What Vid Card to get?? Max 250-260$$

[leousb]

Greetings,

Need to get a nex Vid Card since my Mobo died on me and was using AGP, now want to go the PCIe way . . .

I'm getting a Asus P5B-Deluxe WiFi Mobo , and reading Anand and Sharky came to the conclusion that in that budget I can get either a:

• RADEON X1950 XT 256MB 100186L or a
  geForce 7950 gt 512MB

For what I've read the X1950XT has a slight edge over the 7950 gt but would like the input from real world users or any other suggestion within the mentioned budget

TIA.

PS: I need to get the card next week so NO waiting for a "new card" is possible for me

 

[Smartazz]

I think that the Nvidia card is quieter and runs cooler, but the X1950XT is faster. I would wait until more DX10 cards come out, the 8600 should be due soon.

 

[Jules]

Great thread, id like to know also.

 

[KutterMax]

I was running an x1950Pro 256MB AGP and recently switched to a 7950 GT OC 512MB (BFG) PCI-E card. My motherboard supports both AGP and PCI-E.

The reason I switch was driver problems (and possibly a defective X1950 Pro) - I was getting a lot of crashes in WoW and other titles.

The x1950 Pro seemed a little faster in some titles, notably Titan Quest. It is also faster in Oblivion. However I really like the 7950, as it is rock solid stable, works great with dual monitors, and plays my titles well at 1920x1200. The BFG card is a nice option b/c it is factory overclocked and carries a lifetime warranty. BFG provides outstanding service.

 

[stogez]

If you can wait, get the mid level 88xx cards coming soon or the ATI equivalents to them. If not, then the 1950XT is the current champ.

 

[jkresh]

you may want to buy whatever the cheapest pcie card you can find, then in a month or so when the 8600 is out look at that (the prices on the 7950 and x1950 will fall when the 8600 comes out anyway). If you have to buy now and don't want to use something as a temporary solution then it depends on how long you plan on keeping it. For the immediate future the x1950 will likely be faster in most games, 1-2 years from now the extra ram on the 7950 might be used and it may take the lead (possibly by a considerable margin at high quality settings).

 

[leousb]

It is interesting that you mentioned the amount of memory factor. So it would be safe to say that the more "future proof" card would be the 7950 in spite of it being a bit slower in some of current games available??
If the answer to that question is YES, then most likely would change my mind and go for the Geforce,

Thanks and will wait for more input :beer:. . .

 

[goingmerry]

i am also trying to chose between these two cards, i was considering this x1950pro, i like it because its a blue pcb, this 7950gt, also has a blue pcb, or possibly this 7950gt. but after reading this thread i'm considering splurging and going for a 8800GTS, or possibly buying some cheap card now and upgrading near future. i want to order these parts in time to build with my friend this weekend, he will be helping me oc. so i guess what i'm asking is what should i do? thanks.

 

[bamacre]

Spend a few bucks more and get the 320MB 8800 GTS card, just released today.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: bamacre
Spend a few bucks more and get the 320MB 8800 GTS card, just released today.

QFT, some are as low as 299 on the egg. Almost bought one, but I have two 7800 GT cards in SLI and need to know if a single 320MB 8800 GTS card will perform as well or better than what I have now.

 

[goingmerry]

ok sweet thats what i will get then.

 

[secretanchitman]

8800GTS 320MB! just came out today and its a good price/performance ratio. performs just like a 8800GTS 640MB with half the memory...obviously.

 

[f4phantom2500]

check out my fs/ft thread, i should be getting a 7900gtx with a vf900-cu, sellin' it for $250 shipped.

 

[IEC]

Buy a used X1900 series card or 7900gs. Then use the savings to buy a DX10 card later.

 

[alimoalem]

read Anand's review of the 8800GTS with 320MB. depending on the games/settings you play at, it could be worse. the X1950 and 7950 beat the 8800GTS 320MB in some situations so first look at the article

 

[leousb]

The only situations in wich the 8800 320 trails is in both Quake4 and one of the FEAR AA, otherwise it stays up with the big boys.

So, for my initial question, having these 8800GTS available for 299$ made me rethink my budget and add 40 more $$ and truly be more future proof, maybe now I´ll get the E4300 and overclocked the $$hit out of it instead of the e6400.

 

[goingmerry]

am vasilating about the same question that you are. do i spend around 200 for a 7950gt now, or get a cheaper card now and upgarde latter? i could just get some 100$ card now and wait a month or two till ati's dx10 is out.