upgrating video card

[darkening]

Hello all iam looking to upgrate my current video card which is a x800XL 512. I would prefer nvidia cause i have had 2 ati cards before in the past and everyone gave me problems with drivers,fan stop working, overheats etc....


so iam looking for the best video card i can get for around $550 max without upgrating my mobo, (so that means no sli/crossfire) my mobo is this : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131569

and my last question is would it really be that much of a boost in fps if i upgrate to a $550 video card from the x800XL ?

 

[raven_87]

Depends on the GPU you plan to buy, and also the rest of your system specs.
Which btw, would be nice if you posted for our reference.

$550 will get you a 7900GTX. Hell just a little bit more will get you a 7950GX2.

I realize you said you were looking for Nv, but seriously consider the X1900XT as well.

 

[Oracle]

How about this!

 

[Heyyou27]

If you can spend an extra $50s you can get a 7950GX2 which is currently the fastest card out.

 

[darkening]

amd 4000+,2 gig ram, and that motherboard i linked above.

will my motherboard work with that video card or do i have do get a SLI ready motherboard?

and is that 7900GTX vista ready?

 

[ussra2]

The GX2 is vista ready but we need to know exactly what motherboard you have and no it doesnt have to be SLI for the GX2. Nvidia does not guarantee it will work with your motherboard, thats up to your mobo manufacturer. Also it would be better to have a motherboard that is SLI x16 and two 7900GTX's which are still faster than the GX2.

***Edit.... You would have to ask ASUS if that board has been tested to comply with the GX2, but i found the nvidia list and Nvidia has tested it and says it works with that mobo.

GX2 Compatability List...

 

[Oracle]

No need for a SLI motherboard, unless you plan on using two video cards.
I always thought SLI was a complete waste of money anyways, and a big gimmick to sell more cards at an insane price.

Is 7900GTX Vista ready, you ask?
The question is: Is Vista ready for 7900GTX?
Vista won't be here until at least Q1 2007, so don't worry about that!
Your X800XL will run Aero (Vista's 3D GUI), so no need to worry about the 7900.

 

[darkening]

Iam deff either getting that 7900GTX or GX2

also gunna have to buy bigger PSU if i get GX2 mine is only 420w are PSU hard to install? it looks fairly simple

 

[Oracle]

By having a look at newegg.com, the GX2 costs at least $100 more than the GTX.
Go with the GTX, you'll be just fine.

PSUs are quite simple to install. Screw it to its place on the tower and plug the wires at their appropriate places on the mobo and the various parts of your system and you're done. Arrange your wires intelligently to avoid blocking airflow in the case. Should you use IDE drives, you should connect them to the IDE connectors of the mobo with a rounded cable.

 

[darkening]

how much do you think i would notice in performance if i upgrated x800XL to 7900GTX?if your talking like 3-5% will just keep my video card and upgrate in couple months

 

[Oracle]

Well, it depends on the games you play and the resolutions you play them at.
That said, your X800XL runs all of today's games quite decently at 1280x1024, unless you're a speed/quality freak and need to have all settings to the max.
I'm actually running a X800XL and the games I play are all fine.
I suggest saving that 500 bucks for a more complete overhaul when Vista gets here (which is not in sight yet). Prices will have dropped in a major way. Of course new hardware will be available, but that GX2 will be more attractive then while still being the heck of a performer.
If you ask me, I'd stick with my X800XL, but that's just my opinion.

 

[uber_g]

amd 4000+,2 gig ram, and that motherboard i linked above.

will my motherboard work with that video card or do i have do get a SLI ready motherboard?

and is that 7900GTX vista ready?

dude all directX 9 cards r "vista ready"

but u r going to have to upgrade a little bit after vista comes out

-DX10 is shortley after the vista launch

 

[prozac26]

is that 7900GTX vista ready?

Yes, it'll run Vista fine. It won't use DX10 to full advantage though.

 

[Oracle]

It won't use DX10 to full advantage though.

No cards existing today will.

 

[prozac26]

That's why next-gen cards should be out after Vista.

 

[darkening]

i play at 1600x1200 and i mostly only play mmorpg's. Yes i can turn all settings on max for games like bf2,WoW,eq1, etc but the new ones iam having a hard time keeping up like max i can turn settings on is low and it looks terriable which is why i really need upgrate.

*wink wink*

"We are currently in closed beta with a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA) – which means that players who are chosen aren't allow to disclose anything about the game or to even let outside people know that they are in the beta. We do have a secure area of our forums where beta testers can discuss the game and give us valuable feedback."

 

[Oracle]

Then, you will most likely benefit from the GTX. It is significantly faster than the X800XL.

 

[prozac26]

Dual 7900GTs are worth considering.

 

[Oracle]

Dual 7900GTs are worth considering.

Not on his motherboard, and it will exceed his budget.

 

[darkening]

and i like the 7900GTX low power wattage so i wouldnt have to upgrate my PSU. Its says minium on newegg is 400watts u guys think 420watts would be fine

 

[darkening]

kk i just ordered the 7900GTX cause i figure once i get a little more money saved up will just order new mobo,psu and another 7900GTX and go SLI mode.

thanks for all your help !!! :lol:

 

[Oracle]

Depending on the other components in your system, a 400 watts PSU should be fine.
Enjoy your new toy!