X1900XT to 8800GT

[KBC]

Hi, I currently have a 512MB Sapphire X1900XT graphics card, now is it worth replacing this noisy card for a 512MB 8800GT ? Is the worth the cash?

Would I benefit from a decent performance boost? I game at 1680x1050.

 

[taltamir]

probably about 2x the FPS. It will cost you money. You decide weather that is a good deal for you based on your needs.

 

[cubeless]

unless u r oc'ing the 4400 you not get as good a frame rate bump...

but if u want to sell the 1900 cheap i might be interested...

 

[conlan]

Yes

 

[child of wonder]

Yes. I managed to sell my X1900XT for $150 and got an eVGA 8800GT SC for $260.

3dMark06 score went from 6,600 to 12,000. I game at 1920x1080 res and really notice games playing much smoother, even with settings cranked to the max.

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

Originally posted by: KBC
Hi, I currently have a 512MB Sapphire X1900XT graphics card, now is it worth replacing this noisy card for a 512MB 8800GT ? Is the worth the cash?

Would I benefit from a decent performance boost? I game at 1680x1050.

Yes... you'll get a GREAT improvement. I upgraded from an X1900XTX, which is just a notch above your 1900XT, and even I noticed a substantial gain. The intro scene for FEAR (where you drive up in the car, get out, and start walkin around) went from 24-30 FPS up to a steady 60 FPS with the 8800GT (al settings the same). I can wander around the world in Oblivion at 40-50 FPS with all options on high plus high-res textures added, though occasionally near towns I slow to 20 FPS but I blame mods for that.

My CPU is a paltry Opteron 165 that's OC'd to 2.3GHz; because of this I get artificially low 3dMark06 scores, and you might too... but dont let that fool you. It's a laughable benchmark for video performance considering how much weight it gives to your CPU. If you get this 8800GT, you'll never look back.

ALso if you get it... be sure to get RivaTuner to manage your fan speed on that card a bit better. Mine came locked at 29% from the factory and it wouldn't speed up as I worked it harder; as far as I know this is a common problem.

 

[child of wonder]

Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
ALso if you get it... be sure to get RivaTuner to manage your fan speed on that card a bit better. Mine came locked at 29% from the factory and it wouldn't speed up as I worked it harder; as far as I know this is a common problem.

This is essential.

I've set up Rivatuner so the card idles at 30% fan speed, 50% at 65C, 65% at 75C, 75% at 80C, 90% at 85C, and 100% at 90C.

I've been playing BioShock, HL2:Ep2, and Quake Wars and the card rarely exceeds 75C since setting up the fan controls.

 

[KBC]

This all sounds so promising! I'm determined to get one now, I don't really intend on doing a mass upgrade to my system because it's all running fine at the moment, aside from graphics performance. It's just a shame that everywhere is out of stock! (in the UK anyway!). 🙁