Upgrade now or wait?

[kyzen]

Specs:

Xeon e3110 (C2D e8400) - not Overclocked
8GB RAM
9600 GT
24" LCD @ 1920 x 1200

The 9600 is great, but I feel like it just can't keep up with some of the games that I play - it can't even sustain 60 fps in WoW anymore; there are some areas that drop me down below 20.

So, I'm considering upgrading my video card.

My big question though is - is it worth it at the moment? My budget right now is up to $300 (obviously, the cheaper the better).

I'm planning an upgrade to a Core i7 system come summer, and am wondering if it would just be better to wait until then to upgrade.

Anyways, is there anything coming out soon worth waiting for, or is the current lineup what we'll be seeing for awhile?

 

[cubeless]

you just missed out on the best deal lately, $119 for a 4850 at ne... i have an oc'd 4850 and 3ghz e4500 and it does most everything fine @ 1776x (just below 1920 on my mitsu big screen)...

find a good deal on a 4870 or nvidia 260 to game at that res comfortably... nothing coming out will give you $/perf that these will... u can then migrate the card to your new system...

and oc that cpu a little...

 

[AzN]

For 1920x1200 you should go with GTX 260.

About $180 after rebate at newegg for older 192SP versions. 216SP version are more expensive about $70-80 more but you get the newer 55nm that should run cooler and perhaps better overclocker.

 

[Shmee]

Yay!

looks good. considering it myself.

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: Azn
For 1920x1200 you should go with GTX 260.

About $180 after rebate at newegg for older 192SP versions. 216SP version are more expensive about $70-80 more but you get the newer 55nm that should run cooler and perhaps better overclocker.

most of the gtx260 216sp cards are still 65nm.

 

[Jeff7181]

The GTX refreshes are coming in January... I'd wait to see how prices adjust once those are on the market since it's less than a month away.

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
The GTX refreshes are coming in January... I'd wait to see how prices adjust once those are on the market since it's less than a month away.

good idea and think Jan 8 is the release date for gtx295 and gtx285. the refreshed but same named gtx260 55nm is already out from some companies.

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: Azn
For 1920x1200 you should go with GTX 260.

About $180 after rebate at newegg for older 192SP versions. 216SP version are more expensive about $70-80 more but you get the newer 55nm that should run cooler and perhaps better overclocker.

This. Look for the MSI model ($200 shipped) at newegg and find the rebate form at ZZF (UPC matches).