2600XT or wait for 3650?

[zero2dash]

There's a couple 2600XTs on sale at NewEgg for under $100 after rebate but I know the 3650 is supposed to be out soon.

Will both cards be pretty equal or should I wait on the 3650?

 

[BernardP]

From what I have read, the 3650 is supposed to have 2000 Mhz memory on a regular-size PCB (as opposed to the current GDDR4 version of this card). The 2000Mhz frequency is good for a slight performance increase.

More importantly, If you have Vista, the 3650 is supposed to be DirectX 10.1 compatible.

Also, as the 3650 will be built on a 55nm process, there is a better chance for factory-overclocked versions.

We can expect the price of the 3650 to be lower, because of the cheaper 55nm process and the performance difference with the 3850.

As the 3650 is supposed to come out towards the end of january, there is little risk involved in waiting until then. The worst that can happen is that the price of the 2600XT will continue to fall.

 

[daveybrat]

I'd wait for the 3650 myself. Should be faster, run cooler, and more features.

 

[happy medium]

Where does the 3650 performance fit? = 1950 pro?
The 3850 is faster then a 1950xtx

 

[amheck]

tagging along here. Looking for something for a new HTPC build. The 2600XT seems to be a good mid-range card, but its tough to buy at the current $100 price when all these new cards are coming out, with really tempting prices.

 

[zero2dash]

There are 2 512meg 2600XTs on NewEgg for >$100 after rebates. (both are similar spec wise, the only diffrences are brand name and cooler size)

Powercolor for $99.99 after $30 mir
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814131066

HIS for $84.99 after $27 mir
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161178

I may jump on that HIS card, that's the one I was thinking about getting due to the lower cost (despite the smaller cooler which I could care less about...seems adequate enough).

They may drop to under $100 with no rebates by the end of the month when the 3650's come out, but that $84 after mir HIS card is very very tempting for a budget card with decent performance.

 

[amheck]

does the HIS have HDCP?

 

[zero2dash]

Yes; it doesn't say it does according to NewEgg but on the box and on HIS's product page for that card it specifies that it is HDCP ready.

I found this odd myself because NewEgg has the same card, with HDCP listed, for more $.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161177 $129
(has a Zalman cooler on it too though)

(Again though, it says on the HIS site and the box pictured for the card that it supports HDCP.)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...XTF512DDN-R+Video+Card
http://www.hisdigital.com/html...ov.php?id=317&view=yes

 

[happy medium]

I its HDCP card you want. get a 2400pro for 50 bucks. It will do the same thing.

 

[daveybrat]

Originally posted by: happy medium
I its HDCP card you want. get a 2400pro for 50 bucks. It will do the same thing.

Unless he wants to play some games as well. The 2600XT smokes the 2400pro in games. But you're right, if he doesn't play games, even a 2400pro would suit him.