Buy X1900XT or wait for next-gen? (yes one of these threads)

[Polish3d]

I wish we had some clue on the next gen release dates... My GTX works for just about everything I play, even Oblivion gets decent FPS although I'd like more...

I'm kicking around the idea of selling of my GTX for ~200 and then ponying up another 250 for an X1900... any thoughts on it? I WOULD like to wait for something new if it will be out in 3-4 months or less but I haven't seen any rumors indicating that nvidia's next-gen will be out in that timeframe...

Any ideas though?

 

[Wreckage]

You won't see much of a difference with a 1900XT, I would wait. If you had a lesser card that may be a different story. Next gen could be here as soon as August.

 

[acegazda]

why do u need to upgrade... 7800gtx will play anything in sub 2560x1600.

 

[DaveyTN]

I upgraded my card from a 7800gtx to a x1900xtx just for Oblivion. I did fps comparisons between the two cards. Turns out, the x1900xtx gives me about 25% better fps (in outdoors in Oblivion) than the 7800gtx. There were a few spots where the difference was about 40% better fps for the x1900xtx. This is at 1280 x 1024 resolution.

 

[Munky]

It all depends how much you like Oblivion. You'd see a big improvement in that game, but in other games it may or may not bring a noticeable improvement, depending on the game and settings. But I personally dont expect next gen cards until October at the very earliest, so if you're suffering from low fps then I'd upgrade to an x1900xt, especially given the relatively cheap prices they sell for.

Oh, and a 7800gtx will play anything in sub 2560x1600... as long as it's a DX8 or earlier game. It doesnt exactly fly in the newer games at 1600x1200 or higher settings.

 

[jim1976]

Originally posted by: acegazda
why do u need to upgrade... 7800gtx will play anything in sub 2560x1600.

Yes and SLI/XFire can do 5120x3200 easily !! :disgust:

Cmon ppl stick to reality...

To OP..

Frackal I went the moment it was released from a 7800gtx to a x1900xt. The difference is very noticeable especially at 1600x1200 where I play at. AA is another important feauture I use more freely now and generally I'm very pleased with my swap.
Min FPS are also much higher which is very important if you ask me..

 

[Polish3d]

I may do it if I can afford it. I'm a hardware junkie and actually kind of like the hardware almost more than the games so if I had the cash I would have done it already, but I'm not making as much as I did last summer when I bought the system I have now (student, diff job now)

I guess I'll have to kick it around... I actually get acceptable FPS in everything I play including oblivion, w/ some tweaking I get a minimum of 20fps outdoors.. Hmm... what to do what to do.

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: jim1976

Originally posted by: acegazda
why do u need to upgrade... 7800gtx will play anything in sub 2560x1600.

Yes and SLI/XFire can do 5120x3200 easily !! :disgust:

Cmon ppl stick to reality...

To OP..

Frackal I went the moment it was released from a 7800gtx to a x1900xt. The difference is very noticeable especially at 1600x1200 where I play at. AA is another important feauture I use more freely now and generally I'm very pleased with my swap.
Min FPS are also much higher which is very important if you ask me..

I agree. I went from a 7800GT which OCed fairly well to the X1900XT (flashed to XTX) I have now. My sliders stay at 4xAA and 16xHQAF unless I notice a problem. Also, those settings with HDR in Oblivion just make me stop and take in the scenery every once in awhile while playing.

 

[jim1976]

Originally posted by: Frackal
I may do it if I can afford it. I'm a hardware junkie and actually kind of like the hardware almost more than the games so if I had the cash I would have done it already, but I'm not making as much as I did last summer when I bought the system I have now (student, diff job now)

I guess I'll have to kick it around... I actually get acceptable FPS in everything I play including oblivion, w/ some tweaking I get a minimum of 20fps outdoors.. Hmm... what to do what to do.

Well if you're pleased as you claim with the fps you're getting from the 7800gtx then why to proceed with a swap?
Nevertheless if you eventually decide to proceed then try to sell your 7800gtx at a better price or find the lowest possible price for a x1900xt to minimize the cost of swap

 

[Polish3d]

Originally posted by: jim1976

Originally posted by: acegazda
why do u need to upgrade... 7800gtx will play anything in sub 2560x1600.

Yes and SLI/XFire can do 5120x3200 easily !! :disgust:

Cmon ppl stick to reality...

To OP..

