Which card should i get?

Michael

Michael

Active Member
I've narrowed it down to these two cards;

ATI

nVidia

(Yes, I'm forcing you to review the links before you comment ;))

My goal is to regain my system RAM from the onboard video, as well as supply a DVI-D port for a soon-to-be monitor which can utilize DVI-D.. the HDTV output is also a bonus.

I may also attempt some light gaming.. most likely minimal as I'm more of a console gamer.. but the option would be nice.

Each card is in my price range.. I may have a bit of wiggle room for dramatically better features, but I'd like to stay around the price of the cards I listed.

EDIT: I just noticed the ATI only has DVI-I, I believe I need DVI-D.

EDIT x2: Will the DVI-D plug fit directly into the DVI-I slot and work properly? I know DVI-I is analog and digital compatible, but does that mean the plug fits both DVI-A and DVI-D plugs?
 
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I'd go for the 8500gt if i had to choice from the 2, if i were you i'd at least get a 8600gt/7600gs since the 8500gt isn't better than an 6200
 
I could go for the 7600gs, except I'd have to up my PSU, right? I have a 250w right now (stock), but only have a 65w 3800+ cpu, LG DVD burner, a card reader and a single WD 160GB HDD.. no extra case fans or anything.

So, I think I looked at it wrong.. the 8500 series isn't newer than the 7600, it goes by the second number in.. correct? 7600 is newer than the 8500?
 
7600GS vs 7600GT.. which should I get? I see the main difference is GDDR2 vs GDDR3 RAM, but from what I read I can OC the GDDR2, and bring it up to GDDR3 level.

If there are no other objections, I'm going to order this card.

Is it worth the extra $15 for GDDR3 RAM?
 
In simple words a 7600gt/8600gt has twice the performance than the 8500gt, and the 7600gs is very similar but has a slighty better performance thanks to the GDDR3
 
chupacabra said:
In simple words a 7600gt/8600gt has twice the performance than the 8500gt, and the 7600gs is very similar but has a slighty better performance thanks to the GDDR3
Click to expand...

Me being on such a tight budget, would you recommend getting the GT over the GS for it's GDDR3 memory?

I realize it's only $15 more, but there's a rebate on the first one bringing it down to $60, the second would be $75 after the rebate, and every dollar counts right now ;)
 
The 7600gt would be great for medium gaming get it if you have the cash since is the better card you can find for the price, if you aren't planing to play high graphical demands go for the 7600gs/8500gt
 
chupacabra said:
The 7600gt would be great for medium gaming get it if you have the cash since is the better card you can find for the price, if you aren't planing to play high graphical demands go for the 7600gs/8500gt
Click to expand...

I ordered the 7600GT :D I hope the extra $$ is worth it.. mostly I'd just like to free up system RAM, utilize DVI and play a couple of games.. upping me Vista-ego is a plus as well (currently stuck at 3.0 + 3.0 for graphics + 3D graphics)
 
Stupidly I blanked and forgot to check if my mobo had PCIe x16, thankfully I believe it does.. correct me if I'm wrong;

PCIe x16 (Orange slot) ?
pcieza5.jpg
 
System Requirements Minimum of a 350 Watt power supply.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 18 Amps.)
Minimum 400 Watt for SLI mode system.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 24 Amps.)

I have 15A on my +12v line.
 
hermeslyre said:
Then you'll likely run into some problems unless you buy a new PSU. ;)
Click to expand...

If this card were drawing 18a constantly, it'd be drawing 216w from the PSU at all times.. it's rated for a hair over 80w, meaning it'll draw around 8a during normal use.

I'll upgrade the PSU next.. I'll start a thread about it now (sigh).. I'm so sick of upgrading.. by now I could have two separate towers with all of the new components I've needlessly replaced.
 
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