Direct X10 ATI graphics card?

[imported_Salamander]

I have an ATI Radeon X950 Pro graphics card. Having finally upgraded to Vista, I'm starting to check out graphic cards that can handle Direct X 10. I'm interested in a card that has the same (or better) performance as my current card, and ideally uses less power / puts out less heat. Any suggestions?

 

[Keysplayr]

Do you mean X1950pro or X850pro. I cant tell which way the typo went. hehe.

 

[Stumps]

assuming you typed X1950Pro, the only DX10 card worth considering from ATI is the HD2900XT, the 2400 and 2600 series are considerably slower, however the 2900XT is a bit of a monster when it comes to PSU's and heat....it's not bad, but if you want a cool running card with low power draw then you should really just stay with your current card.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I'm going to be upgrading to the HD2900XT soon. Just keep an eye on the PSU requirements.

What PSU are you using? you need one that at least can do SLI or Crossfire (it takes 2 PCIe connectors).

 

[imported_Salamander]

Yes, I meant X1950 Pro. THanks!

 

[Canterwood]

Assuming you're a gamer? I would stick with what you have for now and wait till the refresh of the current lines of cards.

There'll be no DX10 games for a while anyway, and by then newer and better cards will be out.

The current 2900XT is a power hungry and hot beast and its more than likely the refresh will be more efficient, cooler and probably handle DX10 games better.

IMO, there's no point moving to the current line of ATI and Nvidia cards for DX10.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Canterwood
Assuming you're a gamer? I would stick with what you have for now and wait till the refresh of the current lines of cards.

There'll be no DX10 games for a while anyway, and by then newer and better cards will be out.

The current 2900XT is a power hungry and hot beast and its more than likely the refresh will be more efficient, cooler and probably handle DX10 games better.

IMO, there's no point moving to the current line of ATI and Nvidia cards for DX10.

Supposedly Bioshock uses some DX10. Need to see performance numbers though. When November rolls around and Crysis hits the stores I don't know if there will be a refresh of cards available at the same time.

 

[Canterwood]

I can't believe Nvidia wont have something new out around then for the Xmas market.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Canterwood
I can't believe Nvidia wont have something new out around then for the Xmas market.

I can. Look at their cards...no price movements because ATI has nothing to compete in the upper price bracket(above 8800GTS 640MB). Their mid and lowend cards (I consider 8800gts to be high end and 8800gtx/ultra to be luxury) are terrible performers by comparison to older cards like X1950, 7900.

Nvidia has no reason to release a new card design at this point. They can sit on their current offerings. Although it is about the usual time for a refresh to be released/announced. I just don't know for sure right now if it is happening.

 

[imported_Salamander]

Sounds like waiting until late fall or early winter makes the most sense. Thanks!

 

[Canterwood]

They can't continue just to sit on their current offerings though. It must be coming up for a year or something since the 8800 released.

A November refresh would rub more salt into ATI's wounds and probably take more Xmas market share with a faster, cooler, less power hungry card.

I'm not sure what ATI's strategy is right now, but they're probably working hard on a refresh for the 2900 range.

Nvidia can't afford to sit and do nothing for too long.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Canterwood
They can't continue just to sit on their current offerings though. It must be coming up for a year or something since the 8800 released.

A November refresh would rub more salt into ATI's wounds and probably take more Xmas market share with a faster, cooler, less power hungry card.

I'm not sure what ATI's strategy is right now, but they're probably working hard on a refresh for the 2900 range.

Nvidia can't afford to sit and do nothing for too long.

You usually see official announcements around this time though.