2900xt goes on Sale - $320 at Best Buy [ooS now]

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Keysplayr

Elite Member
Jan 16, 2003
21,209
50
91
Originally posted by: apoppin
OK ... HD2900xt is on the Way ... it should be delivered on this Friday from BB in Ohio to my home in Cali according to UPS tracking

i ordered MB GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3P P35 775 R - Retail $179.99 as it seems to be a fully-featured OC'ing X-fire MB that will accept my PC6400 and also allow for an upgrade to QC Penyrn and Windows Vista OEM Home Premium for $111 [with the free flash 1GB USB 'booster'] ... probably here on Wednesday

all told, about a $600 upgrade and i probably only need another 2x1GB system RAM and another 20" LCD [16x10] to really complete it ... later ...

Did i miss ANYTHING?

Well so much for being frugal. LOL. Good luck with all your new stuff......again? ;)
 

nullpointerus

Golden Member
Apr 17, 2003
1,326
0
0
Originally posted by: BS
I gave up on 64bit when I tried XP64. Driver support isnt there and there are still software issues you run into for a minimal gain.

The situation's changed since then, but it can still be a mess depending on your hardware/software. I'm running 64-bit 24/7, and, except for the few remaining issues left for me to troubleshoot, everything in my rig is working just fine.
 

Keysplayr

Elite Member
Jan 16, 2003
21,209
50
91
Originally posted by: nullpointerus
Originally posted by: BS
I gave up on 64bit when I tried XP64. Driver support isnt there and there are still software issues you run into for a minimal gain.

The situation's changed since then, but it can still be a mess depending on your hardware/software. I'm running 64-bit 24/7, and, except for the few remaining issues left for me to troubleshoot, everything in my rig is working just fine.

That's good. But what are the true advantages in running 64 bit over 32? Does the OS run faster? Does it manage memory usage better? Is it a world of difference, or just barely noticeable? Or are we all just being forced, if we adopt Vista which runs "best" on 4GB of memory and being able to address and use that memory requires 64bit? The only one's I see that benefits from all this, is Microsoft, and memory vendors. And even USB 2.0 flash drive manufacturers if everyone makes the mistake apoppin almost did.

So, what I'm really asking is, what can you do better in 64 bit than someone else can in 32 besides more memory access (which is needed for Vista anyway)?

And what I'm also really asking is, what advantage does Vista64 have over XP32?
Yeah yeah, DX10. Anything else?


DISCLAIMER: These are good, practical questions. All Vista users need not get defensive in their choice to use Vista. My questions are not designed to make you feel bad, or good. They are just questions I need to ask. Keep it civil. -Thanks.
 

evolucion8

Platinum Member
Jun 17, 2005
2,867
3
81
A review from a Hard Drive from Newegg

Sorry to Hijack the Topic, But I remember that a couple of weeks ago, someone in Newegg bought 2 7600GS to make SLI which would offer Exceptional PowerPoint Performance, and now look at this, a setup with 2 Radeon X1300PRO in Crossfire, will be able keep up with the 7600GS in Powerpoint Performance?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822135106

Dax
Tech Level: somewhat high
Ownership: 1 day to 1 week 5/3/2007 6:57:44 PM


Pros: This is my first SATA HD. Will be using it on my new home built PC. this HD will be for OS only and some apps. Will definitely buy again from "HuevoNuevo" in the near future.

Cons: none

Other Thoughts: I was very impressed with the way they shipped it especially how it got to me so fast. Very satisfied with Newegg service. My first buily PC:) Bad Axe 2 Intel, E6400 Core 2 Duo, Mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 800MHz, Cooler master Centurion 5 ATX Case, 450Watt power supply, Sony CD ROM and DVD Burner, WD 80 GB SATA Hard Drive, Ati Radeon X1300 Pro Crossfire setup.
 

n7

Elite Member
Jan 4, 2004
21,281
4
81
Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
That's good. But what are the true advantages in running 64 bit over 32? Does the OS run faster? Does it manage memory usage better? Is it a world of difference, or just barely noticeable? Or are we all just being forced, if we adopt Vista which runs "best" on 4GB of memory and being able to address and use that memory requires 64bit? The only one's I see that benefits from all this, is Microsoft, and memory vendors. And even USB 2.0 flash drive manufacturers if everyone makes the mistake apoppin almost did.

