So... do all these people buying these super-high-end cards really have 30" monitors?

[Jax Omen]

I look at reviews for the GTX280 and the 4870... and aside from Crysis, most of the games they're getting solid framerates at 2560x1600 with a single card.

If someone *only* games at 1920x1200, they can play anything except Crysis comfortably on a single 8800GT/8800GTS (may not get to use AA on some games, I guess). From what I've seen around here, most people game on 22" 1680x1050 monitors.

I'm just wondering, other than the upgrade itch (which I totally understand)... why? Why spend so much money for more GPU power if you don't already have a 30" monitor?



When games start taxing my 8800GTS, then I'll consider upgrading. That's why I'm putting aside money for it now >_>



[EDIT] This topic is specifically referring to people who already own an 8800GT/GTS/GTX or better, and are considering upgrading to either an SLI setup with their current card, or replacing it with one of the new cards. Seems like they'd get more bang-for-their-buck getting a nice monitor first.

 

[FuryofFive]

noo. some people like to use the cards for along time...

i have a max res of 1280x1024, i buy the highest end card, and i can use it alot longer than if i buy a sufficient card.

they also buy high end cards to play with higher graphic settings

 

[SlowSpyder]

Originally posted by: Jax Omen
I look at reviews for the GTX280 and the 4870... and aside from Crysis, most of the games they're getting solid framerates at 2560x1600 with a single card.

If someone *only* games at 1920x1200, they can play anything except Crysis comfortably on a single 8800GT/8800GTS (may not get to use AA on some games, I guess). From what I've seen around here, most people game on 22" 1680x1050 monitors.

I'm just wondering, other than the upgrade itch (which I totally understand)... why? Why spend so much money for more GPU power if you don't already have a 30" monitor?



When games start taxing my 8800GTS, then I'll consider upgrading. That's why I'm putting aside money for it now >_>

If your current card runs everything you need it to run without any problems, why upgrade? A lot of people fall in love with benchmarks, they may have perfectly capable hardware but they see something that benches higher and want it (see C2D launch or "I NEED 4GHZ just because I need to hit a magic number!). Nothing wrong with upgrading just to upgrade, also nothing wrong with sticking it out with your current hardware if it does the job... just make a decision based on your needs/wants, not 3DMark numbers.

 

[manko]

Well, I'm in the middle of building a new system, so that's why I'm looking at the new cards. If there's a card within my budget that lets me crank up the AA and will last a bit longer, then I'll pick up the best one I can afford. I'm not buying a card for Crysis, but I am buying it in anticipation of future games that will require as much horsepower for high/very high settings and AA.

 

[psouza4]

Originally posted by: Jax OmenI'm just wondering, other than the upgrade itch (which I totally understand)... why? Why spend so much money for more GPU power if you don't already have a 30" monitor?

I have a 37" 'monitor' (LCD widescreen w/ VGA inputs): My PC Specs

Love the damned thing.

 

[Golgatha]

Adaptive Anti-Aliasing

Anti-Aliasing

Anisotropic Filtering

Solid Minimum 60 FPS

Video Decoding Acceleration Improvements

(Future) Physics Improvements Forthcoming

Can sell off the old hardware and make back more now to put towards new hardware purchase. Can enjoy said purchase now, instead of waiting for a price cut.


I game on a 22in monitor and it was a no-brainer. Sell HD 3870s and upgrade to 2x HD 4850s I got at Best Buy for $149.99 each. I might be out $60 total when it's all said and done, which is about the cost of one console game on X360 or PS3. Well worth it to me, as this is a major hobby of mine.

 

[Jax Omen]

When I say 30" monitor, I'm referring to a 2560x1600 PC monitor, not a 720p HDTV.

Originally posted by: FuryofFive
noo. some people like to use the cards for along time...

i have a max res of 1280x1024, i buy the highest end card, and i can use it alot longer than if i buy a sufficient card.

they also buy high end cards to play with higher graphic settings

Umm... an 8800GT can max out EVERY SINGLE game in existence except for Crysis. Why would you spend more money for no benefit?





I have no dispute over getting a better card for a new system. If I was building a new rig from, say, an old s939 system or (god forbit) a P4 rig, I'd be looking at the 4870.

