Where's the current "sweet spot" for some moderate gaming?

[JoLLyRoGer]

Let's cut straight to the chase:
1. I'm trying to decide between a $170.00 for a HD2900Pro 512 or 200-220 for a HD3850 512.
2. Where's the sweet spot for midrange gaming at around $200.00?


My story for those who are bored:
Late last year when I built my new machine its primary purpose was recording studio work and media encoding as a digital audio workstation thus I spent my money on more cores, memory, and a nice RAID array with gobs of storage and skimped HARD on the video card because I flat ran out of $$$ for the build.

Here are the current specs:
ABIT IP35 Pro
Intel Q6600 OC'd @ 3.2Ghz
4x1GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800 4-4-4-12
2x Segate Barracuda 7200.10 - 250GB SATA3.0 (RAID 0)
1x WD Caviar 7200 - 500GB IDE/133
Corsair VX550 PSU
Antec 900 Case

and

an ATI x1300Pro...(actually given to me for FREE!) "Oh the HUMANITY!!!" :shocked:

Obviously it's a terrible shame to have all this horsepower going to waste when I'm not working on a 40+ track studio project so I thought I'd upgrade my weak-ass video card to do some moderate gaming on the side. I'm not after top-of-the-line, but I want something that will hold its own in games like Bioshock, HL2, and COD4 for right around the $200.00 price point. That said I was all set to go for the ATI HD3850 512MB which is $202.00 and up anywhere that has one in stock until I ran across the Sapphire HD2900Pro at The Egg for 168.25 w/ Free S/H.

Suggestions?

 

[Arkaign]

8800GT or 3870

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814125086

$229 with a Zalman cooler! Winnar!

 

[Arkaign]

Addendum : it's always a regret when you buy a midrange video card but there's a much better one for $~50 or less price difference. The performance difference between 3870/8800GT/8800GTS/8800U is so small that for all practical purposes, you've got a HIGH end gaming setup for cheap(ish). Outside of stupidly expensive SLI/CF setups, it's the best

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

Hmm.. well what you're saying pretty much makes sense. After shipping, that's still a $65.00 difference between your card and the 2900 though which is a little more than I had budgeted for. I gotta think about that. Tempting, tempting....

 

[Arkaign]

Well, if $$ is that tight, then here :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814241066

$169, free shipping, and $20 rebate drops it to $149 AR. Not bad not bad! Way ahead of 2900P, easier on psu, and overclockable to boot. Win/win/win.

 

[Rockhound1]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Well, if $$ is that tight, then here :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814241066

$169, free shipping, and $20 rebate drops it to $149 AR. Not bad not bad! Way ahead of 2900P, easier on psu, and overclockable to boot. Win/win/win.

:thumbsup:

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Well, if $$ is that tight, then here :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814241066

$169, free shipping, and $20 rebate drops it to $149 AR. Not bad not bad! Way ahead of 2900P, easier on psu, and overclockable to boot. Win/win/win.

Oh don't get me wrong, I don't mind paying the extra if the price/performance index justifies it. I'm just trying to find the best bang for the buck!!

That said, what do you guys think about this card and how well does it compete with the 3870 you listed?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130314

Or how about this one?
http://www.ncixus.com/products...X/Galaxy%20Technology/

 

[Arkaign]

The 8800GT's GPU is ~5-10% faster than 3870. Only problem is with 256MB 8800GTs, they basically don't have enough Vram to take advantage of the 8800GT's full capabilities (ie; 1680x1050/1600x1200/1920x1200/etc @ high/max detail/AA).

So the 256MB 8800GT should be about equal to the 3870 512MB, but may lag considerably when in certain situations that max the Vram. The 512MB 8800GT is obviously the best of all worlds mentioned, but commands a premium.

You really can't lose with any of those options

Or even the $149 3850.

 

[Munky]

If you're using a resolution above 1280x1024, then don't buy a 256mb 8800gt. That card has a fast gpu, but once it runs out of memory, it takes a bigger than normal performance hit, that often put on the level of a much slower card. The 3850 256mb is the best card for about $150, and the memory size doesn't hold it back as much as the 8800gt. If you're willing to spend more than $200, then either the 3870 or the 8800gt 512MB is a good choice. But even a 3850 is faster than the last generation high end cards, and will be a HUGE improvement over a x1300.

 

[SlowSpyder]

Double check to make sure the 2900 Pro you're looking at is the 512bit version. I've seen a few in the $170 price range that are only 256bit. My 2900 Pro is overclocked to 800mhz.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: SlowSpyder
Double check to make sure the 2900 Pro you're looking at is the 512bit version. I've seen a few in the $170 price range that are only 256bit. My 2900 Pro is overclocked to 800mhz.

