So torn on which one to buy...

[Boom782]

Im building a new PC in order to play oblivion. My current Barton 2500+ with GF4 Ti4200 is just pathetic.

Ive already decided on the opteron 146, DFI LP Ultra-D, and 2gb G.Skill PC4000 RAM, but can't decide on the card no matter how many reviews I read.

I would like something that will run Oblivion at near max settings but considering the card im coming from(Ti4200) anything is going to be a huge improvement. I had originally decided on the x1800xt but im starting to think I don't have $300 to drop on a video card. $150-200 is more in my range.

Is their any card available now that will run Oblivion and current games at high settings in my price range? I also would like something that will last me hopefully 2 years. Should I just bite the bullet and work some overtime to afford the x1800xt or will something like the x800 or 7600gt suit my needs?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Slitherythesnake]

If you want to run Oblivion and other new games at near max settings now (and maybe for a few of the future games coming out), I would strongly recommend the X1800XT. Besides, out of the cards you listed, only the X1800XT can run Oblivion with HDR+AA and with good framerates. Oh, and I found this X1800XT OEM for $239.00

 

[Boom782]

Hmm, not bad. I think my problem is if im going to splurge im going to do it right. So im either going to spend $150 or go all out and spend $300+ and get at least the x1800xt 512MB. Is the x1900 worth checking out if im going to consider breaking the bank?

I had the Sapphire 512MB x1800xt in my cart at newegg for $263 shipped when they had the $50 ATI deal going on. Im kicking myself now for not hitting "Checkout" and chickening out.

 

[EffeX]

I started at the 7600GT and then kept telling myself just splurge on the gfx card and now im getting X1900 XTX. So I would just get the best you can buy.

 

[Slitherythesnake]

Are you planning on upgrading your card once DX10 cards come out (hopefully by the end of this year, beginning of next)? If you aren't, go for the X1900XT. It'll last a little longer than the X1800XT. If you want to buy a DX10 card, just go for the X1800XT.

 

[Sonikku]

The X850XT is a card that will give you pretty decent performance in Oblivion when compared to the more expensive 7600GT. It also fits into your budget.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102688

 

[Boom782]

If I spend $200+ I cant see myself upgrading within the next 2 years. I don't upgrade often. Heck im still using a ti4200 which I got back in 2002 or 2003 I think.

I haven't been reading up on AM2, Conroe, or DX10 much. Is now a bad time to upgrade to a Nf4 64 bit system?

 

[Boom782]

Damn, making a decision gets tougher the more I look into it. I think I have ruled out the x1900xt though. I can't see spending $450 on a video card when I could buy an Xbox 360 plus Oblivion for damn near the same price.

I have a feeling the x850xt will be plenty for me. And by going that route id be saving $150+. Within a year the x1800xt might be as low as $150 too. So spend $300 now on a card that ill use for 2+ years or $150 now and $ 150+ in a year?

Man, upgrading a PC is such a headache.

 

[Munky]

The x1800xt is being discontinued, so if you want one, get it while you can. And at $240, it's a steal. The card will absolutely dominate anyting else in that price range.

 

[JBT]

Originally posted by: munky
The x1800xt is being discontinued, so if you want one, get it while you can. And at $240, it's a steal. The card will absolutely dominate anyting else in that price range.

agreed no reason not to get it.

 

[Boom782]

even though its only 256mb? The 512MB card is only $60 more. How much of a difference does the memory size make?

 

[Boom782]

Ok, after reading this review:

http://www.futuremark.com/forum/showthread.php?t=848

I have ruled out the x850 series. Now I just wish someone would show the difference in performance between the 256mb and 512mb x1800xt's.

 

[Sonikku]

Originally posted by: Boom782
Ok, after reading this review:

http://www.futuremark.com/forum/showthread.php?t=848

I have ruled out the x850 series. Now I just wish someone would show the difference in performance between the 256mb and 512mb x1800xt's.

I would suggest you look at a comparison of video cards for Oblivion before you rule anything out.

http://www.theforce.net/fanfilms/postproduction/sabres/sabertutorials.asp

You are getting this card for Oblivion, right? Not just Doom 3 or Futuremark.