More RAM or new Video Card?

[flametank]

Here's my set up that I've had since July of '06:

AM2 X2 4000+ CPU
ASUS M2N32-SLI Mobo
250GB Maxtor SATA Hard Drive
2 GBs of Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400C4 RAM
MSI 7600GT 256MB
Sound Blaster X-Fi
580 Watt SLI PSU
Gateway 21" Widescreen LCD @ 1680x1050

I want to know what to do next, I know I need something (I play MMOs and FPS and can tell I need to upgrade). My budget is around $250 for now. For now, should I buy another 2 Gigs of RAM, or a new video card. I was thinking of getting a 7950 like this one: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=322836

Down the road, like later this year, I probably going to get a new 1080p TV for my living room and run a DVI cable and wireless keyboard and mouse to play games in there. Would a 7950 give me at least 2 years of usability @ 1920 x 1080? Thanks in advance.

 

[alcattle]

Definatly a GPU, the 7900 series or a X1950 like this one
Sapphire X1950GT
Your memory is great, no need for more. Rest of the system is pretty sweet, next upgrade will be CPU/MB but Video card will hold you until the uber-monitor is in place

 

[jaguarskx]

Video Card

 

[flametank]

Yeah I've asked some others and it's video card all the way. Thanks for the input. Should I get a 7950 or wait until later and see what other 8000 series cards come out? I don't think I can get a ATI video card with an Nvidia chipset?

 

[jaguarskx]

You can mix video card and chipset brands with no problems. The only thing you can't do is have a Crossfire setup on a nVidia chipset and SLI on an ATI chipset.


I would wait just a little while longer if you can for nVidia to announce when the other 8xxx cards will come out. Who know the 7950GT may or may not be faster than the 8600 Ultra.

 

[PCKid777]

ATi cards work fine on Nvidia chipsets; you just can't run ATI's Crossfire feature on a Nvidia SLI board...

Anyhow, check out the VGA charts if you want a comparison of GPU performance; the charts will help you decide. The 7950 is a good card and so are ATI's 1900 series. You can buy now if you really crave the added boost or wait until the R600 (which will drop the prices on Nvidia's 8xxx series)

Getting the right card for the moment depends on the games you play and the resolution.

 

[diabloazul126]

From the looks of things the only thing that would hold you back is your video card. It probably isn't worth pouncing on a card right now if you're not going to use it or even reap the benefits yet. Maybe wait until you pick up the 1080 HDTV(or until you get closer to purchasing it) and then we'll see what the gpu market is like.

 

[kickbutt]

U got enugh RAM for gaming but your gfx seems to be a little to lame for a 1900 res
8800GTS 320 its abit more then 250 but much its a buch better bet then the 7950.

Or wait for the 8600 Ultra wich will come wery soon

 

[AeroB1033]

You never need more than 2gb of memory except for very specialized applications like high-end engineering programs and such. Definitely get a video card. Maybe a 7900GS?

 

[flametank]

I think what I am going to do is wait and see what they do for cheaper 8000 series cards, or see what ATI does and buy a video card this summer. Thanks guys.