The 3850 is so much better than the 2900P that there's zero reason to buy one

EDIT: on 2nd thought, I guess the difference isn't that huge. I'd still prefer the smaller/quieter/cooler/more efficient 3850 though. Can get 3850 @ $149 AR / free shipping.

 

[SlowSpyder]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: SlowSpyder
Double check to make sure the 2900 Pro you're looking at is the 512bit version. I've seen a few in the $170 price range that are only 256bit. My 2900 Pro is overclocked to 800mhz.

The 3850 is so much better than the 2900P that there's zero reason to buy one

EDIT: on 2nd thought, I guess the difference isn't that huge. I'd still prefer the smaller/quieter/cooler/more efficient 3850 though. Can get 3850 @ $149 AR / free shipping.

I was going to ask why you'd say that... the cores are about equal horsepower and the 2900 Pro has more memory bandwidth. The 3850 has dx10.1 support, PCIE 2.0 support (I think), UVD and is easier on a power supply (but for most I don't think this is an issue unless you go Crossfire as I am running my 2900P at 800mhz on a 550 watt power supply). Also, I believe the 2900Pro overclocks more, more regularly... 800+mhz isn't abnormal at all. If anything the 2900Pro/XT are easily overclocking to 3870 levels, and well beyond, with more memory bandwidth.

 

[Sureshot324]

I would extend your budget a little bit and get a Radeon 3870 512mb or a 8800gt 512mb. 256mb has been the standard for a while but now a lot of games are starting to make use of 512mb, so I don't think it's a good time to buy a 256mb card.

 

[ZoNtO]

but is it worth the 100 dollars extra required? I think the 3850 is the perfect midrange card right now, the price/performance ratio can't be beat!

 

[RussianSensation]

GECUBE GC-XHD3850PG3-E3R Radeon HD 3850 512MB - $180

1. Aftermarket cooling.
2. Overclocked gpu to 725mhz.
3. Double the memory for $30 more.
4. Free 3 day shipping.

Assuming this rebate comes through, this is the best bank for the buck imo.

 

[zeroburrito]

the 2900pro is an amazing buy, probably the best on all of newegg. it will squash the 3850. you can get one for 160(144 after rebate) on newegg. it IS an underclocked 2900xt, which is on par with a 3870. FOR 160 BUCKS. of course you will need a decent powersupply as it eats lots of power. it's only the 256bit version but there is no difference in gaming. the 3870 is also 256bit.

here is the anadtech benchmark of the 2900xt(just an overclocked 2900pro, exact same card) against the 3850 and 3870. get the 2900pro.

 

[zeroburrito]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Well, if $$ is that tight, then here :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814241066

$169, free shipping, and $20 rebate drops it to $149 AR. Not bad not bad! Way ahead of 2900P, easier on psu, and overclockable to boot. Win/win/win.

this is not true, the 2900pro is faster than the 3850. though the 3850 is easier on the psu, by a lot. the 2900pro overclocks to a 2900xt plus more as it is a 2900xt. the 2900pro core can go above 800 easily. the memory also clocks to the xt and above.

 

[taltamir]

for the same price, i would go with the 3850. Also you would save a LOT of money on power bill.

 

[zeroburrito]

by a lot you mean a few dollars a year?

 

[taltamir]

I mean easily 30$+ a year... if you leave the computer on 24/7 than over 100$ a year, easily. 50watt difference adds up to a LOT over time.


EDIT: I couldn't find exact figures for the 2900Pro
But: http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3151&p=11
The 2900XT is 78watts more on idle and and 123 watts more on load.

So I would be GENEROUS and say the pro is only 50 watts more on either... And the ABSOLUTELY LOWEST power cost in texas of 12 cents per KWH (average being 14+taxes)
@2 hours a day gaming and 5 hours a day general use:
7 hours/day x 50watt = 0.350kwh/day.
0.35kwh/day x 365 days/year = 127.75 kwh/year
127.75 kwh/year x 0.12$/kwh = 15.33$/year

But it likely will take even more electricity. And I DOUBT you only use your computer for 2 hours of gaming and 5 hours of general on an average day (yea i know you sometimes dont use it at all, but then you have the occasional 14 hours in a row of playing a specific game, right?)

Assuming you leave your computer on 24/7 though... well... a quick and dirty calculation would be to devide the result by 7 (the assumed hours per day before) and multiple by 24 (the currently assumed hours per day)...
52.56$ per year.

And again, I am being very generous... your electricity might not be the lowest priced, you probably use the computer for more hours of gaming. and I would bet that it takes closer to 100 watts more when gaming, not 50 more. Which would make it much more expensive.

