On the Fence...need some advice

[Wheezer]

My system is as follows:

2GB OCZ Platium RAM
San Diego 4000+ @ 2.92GHZ
X1959XTX
Asrock Dual SATA2 939
XP Pro

I am going to be switching to a x2 dual core CPU in the near future and have been trying to decide if I should go with an 8800GTS card. I do a lot of gaming, but have not switched to Vista, and I don't plan to for a while. (XP has been very good to me )

Is there any reason other than I have the money now...that I should switch to a 640MB 8800GTS...or should I save it and wait until I switch to Vista then go for the best I can afford?

thanks for the input.

 

[imported_maxdad007]

Depending on how long you want to wait, I keep reading that the next gen DX10 is supposed to be a bit better, so waiting might be prudent if you can wait. If not then yeah I would probably just get the 640mb GTS, unless you can afford an Ultra which is so close to a GTX in price its actually worth considering.

 

[deadseasquirrel]

Originally posted by: maxdad007
Depending on how long you want to wait, I keep reading that the next gen DX10 is supposed to be a bit better, so waiting might be prudent if you can wait. If not then yeah I would probably just get the 640mb GTS, unless you can afford an Ultra which is so close to a GTX in price its actually worth considering.

Here is a review showing your XTX with the GTS 320/640. As you can see, depending on the settings/resolution you play at (and what games you play), you might not notice much more than about a 10% difference between your XTX and the GTS (with Oblivion, Stalker, and Far Cry being the most notable with large increases).

The problem is that the 640mb is still priced too high and the 320mb isn't a considerable step-up from your current card. (One might even argue if the 640mb is a step-up...) The GTX is a perfect step-up in performance, but it is priced too high, especially being this far into the product cycle.

If you can wait, I would. But, if not, I wouldn't settle for anything less than a GTS 640mb, and, even then, it's not the ideal trade-up.

 

[MarcVenice]

x1950xts is one of the fastest dx9 cards, no ? I'd definately wait till a 8900 or 9x00 shows up, or whatever ATI has up their sleave. I bought a 8800gts, but only because I had a very slow dx9 card, and figured the extra 70 euro's over the x1950xt wasn't to much for me to pass up on the 8800gts 320mb.

 

[child of wonder]

My X1900XT clocked at XTX speeds still plays everything I need it to at 1920x1080 res. and with AA enabled.

Unless your current card doesn't allow you to play games at the res. and settings you'd like, I'd hold onto the X1950XTX and spend as much as you can on upgrading other computer components. Then save up for an 8800GTX or Ultra.

 

[Wheezer]

Thanks for the input, I think I just hold off a while and see how the next batch of games, drivers and cards do in Vista before I take the plunge.