Need a video card, have a dilemma

[agathodaimon]

Ok, here is the deal.

Right now I have an 8800GT card, and it's working pretty good for the most part.

I have a second computer that NEEDS a video card, but it's not going to be doing anything really intensive for video. Just running MS Server.

What I'm either thinking, is just buy a $40 card to slap in my other computer & call it good... OR upgrade my 8800GT to something newer, say a HD 5770, and then put the 8800 in the server machine.

Trying to decide if upgrading to the 5770 would be worth it right now. Or just save my money and buy a cheapo card for the server.

Any thoughts?

PS, right now I'm running Windows 7 Professional, 64-Bit... Playing Dragon Age.

 

[Arkaign]

I'd get a cheapo card personally, a 5770 isn't a monumental upgrade from an 8800GT. It's certainly an improvement, but if your 8800GT is still good enough for what you want, then might want to wait a little while longer. After the supply issues get resolved the prices on the things will probably drop a whole lot, and even more when Nvidia brings something competitive to the price range as well.

 

[Qbah]

Pretty much what Arkaign said. I wouldn't bother with anything lower than a HD5850 / GTX285 when already having a 8800GT. Just get a cheapo passive HD4350 for the server and you're set. Wait till the new nVidia cards come out perhaps and then decide if you want to upgrade (or need ).

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

there's no reason to drop the 8800 in the server, even if you upgrade your main machine. If you end up getting a faster card, sell the 8800 on ebay/fs/ft/craigslist/whatever and buy a cheapo $20 graphics card for the server.

 

[mindless1]

there's no reason to drop the 8800 in the server, even if you upgrade your main machine. If you end up getting a faster card, sell the 8800 on ebay/fs/ft/craigslist/whatever and buy a cheapo $20 graphics card for the server.

^ This. 8800 in the server just increases power, heat, lowers reliability long-term, and wastes most of the remaining value of the video card.

 

[agathodaimon]

thanks for the input, guys. I appreciate it.

Looks like I'll just hang onto the 8800 for a while yet to see what happens with the newer HD lineup then.

Toss in a cheap card to the server box.