Which card to choose

[OKC Dan]

I'm building a DFI NF4 SLI-DR based system using a 3500+, 1GB Crucial Ballistix, and dual 300GB Seagate in a raid setup (maybe more drives, not sure)

I'm not a "gamer" though I play games and want them to look great. I will use this for making home movies, though not too advanced, some data processing and general multi-taksing. I will also use this as a direct feed from and to my television for video/audio.

I'm getting the SLI-DR board because I will go to dual 6800 Ultra's or similar when the prices drop, but I can't justify it now. The board only costs an extra $50-$60 over the ultra which is nothing.

A friend recommended the All-in-Wonder for a temporary card (year or two).

I will be rounding the system out with a Creative Audigy (not sure which) card and a good 7.1 speaker system and a 19" or greater LCD.

Is there a better choice of cards?

Thanks

 

[Jeff7181]

If you're not a gamer there's no reason to get SLI. Get a 6600GT now, and if it's too slow in a year, sell it and get a 6800 Ultra. SLI is a complete waste for people who aren't hardcore gamers with lots of money to spare.

 

[nitromullet]

I'm not a "gamer"

I will go to dual 6800 Ultra's

Huh? I am a gamer and all I have is a single 6800GT, which plays HL2 and Doom3 quite well at 1680x1050.

To answer your question, I have heard of a number of people having issues with their X800XT AIW's (mainly driver issues), plus the tuner doesn't support HDTV IIRC. I would opt for a decent desktop card and pick up a discrete TV tuner/video capture card. That way, when you upgrade your video card you don't have to get a new tuner card.

 

[OKC Dan]

By "I'm not a gamer" I mean that I don't spend several hours a day playing and don't pre-order Half Life 2 or wait in line at midnight for a store to get something. When I do play, I want it to be amazing. I just happen to use the PC for other things too so I like some versatility.

I mistyped. I meant dual 6800 GT's. Was just talking about my friends 6800U and had a brainfart.

 

[OKC Dan]

Also regardless of my board choice...pretend it's an ultra-D if it makes you happy...Which would be a good video card for me now?

Good gaming
Good for multi-tasking
Good Video features in/out
Not $500

Thanks

 

[crazyeddie]

Radeon X800XL is the bang-for-the-buck champion right now. At $299, it's as fast as a 6800GT in almost everything except Doom 3. If you're going to to go with an SLI motherboard though, you may as well just pony up for the 6800GT and buy a 2nd one later.

You said "not $500" which is the general range of the 6800 Ultra, so I figured that wasn't of interest to you.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Get an x800xl or 6600gt