8800 GTS vs 8800 GTX comparison

[Patt]

Here's the deal, I have a computer purchase computer through work, and I'm springing for a fully loaded machine:

[*]C2D E6600[*]620W Enermax Liberty PS[*]2 GB high end RAM[*]8800 GTS 640MB or 8800 GTX

I currently have a 20" widescreen (1680x1050) LCD monitor.

Here's my question ... is it worth putting out the cash for the higher end card even I'm only going to be gaming at a max of 1680x1050 for the next while? I'd love to upgrade the monitor, but that isn't in the cards right now, and I'm plenty happy with what I have right now.

Any thoughts?

 

[n7]

R600 XT/XTX :thumbsup:



If you aren't gonna wait for those to show up (& hopefully push down the retarded 8800 pricing), then i'd suggest GTS for shortterm; GTX for longterm.

If you want that to run UT3 & Crysis maxed well, better be safe & get the GTX.

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: n7
R600 XT/XTX :thumbsup:



If you aren't gonna wait for those to show up (& hopefully push down the retarded 8800 pricing), then i'd suggest GTS for shortterm; GTX for longterm.

If you want that to run UT3 & Crysis maxed well, better be safe & get the GTX.

Dude, where do you do your shopping, seeing as you're in Edmonton? Do you buy anything local? I live 500 km north, but am still finalizing my specs/prices. Have you bought anything from MemoryExpress by any chance? Cheers.

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: Patt
Here's the deal, I have a computer purchase computer through work, and I'm springing for a fully loaded machine:

[*]C2D E6600[*]620W Enermax Liberty PS[*]2 GB high end RAM[*]8800 GTS 640MB or 8800 GTX

I currently have a 20" widescreen monitor (1680x1050) LCD monitor.

Here's my question ... is it worth putting out the cash for the higher end card even I'm only going to be gaming at a max of 1680x1050 for the next while? I'd love to upgrade the monitor, but that isn't in the cards right now, and I'm plenty happy with what I have right now.

Any thoughts?

Save your money the 640 model will be fine.

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: happy medium
Save your money the 640 model will be fine.

Yeah, I know it will be fine ... but I'm wondering what the differences might be.

 

[the Chase]

Originally posted by: happy medium

Originally posted by: Patt
Here's the deal, I have a computer purchase computer through work, and I'm springing for a fully loaded machine:

[*]C2D E6600[*]620W Enermax Liberty PS[*]2 GB high end RAM[*]8800 GTS 640MB or 8800 GTX

I currently have a 20" widescreen monitor (1680x1050) LCD monitor.

Here's my question ... is it worth putting out the cash for the higher end card even I'm only going to be gaming at a max of 1680x1050 for the next while? I'd love to upgrade the monitor, but that isn't in the cards right now, and I'm plenty happy with what I have right now.

Any thoughts?

Save your money the 640 model will be fine.

Yep- I have had both cards and GTS will be fine at that res. for at least a year or 2.

 

[the Chase]

Originally posted by: Patt

Originally posted by: happy medium
Save your money the 640 model will be fine.

Yeah, I know it will be fine ... but I'm wondering what the differences might be.

The difference is being able to run 4X AA at 2056x1535 instead of 2X AA at that res. and maybe 5-8 more fps in addition to running 4X AA. (This was with both cards OC'ed to their max however). If you don't OC the GTX may look a little better to you.

 

[Patt]

I don't generally OC ... especially with components that expensive

 

[the Chase]

Originally posted by: Patt
I don't generally OC ... especially with components that expensive

Then I would go GTX if I were you.

Edit-HHmmmm.....at that res.... I dunno....Depends on the fatness of your wallet the day you buy I guess....

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: the Chase

Originally posted by: Patt
I don't generally OC ... especially with components that expensive

Then I would go GTX if I were you.

Edit-HHmmmm.....at that res.... I dunno....Depends on the fatness of your wallet the day you buy I guess....

Meaning you'd lean against it??

 

[SickBeast]

IMO the GTX is overkill, especially at that resolution.

The difference between the cards, just so you know, is in the number of shaders (20% difference IIRC). If you overclock a GTS it will match a stock GTX.

So...I would get the GTS...320MB version in fact (which is what I just got).

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: Patt
I don't generally OC ... especially with components that expensive

As long as you don't volt mod the card EVGA's lifetime warranty supports overclocking.
An mild overclock with the GTS will give you performance at GTX levels at 1680x1050.
The GTX 768mb frame buffer is made for large screen monitors

 

[Painman]

I'm also gonna say 640 MB GTS for this setup. 1680*1050 is slightly less pixel bandwidth than 1600*1200. GTX only if you want to push hardcore eye candy like HQ AA modes - if you're not going to be driving 1900*1200 with one, then the extra horsepower ought to be put to such a use so it doesn't go to waste.

