Vid card advice needed.

[FB]

I saw rotorheads thread but didn't want to hijack it.

anyway, i have the same dilema. I want a new card, but don't want to go overkill on my system. I am sure my CPU/fsb/memory are a bottleneck, but i want to be able to play Doom and HL2 at high quality (i like eye candy, can you blame me?)

specs:
3.06b P4
1 gig of PC800-40
P4t533-c mobo

currently have a 9700pro from the day it was released, but it isn't cutting it to my standards in D3.

help please? :bonk:

[Pointhore]

A nice X800 pro or a 6800GT will do you fine . Both cards will run well with your system.
If you are still playing FS2004 and all the Flight sim games, the X800 pro will give you better performance then the 6800GT.
All other games run great on either card.

[flexkill]

with yur setup,and with the next gen cards coming out, i would go for a 9800xt or a BFG5950. i have the BFG5950 and i love it! play all games with ultimate graphics and at 1280/1024 res!!! you will be fine with these cards for a while still. :thumb:

[FB]

i was thinking x800 pro, but not XT flavored.

and the 9800XT is the same price as the x800 pro, so why 9800XT over the X800?

[flexkill]

A nice X800 pro or a 6800GT will do you fine . Both cards will run well with your system.
If you are still playing FS2004 and all the Flight sim games, the X800 pro will give you better performance then the 6800GT.
All other games run great on either card.ya those cards are great if you want to shell out the money. if not give what i said a try you wont be sorry and save some cash. :thumb:

[flexkill]

the prices are about to really drop on these older cards....you will see!!! :thumb: i just dont like buying stuff when it first comes out . it almost always has bug's to be fixed and they wont really be needed for at least a year. so why not cash in on the high end older cards that are just fine. thats just my opinion. :thumb:

[Pointhore]

I've had all the cards you mentioned Flexkill. After you've tried the X800 card you will never want to use another card again. :D

[flexkill]

ya i know point, but they truely arent needed yet. i mean i just got this card not to long ago i cant justify spending all that cash on another card right now thats all. i will wait another 6months or so then buy. :wpleased:

[FB]

Pointhore, that doesn't help my cause any.

and i am prepared to drop 400.00 max


when do you think the price drops will happen, and where? online or local stores?

[flexkill]

it will be very soon,and the prices will drop online and retail stores, but you will almost always get a better deal online. :thumb:

[FB]

i figured it would be better online.

i might have to go look at some more reviews to see what i can come up with.
thanks guys

[flexkill]

NP, goodluck!!! :thumb:

[Snafu]

Be careful. Shimmishim is having troubles with the oc after installing x800 (see link). So far it is suspected to be the psu.
http://www.bleedinedge.com/forum/showthread.php?goto=lastpost&t=3729

No point shelling out big bucks for a 9800 when they are the same as an x800.

P.S. I have my 9600XT oc's to 550 (core)/325 (mem). So far no smoke :lol: . Not as glorious as an x800 but not bad for a 9600.

[FB]

general system OC, or vid card OC??

i dont' OC the cpu, and my 9700Pro, is running at like 341/322, so nothing spectacular.

[Snafu]

Shimmishim was having problems with his cpu oc (fsb). Seems (speculate?) the x800 requires too much juice from the psu and causing instability in the cpu oc (fsb).

[FB]

yeah, i posted that before i read the thread :o

anyway i think since i don't OC, i should be ok since i have a 480W Antec PSU.

[Snafu]

Sounds like you are all set and convinced to get an x800 (I'm jealous).

[Pointhore]

ya i know point, but they truely arent needed yet. i mean i just got this card not to long ago i cant justify spending all that cash on another card right now thats all. i will wait another 6months or so then buy. :wpleased:

I take it you've never played IL2 forgotten battles, LOMAC or FS2004.
When playing IL2 , running perfect for the landscape, with all the eye candy on, brings the 5950 and the 9800xt to it's knee's. I don't consider 15-28 fps playable using those cards. Don't get me wrong, most of the game will run well enough to play with decent fps using the lesser settings. :chit: FB also has DOOM III, I'm assuming he has to turn down the graffics settings to run the game, otherwise he wouldn't be looking for a new card. :yup:

FB,
Where were you a few weeks ago when I was selling (2) X800 Pro cards for $360.00 each w/shipping. :yikes: :bonk:

[FB]

on vacation :( i saw that thread, but i don't remember where.

and yes D3 is very taxing of my 9700Pro, farcry played just fine, D3, does not :(

i get at most average of 30fps, with a lot of lags :( at 1024x768/ High quality, and not aa :(

[FB]

Sounds like you are all set and convinced to get an x800 (I'm jealous).
i was kinda decided before i asked, but i thought it would be best to come to BE and ask the experts;)

i just needed reaffirmation that i made a good choice.

thanks guys, hopefully by sept. i will be fraggin with a x800pro :D

[joeMan]

Proceed at your own risk but, yo, check this out:
http://www.newegg.com/app/SearchProductResult.asp?DEPA=0
Keep your eyes peeled here for refurbished if you feel it's worth the risk...you could save a little money and try out an x800pro refurb from newegg.

Here is a portion of their refurb policy:
" Newegg.com guarantees all refurbish products for 15 days. CPUs, however, must be returned within 7 days for refund. All refurbish merchandise should be considered OEM "barebone" parts. Barebone means Newegg.com can only guarantee the item by itself, no other accessories. Despite what the product's description indicates, refurbish merchandise may not include all of the accessories mentioned on our website or the manufacturers. Newegg.com is therefore limited to the barebone part of the item itself. Please do not be upset or surprised if a refurbish product does not contain any cables, manual, software, drivers, fan, et al. Newegg.com will not send you any missing accessories, even if it is an essential part. "
The entire refurb details can be found at the bottom of the page here:
http://www.newegg.com/app/catalog.asp?type=Refurbish

Blah blah blah refurb...anyway, just thought I'd mention it as an option - I see two different makes currently available for $405 each (x800pro) but they may be gone by the time you look...they go fast.

[FB]

i can order a visiontek from visiontek for 404.00 shipped, no refurb and lifetime warranty.

thanks though :)

[joeMan]

Aaahhhh yesss, I see. Cool.

Man, I want an X800XT sooo baaad. Somethin's wrong with me... I can't sleep nights... It ain't right man... :cry:

ooo sorry for the outburst. :yikes: :bonk:

Anyway, good luck on your quest Flyboy -|-+

[FB]

OK guys, i just might switch over to the other side on this one.

i just cant make up my mind. I know either an x800 or a 6800GT will serve me just fine, but ahhhhh!!! i can't choose :(

[Gaspar]

I've had all the cards you mentioned Flexkill. After you've tried the X800 card you will never want to use another card again. :D well said! The 9800 series even XT as Ive had all those too doesnt hold a flame to the cards!
:lol: :lol: :lol: :thumb:

[FB]

i have an eVGA 6800GT on the way, should be here by friday:D

[Snafu]

If it helps make up your mind nVidia is having a special where is you buy a 6800 card you can get D3 for free from certain vendors. Its posted here:
http://www.bleedinedge.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3974

I did not go into the details behidn the special 'cause I'm shying away from the new cards for the moment. Hopefully it is a good deal for those interested in picking up a 6800.

[FB]

mine is already coming. the 6800GT's is newer tech compared to ATI's current offering, so i think i should be good for all games for the next 1.5 years.