6800 vs. 6800Ultra

[k2Roland]

looks like I can get a 6800 from outpost for $250 or it looks like I can get an Ultra 6800 from Dell for $430 shipped (http://www.gotapex.com/)

I'm going to be building a new system and was going to get a 480W Antec Power supply but should I get a 550 if I get the ultra and want to overclock a 3000+?

Money is an issue the total system cost with the Ultra and 550W power supply is $1,410
If I go with the 6800 vanilla with a 480W my total system cost is $1220

Will the performance increase be worth the extra $200? I'm mainly going to be playing HL2 and whatever else comes out.

 

[Pete]

480W should be more than enough for a 6800U, and that's a great price on one.

Xbitlabs.com did a big power usage roundup of current cards: check their video section. While you're there, you can check their benches to see how much faster the 6800U is than a 6800. It won't be twice as fast, but it'll be significantly faster, and offers twice the RAM (handy for both super-high-res textures and AA at 1280x960 and above). You're obviously paying a premium for speed, but the Ultra should have a correspondingly higher resale value, too.

I believe both cards will be plenty fast for HL2. You can check FiringSquad.com's Counter Strike: Source VST benches for confirmation.

 

[k2Roland]

Thanks for the info.. there is only a $10 diference in power supplys but the 480W Antec has the cool blue lights.. and i like cool blue lights

so the big price increase is just the card