Getting new video card... need some professional opinions!

[DJLanglois]

I am getting a new video card for my system. I am not rich. Here is my current system:

Pentium 4 3.0C
1.5 Gigs of RAM (DDR400)
Radeon 9800XT Pro (256MB) --- DEAD
ASUS P4C800E-Deluxe
120 Gig SATA drive, and 80 Gig IDE secondary
DVDRW+- and DVDRAM
Thermaltake Silent PurePower 480W
Antec Case
4 Case fans

The 9800XT was quickly outdated, and remains overpriced. Luckily, I bought mine used from a contact for only $200, about 8 months ago, so I am not too upset. But, the card is in the shop (completely messed up), and I am going to be upgrading my video card. And, I am also switching to Nvidia.

So, what to do, what to do?

I am open to other ideas, but for now, I think I have my decision narrowed down to a 6600 GT or a lower-end 6800. Like I said, my funds are limited.

I know that the 6600GT is said to outperform the 9800XT -- so I would already be looking at a boost. The 6600 pricepoint is very nice looking right now... great 'bang for the buck'.

But, I have also heard good things about a particular ASUS-made 6800GT. But, as far as I can see, it is a fair bit more expensive than the 6600, even though the RAM is DDR (rather than DDR3), and it still only has 128MB.

So, what do you guys think? A 6600? The ASUS 6800? Some other card?

Also, if I am getting the 6600 -- what is the absolute best model that I should be looking at?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[aznbomber]

Um.., the 6600GT uses DDR3 memory. Only the 6600 regular uses DDR Memory. If you are looking to spend around $200, then you could only get a 6600GT (AGP). I personally use a 6600GT (PCIe) and I like it very much. But then again, I upgraded from an x300 SE so the difference is a big one.

I could play HL2, Rome Total War, and CS perfectly fine with my 6600GT. So if you are going to do gaming it will work for you. I also get around 35xx on 3dmark05 if that helps any.

 

[DJLanglois]

I was told that the ASUS 6800 uses normal DDR memory, rather than DDR3. Is this untrue?

What brand of 6800GT do you think I should get -- i.e. what's the best?

 

[DJLanglois]

any help?

 

[Jeffyboy]

I just picked up a 6600GT... semed to be in my price range. Has DDR3 memory. From Gigabyte. MSI, Leadtek, there's probably quite a few good brands out there. If you can afford a 6800GT... go for it ;-)

Of course... they suck power big time. The X800XL doesn't require an additional power connector... you may want to wait for it.

Jeff

 

[DJLanglois]

Will there be any new Nvidia cards coming out in the near future that will cause the 6800s to drop in price?

Also, is it true that the ASUS 6800 uses regular DDR Memory (i.e. non-DDR3?)? This is what I have been told.

 

[flamingspinach]

If you're talking about the Asus V9999 6800 GT, then yes.

-fs

 

[Jassi]

Originally posted by: Jeffyboy
I just picked up a 6600GT... semed to be in my price range. Has DDR3 memory. From Gigabyte. MSI, Leadtek, there's probably quite a few good brands out there. If you can afford a 6800GT... go for it ;-)

Of course... they suck power big time. The X800XL doesn't require an additional power connector... you may want to wait for it.

Jeff

The X800XL is going to be PCI Express only for a long time. Get the 6800 GT agp if you dont have a PCI-E slot in your comp.

 

[aatf510]

The 6600GT is faster than your old 9800xt, but only by a bit especially in HL2. If you want to see a boost from your old 9800xt. You should definately consider the 6800GT. If you are interested in the ASUS 6800 boards, beware that the v9999 gamer edition is a highly-overpriced regular 6800 non-gt.