Video Card recommendation for new PC

[GarfieldtheCat]

I'm thinking of building up a new PC in the next 4-6 weeks, and wanted to start thinking about what to get, and start searching for good sales/deals on any hardware I would want.

I can't decide between a 7900GT, 7900GTX, and X1900XT.

I'm using a 1600x1200 LCD, so that's the minimum resolution I would be gaming on (I'd also like to upgrade to maybe a 24" later, so that is a factor as well)

I play mostly FPS's (Q4, Far Cry, COD2), FS2004, and RPG's (Morrowind, NWN). I will 100% be getting Oblivion sometime soon as well.

I would prefer not to get either Crossfire/SLI, for cost and heat, so that makes my mobo choice easier (currently thinking about getting either the A8R32 or new DFI ATI motherbaord, just for a change. I have 2 older NF4 boards that I use now). CPU would be either a 3800+ or opty 170 DC Athlon Oc'd to 2.5-ish.

Is the X1900XT with the 512 Meg RAM a better deal with all the higher res texures coming out now?

Right now my thoughts are:
7900GT pro's: cost, lower power, less heat
7900GTX pro's: 512Meg RAM, quite HS
X1900XT pro's: equal to 7900GTX, costs a bit less, does HDR+AA for Oblivion

7900GT cons: lowest performance (but still damn good1)
7900GTX cons: higher cost
X1900XT cons: noise of fan, heat

Any thoughts to help me decide? I am really split over what to get.

 

[Arkane13131]

7900gt + a nice aftermarket cooler (i recommend the expensive ass vf900 just cuz thats what I have =P im a poor boy but im happy with the buy) then get yourself a little conductive pen...a voltage meter...a #2 pencil..and blamo instant gtx. If money is tight then I say grab the bang for your buck current legend the 7900gt...but if you got the cash bro...grab the x1900xt for about 450$ or the xtx for 480$ from newegg.

 

[darXoul]

I was in a similar situation. What I'm getting (I received the first part of my rig today, I'm buying from two sources) is a cheap A64 3700+ CPU which I plan to OC to 2.64 GHz and a Radeon X1900XTX.

Reasons:
- CPU - "future proofing" simply doesn't work, I didn't want any dual core issues, and performance benefits from two cores are practically non-existent in games. Therefore, I bought a cheap CPU for OCing, which will be a very strong performer with 1 MB cache and at over 2.64 GHz. My RAM won't even be OCed, since I'll use the 166 divider. Maybe next year, when Vista comes out and dual core finally yields some serious frames, I could get a dual core Athlon.
- GPU - 7900 GT was too weak and too loud for me, also only 256 MB memory. I didn't get SLI because of seemingly omnipresent vsync issues and some other problems. Not even mentioning the irrational cost. I didn't get CF because of the same reasons, plus even worse stability / maturity. I wanted to get 7900 GTX but it disappointed me in Oblivion. Therefore, X1900XTX. No XT because the XTX came from a later delivery and was even cheaper than XT. The only issue was noise. The solution - I'm buying the card from a friend, we will replace the stock HSF with Accelero X2 and I won't even lose the warranty. If I didn't have this possibility, I'd have gotten a 7900 GTX.

BTW, my A8R32-MVP Dlx arrived this afternoon.

 

[GarfieldtheCat]

I'm having similar thoughts as you, darXoul, except I already have a dual core CPU, though.

I would get the 7900GT, except for worrying about:
1. 256Meg RAM and the no HDR+AA for Oblivion (and any future titles, if there are any).
2. I don't like loud fans, so I would need to get an aftermarket cooler for the 7900GT (probably the new zalman).

Because of these issues, the 7900GTX looks more appealing (except the large price delta). But then I look at the X900XT which is cheaper the the GTX, about the same performance, and has HDR+AA. But again, I would HAVE to put a aftermarket cooler on the X1900XT, since it is way too loud for me.

I am leaning towards the X1900XT, just becuase I haven't had an ATI card since the 9800 days, and I would like the to use AA+HDR.

Can you post your thoughts about your new A8R32 after you get it up and running?

 

[darXoul]

Sure, no problem. Right now, I'm waiting for my other delivery containing the CPU, video card and a few other parts. I should have my new rig up and running in about a week.

 

[RussianSensation]

Isn't X1900XL / GTO going to come out in 4-6 weeks at $300 price level?

Best bang for the buck for your types of games would actually be X1800XT 512mb. Without overclocking, it'll be faster than even 7800GTX 512mb version in COD2, FEAR. Start Review Here It is also just as fast as stock 7900GTX in Oblivion - Bench

It'll run you at $300. You could even get a $270 256mb version that will hold you over until the fall for G80/R600. Otherwise, I'd go with X1900XT and get an aftermarket cooler. But looking at benchmarks, except few select games (AOE3), X1900XT isn't that much faster than x1800XT series. So in my eyes it wouldn't be worth extra $150, unless you will hold the card for longer than a year.

I would not consider 7900GTX since it is more expensive, lacks high quality AF, AA+HDR. It also loses to X1900XT/X series unless overclocked in most intensive games like COD2, FEAR and Oblivion as I said before. Here is another comparison:
X1900XT vs. 7900GTX vs. 7900GT o/c vs. X1800XT 512

 

[GarfieldtheCat]

Thanks for the replies. I usally keep my video card and main components for at least a year, so the X1900XT looks a bit better to me. I'll look around for a good aftermarket cooler that is quieter for the X1900 series. It seems that the Zalman gets mixed reviews on cooling this card (some good, some bad).

 

[Arkane13131]

Originally posted by: GarfieldtheCat
Thanks for the replies. I usally keep my video card and main components for at least a year, so the X1900XT looks a bit better to me. I'll look around for a good aftermarket cooler that is quieter for the X1900 series. It seems that the Zalman gets mixed reviews on cooling this card (some good, some bad).

all coolers get mixed reviews. I use a 7900gt so I cant really tell you what its like for your card. what I do recommend zalman for aside from quiet sound...is its compatability with nearly every card on the market.

 

[imported_Reagle]

ATI video cards have poorer drives the Nvdia cars. Hence I suggest the Nvidia cards if only for the easy to use drivers and Display porperties niceties.

 

[GarfieldtheCat]

I have a Zalman on my current 7800GT, and I like it alot. It's very quiet, with temps staying pretty low.

For the X1900XT coolers, it seems like some people don't like the AC X2 cooler, since it blows the hot air down onto your mobo, thus heating up the northbridge (not good).

Since I will probably get a LL G70 case for my new build, it has an 120mm fan over the video card slot area, so I think running a zalman will not be a problem, since I will have the extra cool air from the 120mm fan. I will have to try both intake and exhaust to see works better, just to make sure.

Anyone have one of the HIS X1900's with their own cooler on it? Does it work and is it quiet?

 

[LW07]

I would get the X1900XT over both of those cards.

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: Reagle
ATI video cards have poorer drives the Nvdia cars. Hence I suggest the Nvidia cards if only for the easy to use drivers and Display porperties niceties.

Thats arguable. ATI has better image quality for non-gaming tasks as well. Its drivers are updated monthly.

I do not like how CCC takes up 100 extra mb of ram and that you have to download .net as well as it takes long to start up. As far as 2d/3d image quality, regular updates to fix game problems, avivo support for windows media hardware acceleration, ati drivers are top notch.

 

[akugami]

Originally posted by: Reagle
ATI video cards have poorer drives the Nvdia cars. Hence I suggest the Nvidia cards if only for the easy to use drivers and Display porperties niceties.

Blown highly out of proportion. nVidia's drivers are better but not so much that it becomes any sort of large advantage as far as stability goes. One area that nVidia is better at is less bloat. However, most people that are even concerned with this issue usually have 1GB or more RAM so it's really not that big of an issue again.

 

[Nextman916]

RussianSensation is right the X1800XT w/512mb is a really good bang for the buck, ide recommend it. Either that or the X1900XT, imo ATI really has the upper hand in high end performance today in price/performance. The only trade off is that it may be a noisy, and may run a little hotter than Nvidias offerings. However its nothing that an aftermarket hsf wouldnt solve.

 

[ElFenix]

the 7900GT is supposed to have a noisy fan.

the 7900GTX is too damn pricey. you can put a vf900 on an x1900xt, and the extra $50 can go to your electric bill. idle power draw is the same, load is 26 watts. 26 watts at 15 cents per kilowatt hour (which is a really high rate) is over 9000 hours of use, or more than a year of being at max power draw 24/7.

 

[TheRyuu]

Well, I didn't have much choice when I bought my 7800GT's (cause X1900 wasn't even out). If it was out, I probably would have gotten it, but it wasn't out. But since then I "step-up'ed" to 2 7900GT's for really cheap.

7900GT:
Pros:
-Cheaper than X1900
-Easy vmod to GTX speeds at less $$$
-only ~$300
-I like the Nvidia Control Panel?
-Nice Xtream-G Tweaked Drivers?

