what should i get for under $250... ::questions updated::

[Hummercash]

currently building myself a new system (3700+ SD, 2gb pc3200 ocz el rev2 platinum, 74gb raptor, etc.). i haven't upgraded my system since 9/01 so pretty much anything will be a HUGE improvement (currently on a 1.4 tbird w/ gf2 ultra and 1gb ram). its mainly for daily use, video and photo editing, watching movies, etc. so a card w/ nice 2d/video features would help me out more than a card w/ more gaming oriented features. im not HUGE on gaming, but i wouldn't mind having the option to play some of the newer games and still have them look nice (like hl2, doom3, etc).

card must be PCI-E... im thinking either x700 pro or 6800np (can pick one up for about $200 shipped). would one of those be better than the other or would it be worthwhile to go w/ one of the x800 models? remember, not much gaming, more video editing and general use. or do you have some other suggestion?

TIA.


.//chris

EDIT: ok, im going with either x800xl, x700pro or 6600gt... so my new question... since gaming really isn't that big of a priority, which technology is better, videoshader hd (ati) or purevideo (nvidia)? from what ive read, there seem to be quite a few issues with the nvidia technology, plus you need to pay an additional $20 for their dvd decoder. so which tech supports more formats, produces a better quality picture, etc. thanks again people!

 

[Hummercash]

forgot to mention, the 6800np is 256mb.

 

[Hummercash]

oh come one, nobody wants to respond?

 

[Pete]

Not much gaming? ~$160 6600GT. Much gaming (specifically, high res and with AA)? ~$250 X800XL.

The PCIe 6800 just isn't as attractive as the AGP version, both b/c it comes with slower memory and b/c the PCIe 6600GT is often much cheaper (and contains the supposedly fully functional media processor). $200 for a 256MB 6800 sounds good, but it's too much of a tweener, IMO. I'd save and go for a 6600GT, or save up and move up to a X800XL.

Does the extra card memory even help with video editing?

 

[exar333]

id say go with a x800xl for 250-300 or a 6600GT for 150-200...the XL will be a lot better tho...both good cards

Edit: if you havnt purchased yet, wait for the dual core....with all your editing, it would be a great choice for you...still good for gaming as well...

 

[Avalon]

the PCI-e 6800NU is a different core from the AGP part, so the PvP functionality should work for it. But I agree. If you don't do any heavy gaming, a 6600GT will be perfect for you, and will still pack some oomph if you need it.

 

[Hummercash]

Originally posted by: ExarKun333
id say go with a x800xl for 250-300 or a 6600GT for 150-200...the XL will be a lot better tho...both good cards

Edit: if you havnt purchased yet, wait for the dual core....with all your editing, it would be a great choice for you...still good for gaming as well...

my old system is starting to die on me... had to pull half the ram, hard drive died, mobo seems a bit flakey... couldn't wait for the dual cores to come down in price, needed a new system ASAP. eventually i might get a dual g5 setup for video if i can save up enough money, but for now the 3700+ san diego will do (especially after reading some of the threads on it in the cpu forum).

as far as the x800xl vs 6600gt, the xl will be a lot better in gaming performance, but as far as video decoding/encoding, both are pretty equal? if so, im gonna go with the gt and save my money for future upgrades.


.//chris

 

[Hummercash]

bump for new question in OP

 

[lopri]

as far as the x800xl vs 6600gt,.. but as far as video decoding/encoding, both are pretty equal?

No it doesn't matteter. Video editing/encoding is done buy CPUs, NOT BY GPUs

 

[Dukemaster]

I'f gaming isn't a priority i would go for the 6600gt. No sense in spending a additional $100 if you don't need anything faster.

 

[kurt454]

6600gt tops. Maybe even a plain 6600.

 

[lavaheadache]

I have yet to put the pure video feature to use on my card yet because it seems as though you need to purchase software to do so. Not sure if this is correct and if it applies to ati cards aswell

 

[Hummercash]

well, i was able to pick up a used connect3d x800xl for $225 shipped. for $75 more than a 6600gt, i think its a pretty good deal! thanks for everyones input.

 

[ddogg]

Originally posted by: lopri

as far as the x800xl vs 6600gt,.. but as far as video decoding/encoding, both are pretty equal?

No it doesn't matteter. Video editing/encoding is done buy CPUs, NOT BY GPUs

exactly....if ur doing just video editing even a matrox card will be fine for u....but since u want to do a little of gaming as well i would say a 6600GT would be just fine for u...spending $300 on a XL is worthless if ur not heavy into gaming

edit: great deal

 

[xtknight]

I don't know. Neither PureVideo nor VideoShader HD are working now. I wish Microsoft would get off their ass and just release the DLLs, or I hope the hardware review sites leak them. What was wrong with the DLLs they sent to hardware reviewers anyway?

You'll have to wait for some video acceleration tests...or wait until Microsoft releases the DLLs (when hell freezes). MPEG2 acceleration on PureVideo is working now but that's it.