What is the best step-up option for my 8800GTS 512

[Psynaut]

I have an 8800GTS 512 overclocked to the specs in my sig and I score a 3D Mark score of 14,560 with my E8400.

I can step-up to an 8900GTX for $10.00 or to an 8900GX2 for $260.00. My two reasons for stepping-up are to get the slightly better preformance of the 8900GTX (even though it is strangely priced lower than the 8800GTS 512 in EVGA's step-up pricing), and also because I anticipate that the 8900GTX will have a higher resale value than my current card when the GT200's hit the market.

1) Is stepping-up to the 8900GTX the right choice, since it will only cost me $10.00?
2) Is there any reason I should step up to the GX2 instead (will it hold its value better or as well)?

I need to rely on your guys advice as I have been extraordinarily busy and though I have scanned all the relevant posts, I haven't had time to really research this and I have only 3 days left to do the EVGA step-up program.

Thanks.

p.s. I have an IP-35pro so a second 8800GTS 512 really isn't an option.

 

[v8envy]

9800GTX over an 8800GTS for $10 is a no-brainer. Go for it. Even if by some miracle the GX2 holds a high % of its value by the time GT200s hit it won't hold an additional $260 worth of it compared to a GTX. By this summer those sandwich cards are not going to be $530 new even if the R700 flops as expected. Let alone $530 by the time the true new gen hardware is announced.

You're probably better off throwing away the 9800GTX and keeping $250 rather than stepping up to a GX2 and trying to sell that when it's EOLed.

 

[nitromullet]

If you only have $260 to go for a stepup to a 9800 GX2, that means you paid quite bit for your GTS. I stepped from a GTS to my GX2, and I'm quite pleased with it. The only reason I would consider the GTX in your shoes is because it will probably sell for more than the GTS when you decide you want to replace it. I doubt you would notice a difference in performance between the the GTS and the GTX, but the GX2 will definitely show a decent gain in fps.

 

[phexac]

The thing I hate about step-up is you have to send out your card first, which means you are left without a card for a while....

 

[Psynaut]

Originally posted by: phexac
The thing I hate about step-up is you have to send out your card first, which means you are left without a card for a while....

Probably a week or more huh? That is a consideration as well. It is rediculous they won't cross-ship them providing you let them charge your card for it first.

 

[error8]

The funny thing is that you've used the 8900 GTX name instead of the 9800 GTX, which is also the logical name that Nvidia should have used for that card.

Anyway, for 10 $ I would step up for the 9800GTX in no time. I would keep those 260$ for the next generation of cards. The GTX should serve you well until then.

 

[Psynaut]

Originally posted by: error8
The funny thing is that you've used the 8900 GTX name instead of the 9800 GTX, which is also the logical name that Nvidia should have used for that card.

Fruedian, no doubt. I probably picked that up reading so many people saying that is what it should be called.

 

[Denithor]

error8 +1 FTW

Better resell on 9800GTX vs 8800GTS definitely makes the $10 worthwhile.

 

[taltamir]

9800GTX, no questions asked...

Except, if it doesn't fit in your case (it is 1.5 inches longer then the 8800GTS 512) or if you don't have enough power for it (it takes TWO video power plugs, not one).

No wait, it is STILL worth it.. Step up to a 9800GTX, SELL the 9800GTX right away on ebay. and buy a 8800GTS 512 in todays prices... or even ON ebay... You will make at LEAST 50$ from the transaction. Maybe even 100$.

or just use the 9800GTX until next gen arrives and then sell it...

 

[JACKDRUID]

1 more for 9800/8900GTX.

performance wise its worth an extra ~$50 over GTS 512.

For a $10 upgrade price you actually gained $40 in value. not bad.

 

[Psynaut]

I started the step-up process for the 9800GTX today. I was/am tempted to step-up to the GX2 for sheer performance reasons, but with the 9900GTX being right around the corner, it probably makes sense to maximize value, today, given that only Crysis really demands that extra horsepower, and then I will fork out the $600 for a 9900GTX in a few months.

Thanks for all the advice.