To Step-Up...

[allies]

256-P2-N538-AX Return Card -$500.00
512-P2-N545-AX Step-Up Upgrade Card $699.99
Shipping Charge Ground $11.95
Grand Total : $211.94

Heh... it's tempting but I think I'm going to pass... I think my GTX is plenty sufficient to tide me over to see the offerings from ATi/nvidia when DX10/Vista/UT2K7 is out

Edit: Included with the card is COD2, which I don't own. Should I buy the card or wait?

 

[Ackmed]

http://www.evga.com/community/messageboard/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9912

Its doubtful you would be able to step-up. First they stopped the 512MB step-up all together, now they have extended it till the next gen. I would wait, and get it. As you probably wont be able to get the 512MB anyways.

 

[allies]

Originally posted by: Ackmed
http://www.evga.com/community/messageboard/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9912

Its doubtful you would be able to step-up. First they stopped the 512MB step-up all together, now they have extended it till the next gen. I would wait, and get it. As you probably wont be able to get the 512MB anyways.

I don't think I'd be able to step up to next gen. I am ready to step up to the 512 right now, and I don't think they'll prolong my step up period.

 

[Captante]

Sit tight... the standard 7800GTX is fine & I doubt the 512mb version is available now anyway.

 

[destrekor]

if you can get on the queue, might as well. if u get on the queue before your step up period ends, you will still get your card when it comes in stock. but i dont know if they are accepting step ups anymore. look at that forum link. i got too lazy lol

if you are able to step up, you could keep the 512 till the next cards came out (g71) and sell the 512, and buy the g71.
next gen is too far away to worry about using the step up now(summer)

 

[JRW]

I just recieved my 7800GTX 512mb upgrade via the Step Up and its definately a sweet card (upgraded from 256mb 7800GTX) I wouldnt say it was a huge increase in performance but still worth it, I think my CPU is actualy limiting its full potential? (Even tho its an X2 4800+).

3dmark05 result on the 256mb card , defaults w/ no overclocking: pic

3dmark05 result on the 512mb card, defaults w/ no overclocking: pic

Couple shots of the card itself:
pic 1
pic 2

 

[Tanclearas]

I'd still do it, and I am. Mind you, my original purchase price was $567 (based on CDN exchange rate at the time I submitted my step-up request), so it's $172 for me (went with UPS express shipping to avoid the ridiculous brokerage fees UPS charges for standard shipping). I don't have COD2, but was planning on buying it.

I looked through benchmark comparisons for the resolution/settings I currently play at and looked at how much of a difference the 7800GTX 512MB made in games that I either actively play or that I plan to play. In those games, the performance improvement was between 20% and 30%. Definitely seemed worthwhile to me.

 

[Conky]

You should get COD2 in any case. It's a very cool game. :thumbsup: