320MB vs. 640MB

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dave_w

New Member
I'm looking to upgrade out of my 8600 GTS 256MB, and I'm considering the XFX 8800 GTS (XXX if I can get it). Now, my monitor's native resolution is 1680x1050. Will the 640MB version make a huge difference over the 320MB at my resolution? I'm still running XP, so no DX10 as of yet, and I'm not wild to get in on it.

My plan is to upgrade the GPU, wait a while, and see if the dual-core GPUs are affordable by the time I grow dissatisfied with one 8800, and then perhaps go SLI if I can't stomach a dual-core.
 
Your in luck, nVidia just released the 512mb 8800GT. Right now it is $280 and whoops the GTS's and is right with the GTX. So my suggestion is the get a 8800GT :)

I think sometime in Decemeber, maybe they are releasing the 9xxx series. But im not sure, i forgot when its suppose to be.. some one else may know about that
 
ThatGuy16 said:
But im not sure, i forgot when its suppose to be.. some one else may know about that
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Not anytime soon - for a number of reasons. They're still trying to get consumers to adopt their current product line. The release of another 8800 series card is further proof that they're not ready for the next release. The 8800 GT will serve as a good test for their new G92 processor. Expect the new product line late 2008. That's only my opinion, of course. :rolleyes: :D

It's highly unlikely that nVidia would use the "9000" branding for their next product line. ATI already claimed that series. It would be pretty poor marketing if they did, IMO. :)
 
dave_w said:
I'm looking to upgrade out of my 8600 GTS 256MB, and I'm considering the XFX 8800 GTS (XXX if I can get it). Now, my monitor's native resolution is 1680x1050. Will the 640MB version make a huge difference over the 320MB at my resolution? I'm still running XP, so no DX10 as of yet, and I'm not wild to get in on it.

My plan is to upgrade the GPU, wait a while, and see if the dual-core GPUs are affordable by the time I grow dissatisfied with one 8800, and then perhaps go SLI if I can't stomach a dual-core.
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8800GT, nothing else. Otherwise... the XFX 8800GTS 320MB is $269.99 @ Newegg...

320MB VS 640MB, the 640 doesn't even see that big of the performance increase...
 
Thanks guys. The reason why I'm so twitchy about video memory is that I upgraded to a 1680x1050 TFT LCD from a 1024x768 CRT last spring, and immediately noticed enormous performance sags. My current 8600GTS (from the comp I just built) is...underpowered. In my ever so humble opinion, it was a total waste of money. I'm not even going to try SLI'ing two of them, just gonna cut my losses and go 88xx series.

And on the new cards...I totally doubt I will have the money for a quad or any of the uber-new cards, and I will venture to say that 8800 ATX and Ultras won't become affordable. They'll drop down to the high-end GTS 640MB area ($300+), and the new cards will be priced even more ridiculously.

Or maybe game developers will regain their senses and start making games that the average gaming rig can easily run.

EDIT: After further research (and your thoughtful advice), I think I might be leaning towards an EVGA 8800 GT SSC 512MB. First, it seems that the XFX 8800 GT XXX has yet to arrive. Second, since I got my 8600 GTS less than 90 days ago through TigerDirect, and still have all the boxes, packaging, etc, I do believe I qualify for EVGA's Step-Up program. At $300 or so, the 8800 GT SSC seems to be a decent buy, and is impossible to pass up if I do qualify for the Step-Up program. Anyone use Step-Up or have experience with that particular card? It looks fast, seems to get solid reviews, and appears to get some pretty damn good framerates and benchmark scores on games I might care about (Call of Duty 4, namely).
 
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dave_w said:
I do believe I qualify for EVGA's Step-Up program. At $300 or so, the 8800 GT SSC seems to be a decent buy, and is impossible to pass up if I do qualify for the Step-Up program. Anyone use Step-Up or have experience with that particular card?
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First thing you need to do is register your card w/ EVGA. If you haven't already, go to their site, set up an account and have the serial number of your card next to you. The s/n is on the box and on the back of the card. You'll also need to enter the correct purchase date. Registering the card is easy on the website.

The step up program is pretty straight forward. You shouldn't have any problems. If you do, call them. They have an excellent reputation for customer service. I had some questions that were answered very quickly through email. Their representitives are knowlegeble and very helpful.

I'm stepping up to the Ultras, but I doubt you'll have any problems w/ that particular card. :)
 
How are people getting it to work with pci-e 1.0 boards? Have pci-e 2.0 boards come out yet? I know pci-2 slots are suppose to be backwards compatible with pci-e 1.0 cards but are pci-e 2 cards backwards compatible with pcie 1.0 slots?
 
towly said:
How are people getting it to work with pci-e 1.0 boards? Have pci-e 2.0 boards come out yet? I know pci-2 slots are suppose to be backwards compatible with pci-e 1.0 cards but are pci-e 2 cards backwards compatible with pcie 1.0 slots?
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PCI-E 2.0 cards are compatible with the current PCI-E motherboards.
 
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Just a note: nVidia is releasing their new/updated product lines, with the G92 processor. I believe they are releasing an updated 8800GTS/X line, with a launch price at $305. It comes out on November 19th, so that's what I'm waiting to step up to...
http://www.gamespot.com/forums/show_msgs.php?board_id=314159272&topic_id=25994620

I've also seen things about nVidia's 9800 series, with a higher price, also reportedly due out in November: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nvidia-9800-Series-Coming-Soon-62786.shtml

In addition, AMD is releasing the new RV670 on Nov 19th.
http://www.digitimes.com/mobos/a20071001PD211.html
 
Ya, total compatibility. The sin of it is, even the 8800GTX and Ultra doesn't use all of the PCI-e's 16x.

Man, this is hard. I want to wait and get the absolute highest caliber midrange card I can, but....dammit!
 
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