Would this card be a good upgrade?

[cr0ssfire]

I've currently got an XFX 7800GT which I'm looking to upgrade from after a lengthy hiatus from tinkering with hardware. My monitor supports 1280x1024 max. I've set my sights on an 8800GT since it seems to be a pretty good value from what I can tell. This one in particular seems to be very nicely priced:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...=3606193&sku=P450-8834

It looks like the memory is clocked at 400MHz below the stock spec...would that make much of a difference? Would it still be a good upgrade? I'm guessing the answer is "yes" but I just thought I'd make sure...

 

[BolleY2K]

This is a 256MB Memory Card. Be sure to get one with 512 MB! Those are already selling for 99 Euros here in Europe which translates to about $ 152...

 

[BlueAcolyte]

No. the 256mb of VRAM will strangle you, get a 8800GT 512mb.

 

[cr0ssfire]

I see. Alright, then, how about this one? Unless I'm mistaken, it looks like your average 512mb 8800GT with that nifty new (to me, anyway) Arctic Cooling Accelero S1 preinstalled.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814134035

 

[BolleY2K]

Looks good if you have the space for that monstrous cooler.

 

[solog]

I would try to find some reviews to see if 256MB vs. 512MB makes a difference on 1280x1024 first

 

[BolleY2K]

Doom 3 or Quake 4 for example need at least 500MB Video Memory for Ultra Quality. It does matter with increasing texture size. I also game mostly in 1280 x 1024 (using a CRT) and a lot of games use more than half of my 8800 GTS´ 640 MB.

 

[betasub]

Originally posted by: cr0ssfire
It looks like the memory is clocked at 400MHz below the stock spec...would that make much of a difference? Would it still be a good upgrade? I'm guessing the answer is "yes" but I just thought I'd make sure...

Yes to which question? Yes to both doesn't make sense.

FWIW Oblivion and Medieval2 drove my upgrade from a 256MB card to a 512MB card: both look great with high details/large textures, but FPS tanked on a 256MB card.