So, what I'm really asking is, what can you do better in 64 bit than someone else can in 32 besides more memory access (which is needed for Vista anyway)?

And what I'm also really asking is, what advantage does Vista64 have over XP32?
Yeah yeah, DX10. Anything else?


DISCLAIMER: These are good, practical questions. All Vista users need not get defensive in their choice to use Vista. My questions are not designed to make you feel bad, or good. They are just questions I need to ask. Keep it civil. -Thanks.

True advantage?
It's the future, & we all know it.
You can delay all you want, but that's all you're doing.
You're also hurting your upgrade path [for RAM] in the process.


I went 64-bit primarily because of Superfetch.

Things ran just fine w/ 2 GB + 2 GB Readyboost for me, but i felt that 4 GB would be a bit faster, somewhat due to more appz cached, & i was right.
I also don't think Readyboost is a waste, though it won't be an overly perceptible performance difference if you have 2+ GB of RAM.

Advantages of Vista 64 over XP?!

Too many to get into.
However, I didn't get Vista for DX10.

I got Vista for Vista, as i've preferred it to XP for almost a year now (since RC1).
DX10 & very decent functionality in 64-bit are just bonuses.
 

apoppin

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
34,890
1
0
alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
Originally posted by: nullpointerus
Originally posted by: BS
I gave up on 64bit when I tried XP64. Driver support isnt there and there are still software issues you run into for a minimal gain.

The situation's changed since then, but it can still be a mess depending on your hardware/software. I'm running 64-bit 24/7, and, except for the few remaining issues left for me to troubleshoot, everything in my rig is working just fine.

That's good. But what are the true advantages in running 64 bit over 32? Does the OS run faster? Does it manage memory usage better? Is it a world of difference, or just barely noticeable? Or are we all just being forced, if we adopt Vista which runs "best" on 4GB of memory and being able to address and use that memory requires 64bit? The only one's I see that benefits from all this, is Microsoft, and memory vendors. And even USB 2.0 flash drive manufacturers if everyone makes the mistake apoppin almost did.

So, what I'm really asking is, what can you do better in 64 bit than someone else can in 32 besides more memory access (which is needed for Vista anyway)?

And what I'm also really asking is, what advantage does Vista64 have over XP32?
Yeah yeah, DX10. Anything else?


DISCLAIMER: These are good, practical questions. All Vista users need not get defensive in their choice to use Vista. My questions are not designed to make you feel bad, or good. They are just questions I need to ask. Keep it civil. -Thanks.

well, the *only* reason i am getting Vista [now] is because my old Win2K probably won't accept the very latest Cats required to run HD2900xt right ... and i don't want to run XP [on "principle", now]

as to the 2GB vs 4GB limitation ... i *really* don't know .. i am a gamer ... i don't think we see ANY games that use over 2GB for quite awhile
... and i don't know if 4GB won't ever be able to run properly in Vista 32-bit or not ... but i do know that the complaints i hear about 64-bit are enough to keep me away from it
.. with a 1 GB [or 2GB flash booster] i think i can manage alright

as to getting the OEM version of Vista, i understand that MS is sued so much they are allowing MB changes [practically] ... but you have to remember that his MB should also support Penryn so i will be using it for the next two years or so ...

[yeah ... Penryn is my NEXT upgrade ... maybe with a 2nd HD 2900xt ... and likely with a 2nd LCD - i am thinking of the 20.1" 10x16 as my No 1 monitor]

NEXT year :p

ANYway, i have the weekend to work on it ... if i hate it ... i can eat the restocking fee on the MB and send the HD2900xt back .... the Vista upgrade is a "given" ... i have to ... sooner-or-later [and NOT for Halo2]
 

apoppin

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
34,890
1
0
alienbabeltech.com
i just got a PM ... my MB has only one IDE drive slot

/sigh

that means i need to get a SATA HD, right? ... or get crappy performance with a 2nd one

what is a good "hot" deal going on now ... something i can buy an identical one for RAID later on?

