Question: 8600 GTS vs 7900 GT

[kzrssk]

Hey all,

Recently (meaning two weeks ago), I RMA'd my 7900 GT with XFX, and at first they told me they didn't have any other 7900 GTs "in stock" (more on this later), and they offered me a choice between getting an 8600 GTS and a paid upgrade to a 8800 GTS for $150.

I looked around online and saw that the 7900 GT (or 7950 GT, which was all some reviews had) performed better by as much as 40% sometimes, with the notable exception of Oblivion. However, these reviews were all using ForceWare drivers from back in April, and when I complained to their RMA department that I felt like I was getting screwed ($150 retail replacement card that performs worse than a card I originally paid $300 for), they brought up that the newest ForceWare drivers change the picture.

Also in reply to my complaints, they said they "found" some extra 7900 GTs in their refurb stock, which I thought was weird, until I thought maybe they'd be sending me a brand new 8600 GTS as opposed to a refurb, since they seem to have been looking for 7900 GTs in their "new" stock first (otherwise, they were completely lying to me when they said they were out).

The newness factor is less important to me than performance if the lifetime warranty on my 7900 carries over (which it's supposed to). In any case, I asked them about the warranty and am waiting for a response.

So what do you all think? Should I get the DX10 8600 GTS, or stick with my known performer, the 7900 GT?

Responses would be appreciated, so I can have a clear picture when talking to them.

Thanks all,

 

[InflatableBuddha]

The 7900 GT is the clear winner. It has a 256 bit bus vs. 128 bit for the 8600 GTS, and puts out the same or better fillrates. You can compare the two here.

Don't be concerned about DX 10 with the 8600 GTS. Numerous reviews (including some here on AT) show that the 8600 is too weak to perform well in DX 10 mode, and most games are still in DX9 anyways. You would have to move up to the 8800 GTS at least to gain decent performance.

 

[queenpeanut407]

So you could get an 8800GTS for $150 and you're not doing that why?

As inflatablebuddha mentioned the 8800GTS will have the performance you need.

Actually dude, I would go for the 8800GTX and ask them if they can upgrade you for $200

That way you're getting an 8800GTX for $500 ($300 for your original card and $200 for upgrade)

8800GTX's still go for more than $500......

That's what I would do. I've always said that the GTX is worth the extra buck.....

Just my $.02

 

[kzrssk]

Originally posted by: queenpeanut407
So you could get an 8800GTS for $150 and you're not doing that why?

Because I've already paid $300 for the 7900 GT. That makes the 8800 effectively cost $450.

Originally posted by: queenpeanut407
As inflatablebuddha mentioned the 8800GTS will have the performance you need.

Actually dude, I would go for the 8800GTX and ask them if they can upgrade you for $200

That way you're getting an 8800GTX for $500 ($300 for your original card and $200 for upgrade)

8800GTX's still go for more than $500......

That's what I would do. I've always said that the GTX is worth the extra buck.....

Just my $.02

That's a lot of money. :/ I pretty much have no money to spend. I upgraded to a Q6600 and that's even on credit card, but I had to upgrade from my old Sempron 2800, lol. I tried reasoning with them that they wanted to give me a $150 card for my $300 card, and suggested they give me the 8800 gts anyway because it was the same retail price, but they didn't cave, lol.

Also, you've posted once. How can you always have said that? lol

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: kzrssk

Originally posted by: queenpeanut407
So you could get an 8800GTS for $150 and you're not doing that why?

Because I've already paid $300 for the 7900 GT. That makes the 8800 effectively cost $450.

Originally posted by: queenpeanut407
As inflatablebuddha mentioned the 8800GTS will have the performance you need.

Actually dude, I would go for the 8800GTX and ask them if they can upgrade you for $200

That way you're getting an 8800GTX for $500 ($300 for your original card and $200 for upgrade)

8800GTX's still go for more than $500......

That's what I would do. I've always said that the GTX is worth the extra buck.....

Just my $.02

That's a lot of money. :/ I pretty much have no money to spend. I upgraded to a Q6600 and that's even on credit card, but I had to upgrade from my old Sempron 2800, lol. I tried reasoning with them that they wanted to give me a $150 card for my $300 card, and suggested they give me the 8800 gts anyway because it was the same retail price, but they didn't cave, lol.

Also, you've posted once. How can you always have said that? lol

You forget that the 7900GT is not a $300 card anymore at all. Not even close. Regardless of what you see online the performance offered is closer to $150. Think about it. you can upgrade to a $350+ card for $150. Why not? You're asking for too much IMO. You don't go trading in your car when the transmission goes out expecting them to give you the full value you paid for it. These things do down in value not up.

The going price on the eVGA 7900GT KO which is the overclocked version of their card. Cost more new than your card, is $219 and not even in stock and probably never will be again. The 7900GS overclocked cards go for less than $200 (the model under yours). EVen the 7900GTX 512MB can be found online for $229. Tell me again your card is worth just as much as an 8800gts and please don't tell me the 8800 is slower than the 7900gt like you did in the OP which I quoted and bolded below. What they're doing is this...giving you the option to pay the difference in value between your card now and the retail price of the 8800gts now. Your card is worth $200 at best in retail circles, maybe less online if you check the for sale forums.