 

[the Chase]

Originally posted by: Patt

Originally posted by: the Chase

Originally posted by: Patt
I don't generally OC ... especially with components that expensive

Then I would go GTX if I were you.

Edit-HHmmmm.....at that res.... I dunno....Depends on the fatness of your wallet the day you buy I guess....

Meaning you'd lean against it??

Yeah after thinking about it- if your not going to go higher res. in the future I would save the $ right now and go with the GTS 320 version. Esp. this "late" into the cycle I would go EVGA GTS320 and you could step up to the 8900 or whatever they call it if you decide to later.

Or you could even step up to the GTX if not happy with the GTS.(Thats what I did.)

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: Patt

Dude, where do you do your shopping, seeing as you're in Edmonton? Do you buy anything local? I live 500 km north, but am still finalizing my specs/prices. Have you bought anything from MemoryExpress by any chance? Cheers.

All over.

www.ncix.com
www.directcanada.com (NCIX.com subsidiary that's usually cheaper)
www.tankguys.biz (US store that's awesome & ships to here)

Locally, i usually hit up:

www.memoryexpress.com
www.a-computers.ca
www.bcom.ab.ca
www.futureshop.ca

Yes, i've purchased a number of things from MemoryExpress, & i actually find them the best store locally by far, except that they never have the stuff i want in stock
That & they basically have a fit if you ask to price match lol...


I'd suggest the Corsair HX520/620 as it's the quietest well reviewed high end PSU out there.

E6600 sounds good; i'd recommend getting it locally, so you can see the steppings, & avoid the new "F" code one.
You want "B" or maybe "A".
E.g, L632B173

As for RAM, you technically don't need great RAM to achieve great OCs with the E6600 (due to its higher multi), but i'd still prefer it, as it allows for 4:5 or higher speeds unlinked (if you go nF 6xx).

G.Skill "HZ" (should be Micron; not sure what exact IC it is now)
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...=F2-6400PHU2-2GBHZ&manufacture=G.SKILL

Team Dark (ProMOS, but clocks well)
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...HC4DC-D&manufacture=Team%20Group%20Inc.

Mushkin XP2 (Micron D9GMH)
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...0BD7763&vpn=996523&manufacture=MUSHKIN

Team Xtreem 667 & 800 (Micron D9GMH in both)
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...HC3DC-M&manufacture=Team%20Group%20Inc.

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...00HC4DC&manufacture=Team%20Group%20Inc.

OCZ Reaper 1066
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...832&vpn=OCZ2RPR10662GK&manufacture=OCZ
Overkill heatpiped cooling, but cheap for higher binned Micron

OCZ EL Platinum 1000
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?...tDetail.php&DisplayProductID=7854&SID=
Not sure what IC, but assuming you get the rebate back, not badly priced at all

Seriously though, all those links mentioned (all of them are very good for OCing), i'd suggest this:
Generic Micron 667
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?...tDetail.php&DisplayProductID=7873&SID=
Check the ICs; if it says D9GMH, you can score 2 GB of great OCing RAM for $220

 

[chrismr]

I have a 8800gtx and game at 1680 x 1050, and I would say I am glad I went for this over the 8800gts.

With the settings I like to use (4xAA, 16xAF,High Quality) I get the following

When playing GRAW, I get between 65 to 75 FPS. With F.E.A.R you can still get a min FPS of about 40-something. Oblivion still comes down to FPs in mid 30's in heavily forested areas. Those are the more demanding games I can think of I play.

Thinking about it, that does not really leave me a lot of head room for more demanding games. Some, but not much. I am thinking it'll probably be a year at most before I have to start dropping settings to keep FPS at decnt levels. Hell, could be as soon as Crysis appears that I need to drop settings...


If you can afford it, go for the GTX if you settings preference is anything like mine - or higher, obviously.

 

[Skott]

If it were me in your particular situation I'd get the 8800GTS 640. Later on if you want you can get a 8900 or R600 if you want because those will surely be better than the 8800GTX I would think. Meanwhile your gaming with the GTS should be great at that resolution. And if you feel the need for more performance you can easily overclock the GTS to near GTX performance. Personally I wouldnt bother with the GTS 320 card but thats just me. I feel it cant touch the GTS 640 and GTX in performance.

Just my two coppers.

 

[Patt]

I just looked at my Computer Purchase program through work, and basically, upgrading from the GTS 640 to the GTX is going to cost me $3 per paycheque more ... so I think because I am intrigued at the prospect of eventually upgrading my monitor to something larger, I'll leaning towards going with the GTX.

