Hey everyone,
This is my very first post, but it surely isn't my first time here on THG or on its forums. Here's my quest:
I seek to buy, and build, and good gaming computer for under $300.
Yes I know, that's impossible. But all I really need is a new motherboard and a new graphics card (I have an old 5700LE).
Now, I've been browsing through Tom's VGA Charts, the forums and everything, and I had decided to buy the X1800XT 256MB along with this motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130534
The thing is, I can't find the X1800XT anywhere on newegg anymore! The only one there is the 512MB, but it's overpriced for my taste.
Now, I'm divided into several graphics card :
1. MSI GeForce 7900GT ($275)
2. Sapphire X1900GT
3. ATI X1900XT 256MB (when it comes out)
My budget is limited to $300, and buying that mobo is possible with the 7900GT, thanks to its rebate.
But which card is really worth it? The X1900XT is coming out at $280, or so I heard, and the X1900GT is single slot, and not very expensive compared to the others. Even if the X1800XT does come back on newegg, I prefer benefiting of the latest cores, the X1900 or 7900 series.
I'm a good gamer (not a hardcore one, I do have my priorities ) but I'm mostly looking for a card that:
1. Has good / superior clock speeds
2. Has good / latest technology
3. Will last me (on the high/mid end side) for at least a year
4. Will help me go from rendering a scene in 30mn (in 3DS Max 8 with my 5700LE) to at least 1/5th that time.
5. Is under $280 ( under $300 if we push it or I wait a bit.)
As far as number 4 is concerned, it's really my top priority, and I know the FireGL and Quadro cards are the best for the job, but remember, limited budget!
Help me guys!
-DarkAlien
P.S. My budget is currently limited to $300, but I took a summer job of distributing ads, which should pay around $20 - $30 for what I've done so far. So we can push the budget to $320 if we really have to.
This is my very first post, but it surely isn't my first time here on THG or on its forums. Here's my quest:
I seek to buy, and build, and good gaming computer for under $300.
Yes I know, that's impossible. But all I really need is a new motherboard and a new graphics card (I have an old 5700LE).
Now, I've been browsing through Tom's VGA Charts, the forums and everything, and I had decided to buy the X1800XT 256MB along with this motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130534
The thing is, I can't find the X1800XT anywhere on newegg anymore! The only one there is the 512MB, but it's overpriced for my taste.
Now, I'm divided into several graphics card :
1. MSI GeForce 7900GT ($275)
2. Sapphire X1900GT
3. ATI X1900XT 256MB (when it comes out)
My budget is limited to $300, and buying that mobo is possible with the 7900GT, thanks to its rebate.
But which card is really worth it? The X1900XT is coming out at $280, or so I heard, and the X1900GT is single slot, and not very expensive compared to the others. Even if the X1800XT does come back on newegg, I prefer benefiting of the latest cores, the X1900 or 7900 series.
I'm a good gamer (not a hardcore one, I do have my priorities ) but I'm mostly looking for a card that:
1. Has good / superior clock speeds
2. Has good / latest technology
3. Will last me (on the high/mid end side) for at least a year
4. Will help me go from rendering a scene in 30mn (in 3DS Max 8 with my 5700LE) to at least 1/5th that time.
5. Is under $280 ( under $300 if we push it or I wait a bit.)
As far as number 4 is concerned, it's really my top priority, and I know the FireGL and Quadro cards are the best for the job, but remember, limited budget!
Help me guys!
-DarkAlien
P.S. My budget is currently limited to $300, but I took a summer job of distributing ads, which should pay around $20 - $30 for what I've done so far. So we can push the budget to $320 if we really have to.