buying new video card

[MidNiteMysT]

well this is the conclusion i came to.

eVGA 256-P2-N553-AX Geforce 7600GT CO 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - RetaileVGA 256-P2-N553-AX Geforce 7600GT CO 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
for $164 AR
OR
SAPPHIRE 100134L Radeon X1800XT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 VIVO PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
for $259

$95 diff. now i just have to figure out if i need all that extra video power. Thanks for your help guys. ill be making my order tomorrow night hopefully.

btw, i know ati one is a retial version, i want that one because of the return policy for $10 more.

 

[LW07]

I would definitley get the X1800XT if you can. My motto is "Always buy the fastest card you can afford". The X1800XT is significantly faster than a 7600GT. Even a X1800GTO decimates a 7600GT in Oblivion's toughest areas, and a X1800XT is even faster than that.

http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/oblivion_mainstream_performance/page7.asp
The X1800GTO decimates the 7600GT.

http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/powercolor_radeon_x1800_gto/page12.asp
Oblivion with the X1800XT.

So, I strongly advise getting the X1800XT, as during the tough areas in gaming, you will definitley need that extra horsepower, and the X1800XT is worth the $95 more.

 

[akugami]

Will you be purchasing some of the newer games like FEAR, GRAW, etc? If so...the better bet would be the X1800. You'll be able to get much better framerates than the 7600 or the X1800GTO and if the games you play run at a decent framerate already, you'll be able to up the graphical effects on older games so there is still a benefit for them. The card will also last you a much longer period of time than the 7600 will. I figure unless you're a graphics whore (which you don't seem to be) and don't mind turning down a few graphical effects, this card should last you for the next couple of years easy while the 7600 will start showing it's tooth by the end of this year.

 

[MidNiteMysT]

thanks a lot lw07 and akugami! you put my mind to rest! you have a very convincing case, so the decision has been made. im getting the much more powerful x1800xt. Once again, thanks. i knew asking here was a good idea

 

[MidNiteMysT]

well as luck has it, the card i wanted is out of stock. do you know how long the iloveati coupon is active for? they say its going to be available in a week. theres the oem version but it has the "no returns thing". ide rather get retail and get the box and everything. so please let me know how long this coupon will last. so to break it down.
-item is out of stock, dont want oem version
-how long does iloveati coupon last?