7600GT vs. 7900GT

[bigshooter]

I'm building a Shuttle SN27P2 here shortly (unless the SD37P2 conroe system really doesn't cost $100 more like people are saying) and need a new video card. I currently use a radeon 9800NP and can still run new games, albeit not at high res with any eye candy on.

I am mostly concerned with something to hold me over until I either upgrade to an affordable mid range DX10 card sometime 6 or 7 months from now (if they're even available) or build a second SFF conroe based system sometime next sprint and with 7600GT's $110-$120 cheaper after rebate it seemed pretty reasonable. The performance numbers on the 7900GT don't lie though, it would be a significant boost.

Should I just save my ~$100 and get a 7600GT? Are there any Nvidia refreshes due out for low to mid end cards like I'm looking at. I'll probably get an EVGA so if there's something coming soon, step up should cover it.

THanks... 3 years ago I used to keep up on consumer PC hardware all the time, and built a ton of systems. I've had my latest one for over 3 years now and I'm feeling like a noob again.

 

[GeeFizzleDizzle]

If you're going to be upgrading again when DX10 cards show up, I would recommend getting the 7600GT to tide you over as it will give you enough performance for now (albeit at 1280x1024 and lower res) and then you could really blow the big money on a DX10 card and not feel like you wasted so much on a short term card.

 

[bigshooter]

That's what I'm leaning towards, and hopefully I can squeeze some 1680x1050 performance out of the card.

I also thought I read something about a refresh at least on the 7600 parts... has anyone heard that?

 

[Cookie Monster]

As some people know, the 7600 series which uses G73 core. The G73 core was said to have 3 quads but it was later found out it had 4 quads.

4 Quads can mean 16 pipelines hence 16PS/TMUs. This leads to the idea that NV is going to launch a card between 7900GT and 7600GT.

Recent roadmaps show that NV is preparing to refresh the midrange lineup to 80nm process. Rumours also have that G73 cores have a special audio capability. This card will probably go against the RV560 or a lower end of the R570.

However nothing much has been confirmed. If your looking at DX10, then dont get the 7900GT. G80 is slated for septemberish launch. Followed by 65nm refreshes of G80 and its mid/low end cards after maybe 3~4 months?

 

[bigshooter]

Maybe I'll just get el cheapo 7600 now and wait to see what happens. I was kinda hoping that if I get a 7900GT in early august and if G80 comes out in september then Nvidia will release the middle of the road version of the G80 that I can step up to for a reasonable price.

 

[Cookie Monster]

I dont think we will see the mid/low range G8x lineup. Mainly due to G7x cards. NV will want to sell as many G7x cores as possible. I wonder if we will see a price drop rather soon.