price won't make a drifference as step up cost is the new card price - what you paid for the old card ,but if I miss or don't want the stepup , I wanted the faster, cooler card. As I will be keeping it for a while.

 

[mindcycle]

I have an evga 8800 GT (fan set to 66% using rivatuner) and I can't hear it over the other fans in my case. So it really depends on what you're idea of quiet is. For me it's quiet enough.

You could always install one of these and it would be completely silent.. http://www.arctic-cooling.com/vga2.php?idx=138

 

[mooncancook]

If you want to play Crysis then I suggest the eVGA 8800GTS that includes Crysis. Got mine from egg for $320, and there's a $20 rebate. The game itself is $50. Pretty good deal if you haven't already own the game, and I prefer dual slot cooler.

 

[Oupavoc]

I have an Evga Geforce 8800GTS G92 on its way my current card is dying on me so that going to be great. I was going to get a 8800GT but the 8800GTS G92 was only $40 more so $320 and your getting better performance and better overclocking ability. My friend has one and he has this card clocking in at a whopping core: 820Mhz, memory: 2234Mhz and its stable as a rock. So imho you should go with the 8800GTS G92

 

[Spicedaddy]

I was going to get an 8800GT but opted for an ATI 3870 instead, and I think I made a good choice... Haven't had any problems with the 8.1 drivers yet, and the reference dual-slot cooler is really quiet.

But if you can spend more, definitely get the 8800GTS 512MB!

 

[Bonesdad]

OK, so what I am hearing is that if I don't MIND spending the $30 extra for the GTS with the dual slot fan, then go for it, even thought the "Bang for Buck" factor is a little less. Overall the fan will tend to be quieter given the larger fan...

fair summary?