This topic was mostly directed at the tons of people on this forum who already have an 8800GT/GTS/GTX or faster and are considering upgrading to GTX 280 or 4870 or crossfire/SLI. I'm honestly curious why you would spend more money on the GPU instead of, say, spending it on a nicer monitor, some speakers, or even just more games.

 

[RamIt]

Just got a 4850 to compliment the 42" 1080p monitor in my living room.
Yes I game on it

 

[LOUISSSSS]

Originally posted by: Jax Omen


Umm... an 8800GT can max out EVERY SINGLE game in existence except for Crysis. Why would you spend more money for no benefit?

QFT Icannot agree more. an 8800gt/3870 plays every game i play on high settings and plays crysis good enough for me to get tired of it within 20 mins (its a crappy game)

i play on 1680x1050.

my next upgrade will be a monitor before any faster graphics card.

never understood those idiots that buy high end sli setups to game on 1280x1024 or 1680x1050.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: Jax Omen

If someone *only* games at 1920x1200, they can play anything except Crysis comfortably on a single 8800GT/8800GTS (may not get to use AA on some games, I guess).

I have a 24in panel with a native res of 1920x1200, and I could easily max out a single 8800GT/GTS 512 with several games that I have installed right now.

 

[Jax Omen]

I'd love to know what they are, then. Aside from Crysis and Lost Planet (only in DX10) my 8800GTS can max every in-game setting and usually use some form of AA on any other game I've ever tried at 1920x1200.

 

[bryanW1995]

Originally posted by: Jax Omen
I look at reviews for the GTX280 and the 4870... and aside from Crysis, most of the games they're getting solid framerates at 2560x1600 with a single card.

If someone *only* games at 1920x1200, they can play anything except Crysis comfortably on a single 8800GT/8800GTS (may not get to use AA on some games, I guess). From what I've seen around here, most people game on 22" 1680x1050 monitors.

I'm just wondering, other than the upgrade itch (which I totally understand)... why? Why spend so much money for more GPU power if you don't already have a 30" monitor?



When games start taxing my 8800GTS, then I'll consider upgrading. That's why I'm putting aside money for it now >_>

well, first of all your 8800gts is clocked faster than a 9800gtx+ so @ 16x10 you won't need to upgrade for quite a while...

 

[bryanW1995]

Originally posted by: Jax Omen
I'd love to know what they are, then. Aside from Crysis and Lost Planet (only in DX10) my 8800GTS can max every in-game setting and usually use some form of AA on any other game I've ever tried at 1920x1200.

what about wic?

 

[FuryofFive]

Originally posted by: Jax Omen
When I say 30" monitor, I'm referring to a 2560x1600 PC monitor, not a 720p HDTV.

Originally posted by: FuryofFive
noo. some people like to use the cards for along time...

i have a max res of 1280x1024, i buy the highest end card, and i can use it alot longer than if i buy a sufficient card.

they also buy high end cards to play with higher graphic settings

Umm... an 8800GT can max out EVERY SINGLE game in existence except for Crysis. Why would you spend more money for no benefit?





I have no dispute over getting a better card for a new system. If I was building a new rig from, say, an old s939 system or (god forbit) a P4 rig, I'd be looking at the 4870.

This topic was mostly directed at the tons of people on this forum who already have an 8800GT/GTS/GTX or faster and are considering upgrading to GTX 280 or 4870 or crossfire/SLI. I'm honestly curious why you would spend more money on the GPU instead of, say, spending it on a nicer monitor, some speakers, or even just more games.

well because they can? also but why not have something bigger and better for the games start getting more graphic heavy. ur 8800GT will not last forever but a 9800GT will but here awhen the 8800GT is gone and so on..
plus those users that buy the expensive cards are helping us.. cuz then nvidia and ati come out with cheaper and more cost effective cards...

 

[Jax Omen]

Crap, that clock is old. I had to downclock it for the summer, CoD4 started artifacting. It's at 700 core clock until the weather cools back down >_>

But yeah, I know I don't need to upgrade for a while.