Originally posted by: kzrssk
I looked around online and saw that the 7900 GT (or 7950 GT, which was all some reviews had) performed better by as much as 40% sometimes, with the notable exception of Oblivion. However, these reviews were all using ForceWare drivers from back in April, and when I complained to their RMA department that I felt like I was getting screwed ($150 retail replacement card that performs worse than a card I originally paid $300 for), they brought up that the newest ForceWare drivers change the picture.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: kzrssk

Originally posted by: queenpeanut407
So you could get an 8800GTS for $150 and you're not doing that why?

Because I've already paid $300 for the 7900 GT. That makes the 8800 effectively cost $450.

Originally posted by: queenpeanut407
As inflatablebuddha mentioned the 8800GTS will have the performance you need.

Actually dude, I would go for the 8800GTX and ask them if they can upgrade you for $200

That way you're getting an 8800GTX for $500 ($300 for your original card and $200 for upgrade)

8800GTX's still go for more than $500......

That's what I would do. I've always said that the GTX is worth the extra buck.....

Just my $.02

That's a lot of money. :/ I pretty much have no money to spend. I upgraded to a Q6600 and that's even on credit card, but I had to upgrade from my old Sempron 2800, lol. I tried reasoning with them that they wanted to give me a $150 card for my $300 card, and suggested they give me the 8800 gts anyway because it was the same retail price, but they didn't cave, lol.

Also, you've posted once. How can you always have said that? lol

You forget that the 7900GT is not a $300 card anymore at all. Not even close. Regardless of what you see online the performance offered is closer to $150. Think about it. you can upgrade to a $350+ card for $150. Why not? You're asking for too much IMO. You don't go trading in your car when the transmission goes out expecting them to give you the full value you paid for it. These things do down in value not up.

The going price on the eVGA 7900GT KO which is the overclocked version of their card. Cost more new than your card, is $219 and not even in stock and probably never will be again. The 7900GS overclocked cards go for less than $200 (the model under yours). EVen the 7900GTX 512MB can be found online for $229. Tell me again your card is worth just as much as an 8800gts and please don't tell me the 8800 is slower than the 7900gt like you did in the OP which I quoted and bolded below. What they're doing is this...giving you the option to pay the difference in value between your card now and the retail price of the 8800gts now. Your card is worth $200 at best in retail circles, maybe less online if you check the for sale forums.

Originally posted by: kzrssk
I looked around online and saw that the 7900 GT (or 7950 GT, which was all some reviews had) performed better by as much as 40% sometimes, with the notable exception of Oblivion. However, these reviews were all using ForceWare drivers from back in April, and when I complained to their RMA department that I felt like I was getting screwed ($150 retail replacement card that performs worse than a card I originally paid $300 for), they brought up that the newest ForceWare drivers change the picture.

To clarify, I was recommending that you get a replacement 7900GT if it's in stock. Seeing as it's not, I second cmdrdredd's recommendation of an 8800GTS. The 8600 GTS is out because it's too weak; the 8800 GTX is out because it doesn't fit your budget.

Unfortunately, your card isn't worth $300 anymore. The additional $150 XFX is charging to step up to the 8800GTS is a much better deal than any price you will find on a new 7900-series card. NTM the 8800 GTS is a much more powerful card.

 

[kzrssk]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: kzrssk

Originally posted by: queenpeanut407
So you could get an 8800GTS for $150 and you're not doing that why?

Because I've already paid $300 for the 7900 GT. That makes the 8800 effectively cost $450.

Originally posted by: queenpeanut407
As inflatablebuddha mentioned the 8800GTS will have the performance you need.

Actually dude, I would go for the 8800GTX and ask them if they can upgrade you for $200

That way you're getting an 8800GTX for $500 ($300 for your original card and $200 for upgrade)

8800GTX's still go for more than $500......

That's what I would do. I've always said that the GTX is worth the extra buck.....

Just my $.02

That's a lot of money. :/ I pretty much have no money to spend. I upgraded to a Q6600 and that's even on credit card, but I had to upgrade from my old Sempron 2800, lol. I tried reasoning with them that they wanted to give me a $150 card for my $300 card, and suggested they give me the 8800 gts anyway because it was the same retail price, but they didn't cave, lol.

Also, you've posted once. How can you always have said that? lol

You forget that the 7900GT is not a $300 card anymore at all. Not even close. Regardless of what you see online the performance offered is closer to $150. Think about it. you can upgrade to a $350+ card for $150. Why not? You're asking for too much IMO. You don't go trading in your car when the transmission goes out expecting them to give you the full value you paid for it. These things do down in value not up.

The going price on the eVGA 7900GT KO which is the overclocked version of their card. Cost more new than your card, is $219 and not even in stock and probably never will be again. The 7900GS overclocked cards go for less than $200 (the model under yours). EVen the 7900GTX 512MB can be found online for $229. Tell me again your card is worth just as much as an 8800gts and please don't tell me the 8800 is slower than the 7900gt like you did in the OP which I quoted and bolded below. What they're doing is this...giving you the option to pay the difference in value between your card now and the retail price of the 8800gts now. Your card is worth $200 at best in retail circles, maybe less online if you check the for sale forums.

