Geforce 6800 GT, 7600 GT, 7800 GT...

[jvmiller]

I've got about $150 (maybe $200 pushing it), and I was thinking of buying a 6800 GT off of ebay. Then I read a post where people said the 7600 GT was better than the 6800. But what I've been basing my decision on was this: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/132.

I can find the 7600 GT for about the same price (maybe even lower) as the 6800, and I could probably snag a 7800 for a little over $200. Looking at that article, I would say the 6800gt is better than the 7600gt; the 7600 is only 128bit, and the 6800 is 256, and the 7600 has 12 pipes instead of 16. Could someone tell me if the 7600 gt is actually better than the 6800gt?

Also, would getting a 7800gt instead of a 6800gt be worth the extra $50 or $60?

Thanks

 

[Dekkard]

Well, a lot depends on your existing system but generically, I would sway with the 7600GT. I recently built a new system with 7600GT, 2GB RAM, 3200+ to replace a struggling XP1700+ with 6800GS OC, 1GB RAM.
In terms of performance I think you will find that in gaming applications the 7600GT will easily match 6800GT performance - in fact at 12x9 resolutions and lower the 7600GT can kick even a 7800GT into shape. The newer architecture really does counter concerns over 12 pipe architecture and 128 bit interface. Comparing benchmarks:
3dMark03 3dMark06
Old system: 7500 Wouldn't run
New system: 13000 3000

Unless you are running at 16x12 or higher I would only go with the 7600GT....if you have extra cash, go with the 7900GT or X1800-X1900 series options. Nice thing about the 7600GT is better temps than 6 series, lower power requirements and smaller cards (6800GS is a behemoth of a card).
Hope this helps.
Dekk

 

[jvmiller]

Thanks for the input.

My next question would be: Is it worth the extra money to go for a 7800GT instead of 7600GT? If I could get a 7800Gt for a little over $200 I would go for, but if theres not much difference between the two...
Also, at $300+ I can't afford a 7900GT, but since I'm building a brand new system, would it be wise to wait for the 7900Gt to go down in $, instead of going with a cheaper 7600 or 7800?

btw-system will probably be athlon 64 3400+ 2gb ram.

thanks

 

[jaguarskx]

Specs are nice, but nothing beats a review comparing the 6800GT and the 7600GT.

6800GT vs. 7600GT

As can be seen by the benchmarks, the current generation mainstream 7600GT can beat the last generation high end 6800GT.

According to Newegg.com, the cheapest 7600GT is $155. That's $170 less $20 mail-in rebate and $5 shipping.

They do not sell the 7800GT, but the cheapest 7900GT is $271. That's $295 less $30 mail-in rebate and $6 shipping.

A 6800GT at Newegg.com is $245 and it is not in stock. Based on the above link to a review, the 7600GT is not only faster but $90 cheaper than the 6800GT. If you are willing to spend more then the 7900GT is a good deal. However, if you don't game above 1028 x 764 resolution then the 7900GT will be a waste in my opinion.

If you are looking for a card that is good enough for now and plan on upgrading to a DirectX 10 card around a year from now, then it's best to get the 7600GT.

 

[jvmiller]

Okay, but say I set up a lemonaide stand and scrape together extra cash to get a 7900 GT. How long is it going to last me? If I spend that kinda money I probably won't be to upgrade when Dx10 comes out like jaguarskx suggested. How necessary is it going to be to upgrade when DX10 comes out? Sorry if I'm ignorant but I haven't kept up with computers for 3 or 4 years and I'm looking to get back into gaming.

thanks

 

[jaguarskx]

Okay, but say I set up a lemonaide stand and scrape together extra cash to get a 7900 GT. How long is it going to last me? If I spend that kinda money I probably won't be to upgrade when Dx10 comes out like jaguarskx suggested. How necessary is it going to be to upgrade when DX10 comes out? Sorry if I'm ignorant but I haven't kept up with computers for 3 or 4 years and I'm looking to get back into gaming.

thanks

You will not need to switch over to a DirectX 10 GPU anytime soon. New games that are coming will be both DX 9 and DX 10 compatible. And it will be about 3 more years before support for DX 9 will totally drop off the face of the Earth. Note that DX 10 games will require Windows Vista, but not a DX 10 video card. Halo 2 is an example. You need Vista to play it but a DX10 video like the Geforce 8xxx series will not be required.

The one difference will be the effects that you will see in games though. For example, until somewhat recently games have been written for DX 8.1 and DX 9 cards. They are playable on both, but will look better on a DX 9 card. The same can be said for comparing DX 9 and DX 10 compatible games.

I'm guess that the 7600GT will last the average gamer about 2 years, and the 7900GT for 3 years. That varies from person to person though 'cause one person may want to only game at 1280 x 1024 resolution, while another may want 1600 x 1200 resolution. Don't forget about the amount of eye candy too. If you got a 19" LCD then 1280 x 1024 is your max. I think the 7600GT will be good enough as long as you don't want max eye candy. And it depends on the game. If Oblivion is the way of the future, then expect to spend $300+ almost every two years on a new GPU. But Oblivion is an exception not a general rule.

This is only speculation on my part since I am still using a 9800Pro (3 years old) in my Athlon XP-M rig (4 1/2 years old). But that will change once I can see some real Conroe benchmarks.