NewEgg loves me
 

tuteja1986

Diamond Member
Jun 1, 2005
3,676
0
0
appoppin don't bother getting more than 2GB of ram... 2GB of DDR 800 micron ram and oc to 1000Mhz 4.4.4.8.
 

ArchAngel777

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
5,223
61
91
The more memory on the graphics card, the less potential usable system ram on a 32-bit system. With graphics cards aproaching 1GB of onboard memory, high end gaming will be pushed right into the 64-bit arena within the next year, possibly two. Also, due to the fact that only Vista (officially) is going to support DX10, then 64-bit 'Vista' is the only reasonable choice for building a gaming rig next year.

Right now we are in libmo, which makes it difficult to recomend anything. 64-Bit Vista is good, but is still has some issues to work out, so potentially some games may not run that well, or at all for that matter. 32-bit XP works perfectly, but it isn't that future proof (nothing is, for that matter) as you will likely hit the memory limit with some of the future games coming out in the year or two, not to mention the lack of DX10 support. Of course you could always build a new rig, but that isn't something a lot of people have the money to do on a yearly basis.

Although it is said that with computers something new is around the corner, and while true, there are in fact right and wrong times to buy new hardware. Timing is critical for those without deep pockets.

My opinion is that anyone looking to purchase a retail version of Vista should no doubt be purchasing the 64-bit version, as the 32-bit version would just be a waste of money for a gaming rig. I do not believe this applies to the "Ultimate Edition" since it has both versions on it, IIRC.

Back on Topic:

Apop, I am really looking forward to your review of the 2900XT. I was going to *buy* it, but by the time I got home and checked out the website it was "Sold Out"... What a bummer, because I could have ordered it online before I left Sunday morning... :-(
 

apoppin

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
34,890
1
0
alienbabeltech.com
the way i look at it ... Vista 32-bit costs me $111 right now instead of $229 ... it IS tied to my MB ... which should "hold me" for 2 more years

BY *then* ... who cares? either i will be so broke, i might be homeless ... or doing very well ...
... in the meantime, i will enjoy my rig

i do know that - right now - Vista 64-bit is unnecessary and buggy ... and my new GPU *only* has 512MB vRAM ... anything more than 2GB can be 'helped' by the 1GB flash drive ...

and "suggestions" [please] for a SATA drive that is cheap [now] and i can buy a 2nd one later for RAID

Apop, I am really looking forward to your review of the 2900XT. I was going to *buy* it, but by the time I got home and checked out the website it was "Sold Out"... What a bummer, because I could have ordered it online before I left Sunday morning... :-(
they sold out *quick*

thank-you ...yes ... it sold out in a few hours ... i got up [strangely] at 5AM Sunday Morning and got on it very early

and it's back at BB ... BUT

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...mp=++&id=1178926024172

NOT on sale .... $399.99


How is this HD?

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3250820AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $66.99

can i do better for cheap[er]?
 

ArchAngel777

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
5,223
61
91
Yeah, since you went OEM Vista, then 32 bit is the best choice.

When will you be receiving the 2900?
 

apoppin

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
34,890
1
0
alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Yeah, since you went OEM Vista, then 32 bit is the best choice.

When will you be receiving the 2900?

Friday ... this friday ... in time for the Weekend's build

and ... How is this HD?

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3250820AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $66.99

can i do better for cheap[er]?
... 250 GB seems "about right"
[not too big, not too small ... just right ... my current PATA HD is 120GB]

no additional cables, just plugs right into my new MB, right?

do i need two?
 

ArchAngel777

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
5,223
61
91

apoppin

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
34,890
1
0
alienbabeltech.com
thank-you

... now .. shall i get two?

today [one IS in my cart]

for RAID ... it is cheap as heck ... will it drop further? Be hard to find?

thanks to ALL of you guys for helping me ... i have had about 100 PM since last night ...
BIG thank-you!

 

ArchAngel777

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
5,223
61
91
Originally posted by: apoppin
thank-you

... now .. shall i get two?

today [one IS in my cart]

will it drop further? Be hard to find?


If your goal is to RAID0 eventually, get it now. The price will not drop much more
... Hard Drives only drop so low. There is a "sweet spot" As an example, look on newegg.com for the cheapest Hard Drive they have, I think you may find a 40gb for maybe $40 bucks. You *might* find your model for $50 in two years, but that is probably the best you are going to get, even that I doubt...

