6800gs vs 7800gt...obviously the 7800gt is faster but

[seymourman]

I am building a system for Chistmas. The system will be typical family computer. Games, WEB, Pictures, etc. I do have a budget. At first I was going to pop for the 7800GT with an AMD 3700+ Sandy. I have been thinking about moving to dual core, probably the AMD X2 3800+. To justify the extra processor cost, I thought about dropping down to the 6800GS.

In real world, noticeable terms what will I lose in video performance. I mean will games become unplayable, etc.

 

[hans030390]

depends on what games you play and at what resolution/settings

 

[RussianSensation]

You'll definately lose more in performance by downgrading the videocard than the cpu. An argument can be presented that a cpu will probably survive 2 videocard upgrades. So if you get X2, you can later upgrade the 6800GS and not upgrade the X2 processor. I personally buy hardware for today. Today, the benefit from dual-core in gaming is basically nonexistent. So if I was going to buy for today, I'd pick the faster videocard. The argument here is that I want better frames today and when dual-core software optimizations pick up, then it makes more sense to buy dual cores (and prices will have come down). 7800 gt should let you play at least 1 resolutino above 6800GS with AA/AF enabled. If you are into heavy-multitasking and can benefit from dual-core processor, then I'd buy the faster cpu. It all depends what's more important to you.

 

[Lord Banshee]

If it is all purpose computer get the 3800X2, dual CPU machines are so much nicer to work on. (i want me a dual core)

Now if you want to play any game today at 1280x1024 max/semi max settings the 7800GT is worth it.

I say get both, you can find a 7800GT for less than 299 bucks now, that is only 90 dollars more than the 6800gs. And i would not expect many games to run at max setting next year with the 6800gs. I upgraded from a 6800NU->7800GT and framerates doubled in most cases. Now i can play all my game(s) with no lag during heavy sections.

 

[aatf510]

I doubt that you will see a lot of improvement with dual core unless you are a heavy muti-tasker (opening 10 IE windows + Norton Antivirus Auto Protect in background is not muti-tasking).
If you indeed play newer games (like BF2) and you think you will play any of the upcoming titles (Unreal 3 for example) then the 7800GT is a no brainer and a 3800+ might be too slow in single core only apps.