Need some opinions on video card choices

[fbrdphreak]

Hey all,

I would appreciate some opinions on a new video card purchase.

Right now I have an S754 system with a burned out mobo, so I'm probably either replacing it with an S754 PCI-E board or S939 PCI-E. Anyway, here are my options:

*Stay with AGP, keep 6800nu unlocked AGP and my 3200+ Newcastle (COST: ~$50 for new mobo)

*PCI-E X800XL (COST: $75 mobo, $170 256MB X800XL PCI-E)

*PCI-E X800GTO^2 (COST: $75 mobo, $230 256MB X800GTO^2 PCI-E)

My big concern is playing FEAR, Q4, AOEIII, and the games coming up through spring. I'd prefer to have SOME 1600x1200 gaming, but I guess I can live with 1280x1024. Is a GTO^2 really worth the extra money it will cost me? I'm also a bit worried about SM3; could that provide enough incentive to keep the 6800nu? I can't afford to go 6800GT or 7800GT unfortunately, so its either the 6800nu or an ATI solution.

Thanks guys

 

[kamranziadar]

If you can afford 7800GT then it is a waste of time by looking any where else.

 

[Sunrise089]

Where is an X800XL for $170? At that price it might not be worth upgrading to the GTO^2, especially if you plan on buying an afermarket cooler.

 

[fbrdphreak]

If I were to get an X800XL, I'd definitely be buying an aftermarket cooler.

 

[PrayForDeath]

I don't think you can get an X800XL for 170$. You can also find GTO2s for less than 230$. But I don't think it's worth it to get any of those cards, since the one you already have isn't that much slower. And keep in mind that if you get a new video card, you're gonna get some money from selling the old one.

 

[govtcheez75]

aren't you forgetting that you'll also need to buy a new processor if you upgrade? You can't use that s754 processor in a s939 mobo!

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: PrayForDeath
I don't think you can get an X800XL for 170$. You can also find GTO2s for less than 230$. But I don't think it's worth it to get any of those cards, since the one you already have isn't that much slower. And keep in mind that if you get a new video card, you're gonna get some money from selling the old one.

Yes I can get one for $170 And where are GTO^2's for <$230? To my knowledge all places are OOS or high priced

Originally posted by: govtcheez75
aren't you forgetting that you'll also need to buy a new processor if you upgrade? You can't use that s754 processor in a s939 mobo!

See my sig I may keep S754, I may go S939; either way the big dilemma is keep the 6800nu or go to PCI-E for the X800XL or X800GTO^2

It seems to be like with the deal on the X800XL I can get, there isn't much reason to go for the X800GTO^2.....?

 

[PrayForDeath]

Well if you found a deal on an X800XL for 170$, then I'd say go for it, but don't expect a large performance improvement. The 939 transition should be good though since it's more futureproof.
p.s: care to tell us where you got that deal from?

 

[fbrdphreak]

It was a guy selling his X800XL on FS/FT, hence the good price!

I ended up getting another BFG 6800GT, but this time PCI-E with a Thermalright V1 and OCs of like 430/11xx for the same price I sold my AGP w/NV5! :Q

I'm gonna get a 3200+ Venice E3 and some SLI board, coupled with an XP-90 & Panalo.