ATI or NVIDIA

J

JMan719

New Member
I'm currently in the process of buying a new computer. I'm in the customization stage and I need to make a choice. I have the option for either a 1GB ATI Radeon 3870 X2 or Dual 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT's with SLI. I've read that the GeForce is better but I'm not sure if the reviews I read were for the GT or the others in the series. Any help on this matter would be much appreciated. Also I was wondering:

- (This is probably a GIGANTIC newb question) If there are dual graphics cards does that mean their memory adds together. Example: If there are two 512MB cards in the system does the system have 1GB of video memory. I ask this because Cysis System Requirements are 512MB of video memory and I like to go slightly over, just to be safe.

Thanks again for any help.
 
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Why on earth are you even going to buy a PC from Alienware. That's just like going to a Lexus and asking for a Toyota. They rip you off. Build your own and save a couple of thousand.
 
Very true. And don't measure graphics cards by video memory. It has a small impact on performance compared with the graphics processing unit. That's what really matters. Plenty of really bad graphics cards have alot of video memory just to trick the consumer.
 
Anyone who gets a PC from Alienware should be beaten.

For example, if you're filthy rich and want to waste thousands of dollars on a top of the line computer from Alienware or anywhere else, at least spend a ton of money on Newegg and pay someone or some store to build it for you. At least then you have a much cooler looking case...whether it be more classy or gaudy as hell.

Seriously though, anyone who buys a PC from Alienware is a moron.
 
Yes I am aware that Alienware overcharges and that I could buy the computer elsewhere for a cheaper price. However, I have never shopped with places like Newegg or any other sites. I have done business with Dell before though, and I have been pleased with the results in the past. So in the end it really comes down to trust and good customer service (I lack a good grasp on computer knowledge) which I know Dell has. As far as building the computer myself, again I don't have the knowledge to do so and don't have the time to learn. In the end, because I have already gathered the money (Ive been saving up for awhile), I am willing to take the extra price tag. Thank you though for the suggestions. I appreciate the feed back, even though the options you suggested weren't for me. And if anyone still has an opinion on a graphics card I would like to hear it.

Also, Steelshivan I would be thankful if you did not call me a moron. I haven't insulted you in anyway so please refrain from doing so in the future.
 
What motherboard does the X2 comes with, what does the SLI 8800GT's come with?

The 3870X2 does outperform SLI 8800GT's. BUT if the X2 comes with a crappier motherboard, get the one that comes with 8800GT's.

Of course building it yourself is the best option, but i know not everyone is "capable" or comfortable with building their own.
 
JMan719 said:
Yes I am aware that Alienware overcharges and that I could buy the computer elsewhere for a cheaper price. However, I have never shopped with places like Newegg or any other sites. I have done business with Dell before though, and I have been pleased with the results in the past. So in the end it really comes down to trust and good customer service (I lack a good grasp on computer knowledge) which I know Dell has. As far as building the computer myself, again I don't have the knowledge to do so and don't have the time to learn. In the end, because I have already gathered the money (Ive been saving up for awhile), I am willing to take the extra price tag. Thank you though for the suggestions. I appreciate the feed back, even though the options you suggested weren't for me. And if anyone still has an opinion on a graphics card I would like to hear it.

Also, Steelshivan I would be thankful if you did not call me a moron. I haven't insulted you in anyway so please refrain from doing so in the future.
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Easiest way, go to your local computer store (not best buy), find the IT guy who works their, tell them what you want on your computer, tell him your budget, and I'm pretty sure he'll give you the best advice on what to get.


and for the ATi and Nvidia question, I've heard rumours that ATi gets better graphics than Nvidia but Nvidia would blow away ATi's in performance department.
 
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