 

[Apocalypse23]

Using a 1680x1050 res myself here (22inch) and an eVGA 8800GTS.

I have it overclocked to 630/940 and it runs great. I can play Oblivion maxed out (with additional graphic mods, and filtering turned all the way up), Doom, Quake 3, COH, BF2142, FEAR etc. all run great. This is with maxed out settings in game, and high filtering levels. Though nowdays, I tend to keep AA at 4xgamma or 8x and AF at 8x since I honestly don't notice any difference in IQ if I turn them up further while I'm playing a game.

My GTS cost about $200 or $300 less than the GTX, so I'm pretty happy with my purchase.

Heh, my problem now is that I am planning to buy a Sharp Aquos 46" (1920x1080) and I want to attempt gaming on that, but i'm not sure what kind of performance to expect.

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: n7

Originally posted by: Patt

Dude, where do you do your shopping, seeing as you're in Edmonton? Do you buy anything local? I live 500 km north, but am still finalizing my specs/prices. Have you bought anything from MemoryExpress by any chance? Cheers.

All over.

www.ncix.com
www.directcanada.com (NCIX.com subsidiary that's usually cheaper)
www.tankguys.biz (US store that's awesome & ships to here)

Locally, i usually hit up:

www.memoryexpress.com
www.a-computers.ca
www.bcom.ab.ca
www.futureshop.ca

Yes, i've purchased a number of things from MemoryExpress, & i actually find them the best store locally by far, except that they never have the stuff i want in stock
That & they basically have a fit if you ask to price match lol...


I'd suggest the Corsair HX520/620 as it's the quietest well reviewed high end PSU out there.

E6600 sounds good; i'd recommend getting it locally, so you can see the steppings, & avoid the new "F" code one.
You want "B" or maybe "A".
E.g, L632B173

As for RAM, you technically don't need great RAM to achieve great OCs with the E6600 (due to its higher multi), but i'd still prefer it, as it allows for 4:5 or higher speeds unlinked (if you go nF 6xx).

G.Skill "HZ" (should be Micron; not sure what exact IC it is now)
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...=F2-6400PHU2-2GBHZ&manufacture=G.SKILL

Team Dark (ProMOS, but clocks well)
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...HC4DC-D&manufacture=Team%20Group%20Inc.

Mushkin XP2 (Micron D9GMH)
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...0BD7763&vpn=996523&manufacture=MUSHKIN

Team Xtreem 667 & 800 (Micron D9GMH in both)
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...HC3DC-M&manufacture=Team%20Group%20Inc.

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...00HC4DC&manufacture=Team%20Group%20Inc.

OCZ Reaper 1066
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s...832&vpn=OCZ2RPR10662GK&manufacture=OCZ
Overkill heatpiped cooling, but cheap for higher binned Micron

OCZ EL Platinum 1000
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?...tDetail.php&DisplayProductID=7854&SID=
Not sure what IC, but assuming you get the rebate back, not badly priced at all

Seriously though, all those links mentioned (all of them are very good for OCing), i'd suggest this:
Generic Micron 667
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?...tDetail.php&DisplayProductID=7873&SID=
Check the ICs; if it says D9GMH, you can score 2 GB of great OCing RAM for $220

I think I thanked you via PM, but this was all good stuff. I ended up ordering from directcanada, and the whole build was almost $200 cheaper. Enough to justify the better card, and convince my wife that I need a 30" monitor

Thanks everyone for their replies.

 

[the Chase]

Sweet. Have fun with your new hardware.

 

[MADMAX23]

Originally posted by: SickBeast
IMO the GTX is overkill, especially at that resolution.

The difference between the cards, just so you know, is in the number of shaders (20% difference IIRC). If you overclock a GTS it will match a stock GTX.

So...I would get the GTS...320MB version in fact (which is what I just got).

I agree.
An overcloked 8800GTS matches (1:1) GTX performance at 1680x1050.
To be honest, you don't need more than a 8800GTS 320Mb to play at a maximum resolution of 1680x1050....for 1920x1200....you'll need a GTX however.
In 2 weeks time I'll get a GTS 320Mb...ready to play Company of Heroes.

 

[LittleNemoNES]

http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/geforce_8800_gtx_gts_core_2_performance/

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: Patt
I think I thanked you via PM, but this was all good stuff. I ended up ordering from directcanada, and the whole build was almost $200 cheaper. Enough to justify the better card, and convince my wife that I need a 30" monitor

Thanks everyone for their replies.

DirectCanada is indeed nice & cheap

What'd you decide on for final specs?

 

[gramboh]

I just picked up 2x Seagate 7200.10 500GB SATA2 for $169 each, free shipping due to order total over $300. Sweet