Final Decision

[Eleeon]

I am building a new Pc and am stuck with a decsion, between to machines. The 6800gt is 400 for agp8x, and is around 500 for Pci-e. I am not paying 500.00 for a video card, so if I got Pci-e I would get a 6600gt. Please help me decide between the two systems, and if I should wait.


Agp8x System
-----------------
Amd 64 3500 (939)
Nforce 3 Mobo
1Gb of ram
52x16 Combo DvD Cd Drive
Evega 6800Gt
Aspire Turbo X Dreamer Case
Aspire 500w Psu


Pci-e System
---------------
Amd 64 3500 (Not sure what pin, probably 939, dont know what they offer yet.)
Nfroce 4 Mobo
1Gb of ram
52x16 Combo Drive
6600gt (Not sure wich maker I would get, probably evega)
Aspire Tubro X Dreamer Case
Aspire 500w Psu

 

[imported_Phil]

I just looked up the prices of two 6800GT cards at an online UK store, and the PCI-E & AGP versions are the same price, give or take £5 or so.

 

[RussianSensation]

A64 doenst even have PCIe capable motherboards as it stands right now. So if you want to buy now, this isn't even an option for you.

Secondly, since videocard companies want to target most common denominator, I am sure next videocard cycle will have AGP top of the line videocards once again. Socket 939 you have is fully upgradable in terms of cpus. So you dont need to worry. I wouldn't get 6600GT since it definately lacks in performance compared to 6800GT (esp if you play at 1280x1024 4AA/8AF or higher).

New Nforce 4 motherboards might have problems until further revisions are available, and it will most likely enter the market with higher prices. I think your greatest concern is videocard upgradability. From everything I've read, PCIe isnt going to be mainstream until 2006. Besides, by then BTX form factor motherboards will have become available, AMD might adopt DDRII, and then you are faced with buying a whole new motherboard anyways.

 

[Eleeon]

I know the Nfroce mobo's won't be coming out for a while, but should I get the Agp8x system, or just wait for the Pci-e. Not afraid to wait for performance.

 

[RussianSensation]

Well if you are willing to wait, then wait a bit longer.

Problems:

1) nforce 4 might cost more than current 939 boards
2) nforce 4 might have bugs in the beginning and have to undergo through another revision or 2 before everything is sorted out
3) possible shortage of nforce 4 boards since so many ppl are waiting for them (this also results in higher adoption price)
4) 6800Gt or other high-end PCI cards are hard to find and have higher pricing (this could be offset by availability of "refresh products" in december such as 6850 and x850 etc.)

Advantages:
1) nforce 4 gives you basically infinite upgrade path for PCIe videocards
2) nforce 4 should have very good performance compared to nforce 3 and support NCQ for SATA HDDs

Now I cant decide for you whether you should wait for not based on these factors. If you upgrade often, I'd wait. If you dont upgrade often, chances are you'll buy a new motherboard in 2 years anyways.

 

[Eleeon]

Well I really wan't a 6800gt for pcie (I am decided on Pci-e), but there is no way I am paying 500.00 for one. Think when the Nforce4 mobos get released that the price will drop? I was also thinking I might beable to get a 6600gt and upgrade in 1 1/2-2 years.

 

[Stangs55]

go w/#2 if your doing it now

 

[LordPhoenix]

poll plz k thx

 

[Eleeon]

Sorry, don't really know how to on these boards. Will do next decision for sure