EDIT2: From what I have read... the 2900Pro is an underclocked 2900XT with some ram differences... I would hazard an educated guess that it takes probably 10 watts less in both load and idle. So that would mean probable consumption increase over a 3850 of 68watt idle and 113 load... Not pretty, and VERY close to the numbers I originally tossed about (I calculated electricity cost differences for so many components recently that I have gotten experienced in it)

 

[crisium]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
GECUBE GC-XHD3850PG3-E3R Radeon HD 3850 512MB - $180

1. Aftermarket cooling.
2. Overclocked gpu to 725mhz.
3. Double the memory for $30 more.
4. Free 3 day shipping.

Assuming this rebate comes through, this is the best bank for the buck imo.

I agree that this seems the best bang for the buck for $200 or less.

If the rebate does indeed come through, that's the best performance you will find for $180.

Even without the rebate, it's a solid deal since 8800GT and 3870 prices are jacked currently.

 

[SlowSpyder]

Originally posted by: taltamir
I mean easily 30$+ a year... if you leave the computer on 24/7 than over 100$ a year, easily. 50watt difference adds up to a LOT over time.


EDIT: I couldn't find exact figures for the 2900Pro
But: http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3151&p=11
The 2900XT is 78watts more on idle and and 123 watts more on load.

So I would be GENEROUS and say the pro is only 50 watts more on either... And the ABSOLUTELY LOWEST power cost in texas of 12 cents per KWH (average being 14+taxes)
@2 hours a day gaming and 5 hours a day general use:
7 hours/day x 50watt = 0.350kwh/day.
0.35kwh/day x 365 days/year = 127.75 kwh/year
127.75 kwh/year x 0.12$/kwh = 15.33$/year

But it likely will take even more electricity. And I DOUBT you only use your computer for 2 hours of gaming and 5 hours of general on an average day (yea i know you sometimes dont use it at all, but then you have the occasional 14 hours in a row of playing a specific game, right?)

Assuming you leave your computer on 24/7 though... well... a quick and dirty calculation would be to devide the result by 7 (the assumed hours per day before) and multiple by 24 (the currently assumed hours per day)...
52.56$ per year.

And again, I am being very generous... your electricity might not be the lowest priced, you probably use the computer for more hours of gaming. and I would bet that it takes closer to 100 watts more when gaming, not 50 more. Which would make it much more expensive.

EDIT2: From what I have read... the 2900Pro is an underclocked 2900XT with some ram differences... I would hazard an educated guess that it takes probably 10 watts less in both load and idle. So that would mean probable consumption increase over a 3850 of 68watt idle and 113 load... Not pretty, and VERY close to the numbers I originally tossed about (I calculated electricity cost differences for so many components recently that I have gotten experienced in it)

So you're saying if I use my computer for 7 hours a day/365 days a year it'll cost me a whole $15.33/year more in electricity for the 2900Pro? I think you just kind of proved that the difference in electricity useage is really not a big deal at all...

 

[Creig]

Originally posted by: taltamir
@2 hours a day gaming and 5 hours a day general use

Originally posted by: taltamir
And I DOUBT you only use your computer for 2 hours of gaming and 5 hours of general on an average day

I hope you're thinking that he uses his computer for business purposes. Because nobody I know that works 40 hours per week is going home and sitting in front of the computer for 7+ hours every single day. 1-2 hours would be the limit for most people.

Originally posted by: taltamir
but then you have the occasional 14 hours in a row of playing a specific game, right?)

Wow! And I though I played too many video games. I haven't even come CLOSE to that. Must be nice to have that kind of free time.

 

[zeroburrito]

100 over a year for a faster card isn't bad at all. considering it's 30 dollars less than the 3850. so he can run that for 4 months till it becomes the same price as the 3850(not even counting the power that the 3850 would also be using in that 4 month period). get....the....2900pro. you will thank me. have 1 or 2 less dinners out during the year. 3850 is obsolete with that card out at that price. if you really want to spend 200..get the 8800gt 256mb. even with the 256 it blows away the 3850 512. faster than the 3870 most of the time too.

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

WOW!! This thread blew up over night!! Thanks to everyone for all the good info!!

So to summarize, here are the arguments I'm hearing:

The GeCube 3850/512 for $200.00 ($180AR) is the best bankg for the buck.

The 2900Pro is an underclocked XT and with a little "tweaking" will trounce the 3850 and perform on par with the 3870 but for less money at the expense of greater power consumption and no DX10.1 support.

The 8800GT is a little pricier but all around a better card than any of the ATI offerings in most cases. The exception being a 256MB GT, vs. a 512MB 3870 at higher resolutions.

The 8800GT 512MB card is a no compromises solution, but both it and the 3870 are getting price gouged right now.

Did I miss anything??