I've been meaning to give WiC a try, as I need something to sate my RTS desires while I wait for Starcraft 2, and SupCom, while fun, runs sluggishly on a 3ghz Dual, sadly.

 

[quattro1]

Those of you who say you play on a 37' or 42' HD set are most likely playing on a screen with less resolution than a 20" widescreen computer monitor.

Most likely playing at 1280x720...

 

[Jax Omen]

eh, the 42" person is at least at 1080p, which is 1920x1080, which is pretty close to the 24-28" PC monitor resolution of 1920x1200.

But yes, I'm referring to a 30" PC monitor, not a 30" TV. The pixels are huge on TVs compared to monitors. I like gaming at a desk >_>

 

[cm123]

see what your saying as with my 22" at 1680x1050, my HD 4850 in cod4 to seems not only better pic (than my GTX 280), it does as well or better performance...

...that all being said, its about the next update to the next game or being able to play anything I want and whenever it comes out...

pretty odd saying that though huh when the 280 no even does dx 10.1...

I would like to play more crysis - be nice if could double performance now and be able to play with everything as high as it can go...

 

[Jax Omen]

... what?

I'm saying that, except for Crysis, you would not be able to tell the difference between a 4850 and a GTX280 at 1680x1050. They both max every game out at that resolution.

 

[SolMiester]

Originally posted by: Jax Omen
When I say 30" monitor, I'm referring to a 2560x1600 PC monitor, not a 720p HDTV.

Originally posted by: FuryofFive
noo. some people like to use the cards for along time...

i have a max res of 1280x1024, i buy the highest end card, and i can use it alot longer than if i buy a sufficient card.

they also buy high end cards to play with higher graphic settings

Umm... an 8800GT can max out EVERY SINGLE game in existence except for Crysis. Why would you spend more money for no benefit?





I have no dispute over getting a better card for a new system. If I was building a new rig from, say, an old s939 system or (god forbit) a P4 rig, I'd be looking at the 4870.

This topic was mostly directed at the tons of people on this forum who already have an 8800GT/GTS/GTX or faster and are considering upgrading to GTX 280 or 4870 or crossfire/SLI. I'm honestly curious why you would spend more money on the GPU instead of, say, spending it on a nicer monitor, some speakers, or even just more games.

Yup, I hear you on that.....I agree, laying down double money for no real benefit @ med (1920x1080) is a bit weird.....

 

[Xed]

Originally posted by: Golgatha
Adaptive Anti-Aliasing

Anti-Aliasing

Anisotropic Filtering

Solid Minimum 60 FPS

This is why I always upgrade. The min of 60fps is by far the most important thing to me.

 

[aka1nas]

Originally posted by: Bateluer

Originally posted by: Jax Omen

If someone *only* games at 1920x1200, they can play anything except Crysis comfortably on a single 8800GT/8800GTS (may not get to use AA on some games, I guess).

I have a 24in panel with a native res of 1920x1200, and I could easily max out a single 8800GT/GTS 512 with several games that I have installed right now.

I can bog down my 8800GT SLI rig with my "preferred"(8xAA, 16x AF, all optimizations off) settings on quite a few games released in the last 18 months.

 

[ChaosDivine]

Damn, I feel like a hobo. I use a 19" (5:4) and 22" (16:10) but always game on the 19" at 1280x1024 since its the primary. So this is the new 640x480 huh?

 

[Jax Omen]

so, aka1nas, AA is your reason then? Interesting, you must have better vision than mine (like 25/20), because I can't see any difference at all with AA. Kudos to you.

Chaos, no, 1024x768 is the new 640x480. 1280x1024 is the new 800x600: it's a step up but it's still painfully small to most of us.

 

[Shura]

Originally posted by: Xed

Originally posted by: Golgatha
Adaptive Anti-Aliasing

Anti-Aliasing

Anisotropic Filtering

Solid Minimum 60 FPS

This is why I always upgrade. The min of 60fps is by far the most important thing to me.

Exactly!
the graphs indicate avg fps. when a card shows performace of 30fps, thats going to be lower at certain times and which point, less than 30 fps looks jerky and annoying.
you dont want a game to become a powerpoint presentation because someone threw a smoke granade in cod2/4