Purchase Now or Wait?

[CyahLaytar]

Just wanting to get the general census of folks. I've been running with an ATI 9800 Pro, and I'm wanting to upgrade, but I'm wondering if it would be best to wait for the next generation of video cards to come out, or if getting a top-end card now.

I'm currently running a pre-PCI-E Pentium 4 Motherboard. It was great when I built my system, but if I decied to get an PCI-E card or one of the new SLI systems I'll need to upgrade more of the system.

Currently I'm considering the ATI 800XT all-in-wonder or upgrading the system and getting a PCI-E card. I've seen some good numbers on the Nvidia SLI systems, but I'm not sure I'm happy with having to buy 2 cards to get 1.5 cards of performance. I've heard about ATI coming out with an SLI system, but I don't know enough about what is really coming out to deceid if I should wait for the next round of new video cards.

Any opinions would be appreciated! thanks.

 

[narcotic]

ah... that's the ultimate question, but when you'll think about it long enough, you'll understand that if you'll wait long enough you'll die...
in other words, once the next generation cards come out, you'll think "hey, in 6 months new cards are coming out... I've waiting this long... can't I wait just a liitle longer..?"
The answer imho, is NO, you want it, you got the cash, go get it now.
If you'll want newer cards latter, start saving after you get this one.

 

[Amplifier]

The prices on GPU's are falling like a rock. X800's are down to $250 on PCIE. So it isn't the financial commitment it once was to go top of the line. ~$700-800 for a new computer.

As much as I hate waiting for paper launches, your 9800pro is good until at least this fall. So just wait (as long as you don't mind playing on 1024 res for the top games).

 

[Malladine]

I say wait. I own that card, in fact mine's the non pro, and I don't plan on upgrading it until late 06/07

 

[2Xtreme21]

Yeah wait. Your 9800pro will more than satisfy your needs for at least another generation. When you upgrade, go big.

 

[Boze]

With spring refresh 'all up ons', I too would have to recommend waiting to see what comes out in the next few months.

 

[Machine350]

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21
Yeah wait. Your 9800pro will more than satisfy your needs for at least another generation. When you upgrade, go big.

:thumbsup:

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: CyahLaytar
Just wanting to get the general census of folks. I've been running with an ATI 9800 Pro, and I'm wanting to upgrade, but I'm wondering if it would be best to wait for the next generation of video cards to come out, or if getting a top-end card now.

I'm currently running a pre-PCI-E Pentium 4 Motherboard. It was great when I built my system, but if I decied to get an PCI-E card or one of the new SLI systems I'll need to upgrade more of the system.

Currently I'm considering the ATI 800XT all-in-wonder or upgrading the system and getting a PCI-E card. I've seen some good numbers on the Nvidia SLI systems, but I'm not sure I'm happy with having to buy 2 cards to get 1.5 cards of performance. I've heard about ATI coming out with an SLI system, but I don't know enough about what is really coming out to deceid if I should wait for the next round of new video cards.

Any opinions would be appreciated! thanks.

Hi and Welcome to the forums!

I was in the same boat til a few days ago when my 6800GT arrived. I was using a 9800p

I play FPS and I like eye candy. When I got the 9800p last May I thought I'd use it at least a couple of years :Q

Prolly could too, but screw it. If you want frames and eye candy you gotta upgrade. The way I see it, I'll prolly need a new one again in a year (Unreal 3 Engine, new games made on the D3 engine etc) so I'll move to PCIe then (plus, SLI will be more mature then and we'll know more about the ATI SLI solution).

If you're asking, you prolly have the "fever" and might as well go ahead. Its only gonna get worse

Fern

BTW: I had a second "unplanned" upgrade too. I thought my 3200LL ram (2 x 256MB) would hold up longer. Damn loading times in these new games made get a gig of new ram too

 

[imported_tss4]

definately wait. You have a good card. Its up to you, but you'll be more satisfied with the upgrade and the money you spent when the jump really makes a big difference.