From 8800GT to ...?

[veblen]

I am currently running an 8800GT (with accelero S1) at 1920x1200, and it's starting to show its age, thanks to Cryostasis. Given the introduction of the 4890 and GTX275 and 285, I am really feeling the itch now. My budget is $200. Should I buy a used GTX280 for ~$200 or a brand new 4890, or wait? I am more favorably disposed towards Nvidia but am willing to switch to ATI.

I'm running a q6600 (@ 3.2 GHz) on a dated MSI Neo2-FR powered by a Corsair VX 550W. The Neo2-FR is capable of XFire (2 x 4770?) but I'm not sure if I should go that way (though I am open to persuasion).

Thanks for any help!

 

[MrK6]

With your budget and at 1920x1200 I'd consider a GTX260 Core 216 or, if you want a little more oompfh, an HD 4890. If it's for Crystasis specifically you might look at the GTX 260 for PhysX. I would shy away from Crossfiring/SLI'ing lowerend cards in this market. Originally, it wasn't a bad idea when high-end cards were much more expensive, but now you can get similar performance for the same price or less in a single card and not have to deal with all the issues stemming from using a multi-GPU setup.

 

[faxon]

i would bother typing it up if MrK6 didnt already have everything you need to know. the only difference is i would aim toward a 275 more than a 260-216, but either card you cant go wrong with for a good chunk of a performance increase. i just went from an HD2900PRO to a 9800GTX 512 (original vanilla) that i traded a friend a TRUE for, and i would consider it a very good upgrade, especially for what i paid for it. your upgrade will probably be of similar performance gain, and i was originally eyeing a 4870 VaporX from sapphire before my buddy offered up his 9800GTX and i decided to wait for DX11 hardware before spending $220-280 on a new card

ed: i should mention i play at 1680x1050, which is how i'm able to get away with running a 9800GTX for that much longer at the performance demands i put on it

 

[Sylvanas]

4890. Some of the overclocked versions coming out now are pretty insane and as you can see on AT's front page there is a 4890 overclocking guide- even disregarding the factory overclocked versions the standard versions are reaching 950mhz+ which in most cases is faster than even a GTX285.

 

[thilanliyan]

I went from a 8800GT to a 4870 1GB and am fairly happy but not overjoyed. Right now I wouldn't go for anything less than a 4890 or 275 if you want to upgrade.

 

[Rick James]

4770's in Xfire

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: Rick James
4770's in Xfire

Actually in the OP's case, another 8800GT would actually come close to your setup, it would cost less, and would involve way less hassle (provided he has an SLI motherboard).

OP: Get another 8800GT! SLI FTW!

 

[EnzoLT]

its mostly a game with a "cry" in it that makes our systems literally cry.... haha

 

[thilanliyan]

Like Sickbeast said, if you can get another 8800GT for SLI, that would be a good option.

 

[faxon]

Neo-2 FR isnt an SLI mobo, which is why i recommended getting a 4890 or similar. 1 fast card is generally less hastle to set up and less prone to scaling problems, and the 4890 is also extremely overclockable. i totally forgot about how overclockable it is lol

 

[Qbah]

If you want to play Cryostasis with PhysX, I'd say get a GTX260 core 216. They are under 200$. It's as fast as a HD4870 1GB but the ATi cards can't do PhysX. The HD4870 1GB can be had for the same price now it seems, so you might as well stick to nVidia.

 

[veblen]

Thanks for all the help guys. I did consider getting a cheap SLI motherboard and another used 8800gt but the cost would come up to about the same as a new 4890 without the hassle of changing motherboards.

PhysX, right. - I think that's one more reason why I am predisposed towards nVidia. I guess ultimately, as thilan29 mentioned, I want to see a reasonable performance difference with my upgrade. It seems like the 4890 is the way to go...and perhaps I can get another to Xfire when prices fall. I wish I had started with a SLI motherboard from the beginning.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts and advice!