Originally posted by: kzrssk
I looked around online and saw that the 7900 GT (or 7950 GT, which was all some reviews had) performed better by as much as 40% sometimes, with the notable exception of Oblivion. However, these reviews were all using ForceWare drivers from back in April, and when I complained to their RMA department that I felt like I was getting screwed ($150 retail replacement card that performs worse than a card I originally paid $300 for), they brought up that the newest ForceWare drivers change the picture.

Ah, I meant the 8600 GTS was the $150 replacement card. I knew from the get-go that the 8800 blew my 7900 GT away. Sorry for the confusion. Good points though. Either way, I don't have the money, haha, so it looks like I'll have to pass up what you all are telling me is a really good deal :/

 

[cputeq]

Oh wow, that changes things...pay 150 to upgrade to 8600? no thanks.

 

[cmdrdredd]

so how do you get the 8800? That's what you said was $150 before.

 

[lavaheadache]

Originally posted by: cputeq
Oh wow, that changes things...pay 150 to upgrade to 8600? no thanks.

I dont see how you guys are getting confused about what the OP said????!!!!!!???? He clearly stated that they were offering a 8600 straight up or a refurbed 7900. they also ofered an upgrade to the 8800GTS for an additional 150. the $150 dollar confusion was prompted because he was pissed that his $300(7900) card was being eplaced by a $150 (8600) card, not the $150 upgrade( 8800)



Reading comprehension FTW!!!

 

[n7]

I like how eVGA attempts to screw over their customers in RMAs. :roll:

This is like the fifth thread in which they offer a lower end new gen card as a replacement IIRC.

 

[PCTC2]

Originally posted by: n7
I like how eVGA attempts to screw over their customers in RMAs. :roll:

This is like the fifth thread in which they offer a lower end new gen card as a replacement IIRC.

n7, this thread is XFX....

 

[sgrinavi]

$150 plus your old card for a 8800 GTS is a fair deal, but if you don't have the cash then Get the 7900, it'll kick the crap out of an 8600...

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: lavaheadache

Originally posted by: cputeq
Oh wow, that changes things...pay 150 to upgrade to 8600? no thanks.

I dont see how you guys are getting confused about what the OP said????!!!!!!???? He clearly stated that they were offering a 8600 straight up or a refurbed 7900. they also ofered an upgrade to the 8800GTS for an additional 150. the $150 dollar confusion was prompted because he was pissed that his $300(7900) card was being eplaced by a $150 (8600) card, not the $150 upgrade( 8800)



Reading comprehension FTW!!!

I'm not confused, he was contradicting himself the whole way by saying the 8600 was $150. The 8600 was in fact, free if he chose to accept it instead of paying for the 8800.

 

[kzrssk]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd

Originally posted by: lavaheadache

Originally posted by: cputeq
Oh wow, that changes things...pay 150 to upgrade to 8600? no thanks.

I dont see how you guys are getting confused about what the OP said????!!!!!!???? He clearly stated that they were offering a 8600 straight up or a refurbed 7900. they also ofered an upgrade to the 8800GTS for an additional 150. the $150 dollar confusion was prompted because he was pissed that his $300(7900) card was being eplaced by a $150 (8600) card, not the $150 upgrade( 8800)



Reading comprehension FTW!!!

I'm not confused, he was contradicting himself the whole way by saying the 8600 was $150. The 8600 was in fact, free if he chose to accept it instead of paying for the 8800.

That's actually not what I was saying, but I'm not so hard up about semantics that I want to argue about it.

Either way, I broke down and decided to upgrade (and probably perpetuate my debt, haha). Thanks for all the good arguments for upgrading, guys.

 

[VooDooAddict]

If possible upgrading to the 8800GTS is a good idea. 7900GT referb as the alternative.

Used/Nonworking 7900GT + $150 for a 8800GTS is a good deal. You can't look at how much you spent months ago on the 7900GT, need to look at what the 7900GT is worth used.

Plus, I might have missed something, but just because you paid $300 for the 7900GT many months ago doesn't mean that it is still worth that. If you paid $300 very recently for this 7900GT then ... ouch.

 

[Specop 007]

If it were me I'd take another 7900 and wait for the new round of video cards to come out rather then spend $150 for the good stuff now, save the $150 and apply it to the good stuff coming out in the near future.

But thats just me.

 

[will889]

See if they'll replace it with a 7950GT 512MB. They should still have one.

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: PCTC2

Originally posted by: n7
I like how eVGA attempts to screw over their customers in RMAs. :roll:

This is like the fifth thread in which they offer a lower end new gen card as a replacement IIRC.

n7, this thread is XFX....

Good grief i'm going blind.

So apparently they're all trying to pull it off...


And OP, i'd say the 8800 GTS upgrade was a good choice; it's a great card for that extra cost.