Frackal I went the moment it was released from a 7800gtx to a x1900xt. The difference is very noticeable especially at 1600x1200 where I play at. AA is another important feauture I use more freely now and generally I'm very pleased with my swap.
Min FPS are also much higher which is very important if you ask me..

Thanks, I think I will get one, why not, I'll just eat lean for the next two weeks and I'm sure I can sell a 600 dollar card with aftermarket cooling for 200 now. (current)

 

[Captante]

One thing for sure, if you are going to do it sooner is better then later because that sucking sound you hear is your 7800GTX losing resale value... I'd bet you can get +/- $230 for the 7800 ATM based on trying to sell one a few days ago, good luck!

 

[firebyyrd]

7900GT/GTX kills the resale value of the 7800 line.

I barely sold my 7800GT for 250. I believe I ripped them off, 7900GTs are running from 240.00 now, and the 240 ones are just as fast as the 7800GTX.

You would be better off keeping the 7800GTX and waiting to upgrade later, and using the 7800GTX in a backup or editing computer.

 

[Polish3d]

I dont have or need a backup or editing PC though, this is just my rec/gaming PC. I'm going to go ahead and get one because it's been awhile since I've gotten new hardware and I'm not sure G80 is really coming out that soon, I havent heard a single rumor on specs at all

 

[tbradsha]

Check the hot deals threads before you buy.

x1900 xt at newegg for $370 AR plus shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102004

or $390 plus shipping without rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102003

Newegg also has an open box x1900 xt for around $360:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102003R

 

[Captante]

The retail X1900XT @ $399 looks like a winner to me... I pay $10 more to get the (most times) better packaging that comes with the retail card & a lot of times they have a much better warrany as well.
I'd pass on the Newegg open box special though ... I always suspect those are failed overclockers that didn't meet the buyers expectations.

 

[Polish3d]

Originally posted by: Captante
The retail X1900XT @ $399 looks like a winner to me... I pay $10 more to get the (most times) better packaging that comes with the retail card & a lot of times they have a much better warrany as well.
I'd pass on the Newegg open box special though ... I always suspect those are failed overclockers that didn't meet the buyers expectations.

That Sapphire is the one I'm planning on actually. Should be awesome

 

[akshayt]

7800gtx = 7900 gt approximately in temrs of performance and 1900xt is overall better

 

[Polish3d]

Yeah, if I can sell my GTX for 200 bucks, and only spend 200 more that's a decent deal for me

 

[hardwareking]

or u could get the e-vga 7900 gt signature series card.That is oced out of the box.And with a bit of ocing it beats the 7900 gtx as per the inquirer's benchies.
And the best part is its just costs around $350(give or take a few).And the 7900gtx nearly=x1900xt in performance.
Although u won't get HDR+AA in oblivion.
If u are buying mainly for oblivion,then there's no question x1900 xt all the way.

 

[akugami]

Chiming in late and it seems you already decided but I dunno if I would have upgraded from a 7800GTX to a X1900XT. There will be a noticeable performance jump, especially in games like FEAR or Oblivion though less so in OpenGL games. I would have just limped along until the G80 and R600 comes out. Which I don't believe will be till around November or early December. Bottom line is the 7800GTX (especially overclocked) is still a high end card compared to what the average consumer, even gamer, has.

 

[akshayt]

7800GTX 512mb can be called the lowest high end card ni my opinion but 256mb is an extremely high mainsteream car
bottomline
if you can upgrade in the next 6-12months after buying the 1900xt, then upgrade if you will ot be able to buy g80 pr r600 setries cards before a yr and a half, then you may want to forget about it

 

[Zenoth]

Wait for next gen.

I myself wanted to upgrade from my X1800XL to a X1900XTX.

Then I realized it was just a matter of impulsions, at least on my part.

Wait for the first or second generation of DirectX 10 cards, and you'll be set. And technically speaking, it'll be an investment as well by going with DX10 and then Vista. You'll be future proof as far as "getting DX10/Vista-exclusive advantages/effects/performance gains" goes.

 

[akshayt]

you should go to a radeon 1900xt at least, a 1800xl doesn't even come near

 

[fixxxer0]

By next gen im assuming you mean a DX10 card, correct?

 

[Cookie Monster]

Hmm, if you already get comfortable FPS in oblivion (even in outdoors) i suggest you dont upgrade. (doesnt make much sense really).

Being a hardware junkie myself, i understand, but i would only get the X1900XT/XTX cards IF i got the money for the next gen DX10 cards e.g G80/R600. (Im guessing the G80 will come at august, while R600 at the end of this year).