Yes, certainly, if you are going to RAID0, do it now, not later.
 

apoppin

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
34,890
1
0
alienbabeltech.com
*done*

thank-you, AA!

it only hurts when i smile
[free shipping on two .. that's "why" i got Vista Cheapie ... and i just broke my budget ... $750 upgrade for HD2900xt .. don't add in the stuff i already bought earlier this year ...

now ... before i hit "submit" .. anything else ?
 

ArchAngel777

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
5,223
61
91
Originally posted by: apoppin
*done*

thank-you, AA!

it only hurts when i smile
[free shipping on two .. that's "why" i got Vista Cheapie ... and i just broke my budget ... $750 upgrade for HD2900xt .. don't add in the stuff i already bought earlier this year ...

now ... before i hit "submit" .. anything else ?

Short prayer to the almighty that nothing arrives DoA? :D
 

apoppin

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
34,890
1
0
alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Originally posted by: apoppin
*done*

thank-you, AA!

it only hurts when i smile
[free shipping on two .. that's "why" i got Vista Cheapie ... and i just broke my budget ... $750 upgrade for HD2900xt .. don't add in the stuff i already bought earlier this year ...

now ... before i hit "submit" .. anything else ?

Short prayer to the almighty that nothing arrives DoA? :D

the almighty stopped accepeting my collect calls

ANYWAY, all i *need* to work is my HD2900xt ... my MB will do fine with it's 4x PCIe slot for gaming ... i WILL get a substantial performance increase over x1950p ... and i can always set up [one] new SATA HD drive with Vista ... so you guys are stuck with one of my reviews


here's how i make myself feel better about spending SO much this year
[when i blabbered on and on [and on and on] about "waiting" responsibly for SP1/DX10 and a new GPU and telling others "how" to do it ... sorry]

. . . i am making more money this year .. and i need an "offset" for my income taxes

this IS a real "business deduction", you know ... gaming is "incidental"
 

ND40oz

Golden Member
Jul 31, 2004
1,264
0
86
You can still get these instore. Even if they store doesn't carry them, they can do a customer fullfillment for you. That way you can use your 12% Fathers Day coupons. I bought 2 instore for 281.59 a piece plus tax. They'll either ship it to the store or to your house for free. Pretty sweet deal, mine should be here on the 15th...crossfire 2900XTs for 563 is a hell of a deal.
 

ArchAngel777

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
5,223
61
91
Originally posted by: ND40oz
You can still get these instore. Even if they store doesn't carry them, they can do a customer fullfillment for you. That way you can use your 12% Fathers Day coupons. I bought 2 instore for 281.59 a piece plus tax. They'll either ship it to the store or to your house for free. Pretty sweet deal, mine should be here on the 15th...crossfire 2900XTs for 563 is a hell of a deal.

More info? I might do this.... I can't believe it can be done...
 

imported_BS

Senior member
Mar 8, 2005
375
1
81
Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Originally posted by: apoppin
*done*

thank-you, AA!

it only hurts when i smile
[free shipping on two .. that's "why" i got Vista Cheapie ... and i just broke my budget ... $750 upgrade for HD2900xt .. don't add in the stuff i already bought earlier this year ...

now ... before i hit "submit" .. anything else ?

Short prayer to the almighty that nothing arrives DoA? :D

I have it in hand.
Praying on this one as its my 4th try at a working video card in the last month and a half.
2 8800GTS's and 1 2900XT
 

ArchAngel777

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
5,223
61
91
Originally posted by: BS
Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Originally posted by: apoppin
*done*

thank-you, AA!

it only hurts when i smile
[free shipping on two .. that's "why" i got Vista Cheapie ... and i just broke my budget ... $750 upgrade for HD2900xt .. don't add in the stuff i already bought earlier this year ...

now ... before i hit "submit" .. anything else ?

Short prayer to the almighty that nothing arrives DoA? :D

I have it in hand.
Praying on this one as its my 4th try at a working video card in the last month and a half.
2 8800GTS's and 1 2900XT


I don't really trust BS benchmark's... :D Heheh.... Let us know how it turns out.