Tom's Hardware: Topic Which Vid card?
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I would get the x1800xt to hold me over until the next gen cards. Its not that far off (Nov~Dec seems to be the consensus) and they will smoke the x1900xtx. Although, you may have to wait longer to really use the card as Vista is a complete mystery at this point.
But if you're going to do that make sure you get a high quality power supply with at least 600W. Antec and PC&C to name two.
But if you can't wait 6 months then get the x1900xtx and have fun. 
| Quote : If you plan on using it for that long, I'd say it's probably worth it. For those who upgrade more often it's not. Within the next year, there will be more games that take advantage of the extra memory. If I had that option, and could afford it I'd opt for 512MB. |
I guess I should have been more specific from the begginning. This will be my primary video card until I build my new system in 08-09 ( I plan ahead alot, 
).
Spending much more though would be a a waste IMHO. The whole "more ram for newer games over the next few years" is my primary driving force in choosing a card.
Thanks for the help. The x1900xt would be a much better card than the x1600 pro in SLI. I'm probably going to buy a 3rd party cooler for it since thats only 15 bucks (I've heard the stock cooler is LOUD).
I appreciate all the help. I've been busy with college lately and haven't had a lot of time to build a new PC in a while and haven't kept up as much as I'd like. My last true overclocking job involved MANUALLY changing jumpers on the MOBO since software OC'ing didn't even exist back then.
Not a problem. If you are thinking about possibly running a dual GPU config in the future, you're mobo has to support Crossfire. While it's OK to run a single ATI card on an SLI mobo, it doesn't support dual ATI GPUs. 
| Quote : You need a different mobo, one that supports crossfire, not sli. Get the x1900 or wait for the x1950 (what is it, a month?). I'd say wait, but I know it can be really hard. But you usually are happier with yourself for waiting. Plus it lasts longer. |
I have 2 dilemas:
1. The "server" is my main computer with all my data on it. I need it running ASAP. I can't wait even a few weeks. I know, it blows.
2. I'm not really willing to spend 500-550 bucks on a new card. 300 is about the highest i'll go (315 is Just over 300 
). 512 mb is good enough, although not the BEST, it will certainly run everything I need and save me 200 bucks.
Otherwise, I would definitally wait for the x1950xtx. It looks sweet. If I had a conroe system, it would be a different story. I'm running dual 940 opterons (250) @ 2.4 ghz w/ 8 gigs DDR1. Fast, but not top of the line by any means. I don't want to put much more into the computer since it'll be used as a file server in the future.
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