Cons:
-Only 256mb memory (doesn't really matter though)
-Needs aftermarket cooler (NEEDS it, I don't trust that dinky thing, plus a NV Silencer Rev. 3 is really cheap now and cools almost just as well as a vf900, although it sticks out the back of the case a bit)
-Isn't as fast at stock, but overclock can come close to X1900 speeds
-Drivers seem to come out (or get leaked) weakly (or daily in some cases)

X1900XT(X):
Pros:
-Faster than 7900GT
-no vmods to do here
-I trust the heatsink a little more, but not much
-HDR+AA
-512mb GDDR3
-Better IQ (HQAF), and less AA hit

Cons:
-I hate CCC (but luckly we have ATI Tray Tools)
-More expensive
-Runs hotter
-Loud stock Heatsink (but I presume your buying a new one either way you go)
-Don't like their drivers (it's an opinion, but I like ATI Tray Tools)

So decide for yourself. Do you want a cheaper and easily overclockable card, or a more expensive higher end card.
But I think one thing is certain here, 7900GT=much more bang for your buck than X1900

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the 7900GT is supposed to have a noisy fan.

the 7900GTX is too damn pricey. you can put a vf900 on an x1900xt, and the extra $50 can go to your electric bill. idle power draw is the same, load is 26 watts. 26 watts at 15 cents per kilowatt hour (which is a really high rate) is over 9000 hours of use, or more than a year of being at max power draw 24/7.

26 watts? WTF?

EDIT: I can understand if it's 26 watts MORE...

 

[nitromullet]

Anyone have one of the HIS X1900's with their own cooler on it? Does it work and is it quiet?

I tried out the VF900 on mine, and switched back to the stock cooler. The VF900 actually keeps the core a bit cooler, but I think the RAM sinks aren't all that good. I couldn't get through the Canyon Fight bench in 3DMark06 without artifacts with the VF900, so I'm back to the stock cooler. It works well enough, but it is a bit noisy.

One thing to consider about the HIS X1900XTX if you are considering purchasing it through Monarch... Monarch's price reflects the card without warrantee service, which they charge an additional $50 for, the kicker here is that HIS doesn't RMA cards themeslves...

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant...tore_Code=M&Category_Code=WV#videocard

These warranties apply only to video cards sold as parts. Video cards purchased in systems are covered by the same warranty as the system.



Part# 800323 - 6 Month Advanced Replacement Monarch Computer Video Card Warranty -

If the video card fails during the first 15 days from the invoice date Monarch Computer will issue an advanced replacement on the video card. If the product fails after the initial 15-day period Monarch Computer will replace the defective product with a new product according to the standard RMA procedure. Please note that under the manufacturer?s warranty it is likely that a refurbished or recertified video card will be issued as a replacement. Additionally, if you are unsatisfied with the video card upon purchase you may with this option return the video card for a store credit that may be used for a different product from Monarch Computer. Please note that advanced replacements require a refundable deposit prior to shipment. See terms and conditions for important information regarding all warranties, technical support and onsite repair service.
(Please note that after purchase of a warranty through Monarch Computer you will still retain rights in any applicable manufacturer warranty.)

Part# 800107 - Manufacturer Warranty Only -
Under this warranty option the manufacturer is solely responsible for fulfillment of warranty obligations. The customer must contact the manufacturer of the product directly regarding what, if any, warranty and/or replacement is available. The manufacturer is likely to replace products with a refurbished or recertified unit rather than a new unit. Items purchased from Monarch under this part number are not eligible for return to Monarch for replacement, store credit or refund. If this is not satisfactory than please see Monarch warranty number 800323.

http://www.hisdigital.com/html/contactus.htm

About warranty
All HIS graphic cards carry one year warranty. For more warranty information, you can contact your local retailer or regional distributor.

That kind of leaves you in a tight spot should you have problems. I asked Monarch when I bought mine if they would take it back if it was DOA, and they said yes, but I'm not sure how long they would cover the card. That definitely makes you consider the service aspect of the card manufacturer when dealing with Monarch. I didn't consider this before picking up my X1900XTX. I wouldn't have any issues whatsoever with a company like eVGA, who I have RMA'ed and Stepped-Up with or BFG, who has a good reputation. I haven't really heard about how good/bad ATI AIB partners' RMA process is.

...Of course, this only applies to Monarch.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the 7900GT is supposed to have a noisy fan.

the 7900GTX is too damn pricey. you can put a vf900 on an x1900xt, and the extra $50 can go to your electric bill. idle power draw is the same, load is 26 watts. 26 watts at 15 cents per kilowatt hour (which is a really high rate) is over 9000 hours of use, or more than a year of being at max power draw 24/7.

26 watts? WTF?

EDIT: I can understand if it's 26 watts MORE...

26 watts difference, yup. got it from anandtech's article.

 

[pkme2]

I have used ATI cards for a long time. They have served mr well so I have no gripes. I don't extreme game because I believe that a computer 's purpose is serious computing. My choice and what do I know.....

Never used Nvidia, but might consider a workstation card to update my present FireGL V3100. Read up on its specs and the Nvidia impressed me. We'll see, and maybe I can get a good deal somewhere.....