new PC - only thing i can't decide on is the VCard

[rootb33r]

Hey so I straightened everything else out over in the home-built systems Forum.

Now I am confused and would like some input on video cards.

I am looking at about the $175-225 range... these are what i've found so far.

Radeon X1950PRO 512MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102075
GPU @ 580 mhz
512mb VRAM @ 1400 mhz
12 pixel pipelines (36 pixel shader processor)

GeForce 7950GT 256MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130074
GPU @ 550 mhz
256mb VRAM @ 1400 mhz
24 Pixel pipelines

head-to-head comparison (but i think they used the 512mb 7950GT)
http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=466&card2=445#

I went to the VGA Charts and could only find the x1950 in the 256mb and could only find the 7950GT in the 512mb version. Therefore, I can't tell which one of the above is better. The obvious choice would be the ATI because the GPU and RAM are at pretty much the same speeds and yet it has double the memory. However, it does have half the pipeline and I don't really know what that is (see below)...

Also on a side note could someone explain to me or give me a metaphor for pixel pipelines? back when i built my last computer, it was "the higher the VRAM the better" so now there are GPU speeds and memory speeds and pipelines to consider.

Thanks!

 

[evongugg]

A pixel pipeline is the part of a videocard that transfers pixel information. The more pixel pipelines, the faster the video card can process pixels.

Current top-end videocards, such as the Radeon X1900 XTX and the GeForce 8800GTX, offer 16 Pixel Pipelines (effectively 48, 3 pixel processors per pipe) and 128 unified shaders respectively.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixel_pipelines

 

[mactronix]

Hi can you list the rest of your system and what resolution you intend to be using also what usage your computer will be put to and what type of games you may be playing please include psu also.
Mactronix

 

[Erighan]

When you’re comparing cards of similar prices, but one is 256mb and the other is 512mb, you need to determine what resolutions you’ll be using. Generally speaking, cards with more memory can handle higher resolutions (1400 x 900 and up).

I can’t speak on experience about those two cards, but I would “assume” the 7950gt would beat the x1950pro at lower resolutions. The x1950pro would close the gap as the resolution increases. Whether the x1950pro surpasses the 7950gt at higher resolutions, I couldn’t answer. You also need to factor in if you’re going to overclock. Most people agree the x1950pro doesn’t OC that well.

 

[lostandwandering]

According to guru3d, the pro 512 is equal to the 7950 512 in performance. I would imagine the pro 512 would be better than the 7950 256. The X1950 pro is also slightly cheaper. Your other choice, if you want DX10 "support", is the 8600GTS, but it's as expensive as the 7950GT and doesn't always perform better.

 

[Anoobis]

Badda Bing, Badda Boom!!

 

[rootb33r]

Hi can you list the rest of your system and what resolution you intend to be using also what usage your computer will be put to and what type of games you may be playing please include psu also.
Mactronix

Thanks for all the replies... i'll try to give more information now so you guys can help me

Intel core 2 duo e4300 1.86ghz (going to OC it)
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
2gb DDR2 800
250gb WD 7200RPM hdd
22" LCD Widescreen Monitor. I'm guessing I'll run it at 1680x1050 or maybe one step down.

Games I'll be playing... hmm... don't know yet. I picked up LOTRO but i'm kind of getting bored with that. I might try a FPS like BF2042 (or whatever it's called) or something like that. Maybe i'll go back to WoW. who knows.

 

[cristip60]

Well when i checked last the x1950pro was in the 7900gs category why are you putting it head to head with a 7950 i say that the 7950 will mop the floor with the x1950pro so go for the 7950.

 

[andybird123]

When you’re comparing cards of similar prices, but one is 256mb and the other is 512mb, you need to determine what resolutions you’ll be using. Generally speaking, cards with more memory can handle higher resolutions (1400 x 900 and up).

You also have to take account of how much texture memory a particular game uses - e.g. I know for a fact that GRAW uses > 256mb of textures when set to "High" and grinds to a halt on any 256mb card regardless of what processor that card uses. Stick in a 512mb card of a lower GPU type and it performs much better.

 

[mactronix]

Ok so with res like that you will benefit from the extra ram so get one with 512. dont know if you are in to overclocking but if you are your cpu is brilliant at it and the 7950 is said to be good to.
Performance wise the 7950 is generally a bit better than a 1950 pro but not a lot, the ati cards can run hdr and aa while the nvidea cards can but have to be forced to do so in the drivers.
The other main thing is as i said before power the 1950 pro isnt as bad as the xt but will need quite a bit of power, i would think (although its not really my area) that you would want about 450 watts min with at least 18-20 amps on the 12 volt rail.
My call would be the 7950.
Mactronix

 

[Dahak]

I would get the 7950GT,but in the 512 version as opposed to the 256 as most games coming out now require more than 256megs of ram,for the higher monitor resolutions,as well as games.And can you say SLI???The 7950GT in SLI just rocks dude.In SLI the performance for these cards is doubled or more in some cases.It's the first NVIDIA card I've seen that utilizes bothe cards extremely efficiantly.To the point where my score doubled in 3dmark06.Whereas my 7800GT's in SLI only upped my score by 34-60%as opossed to 75-100%for the 7950GT KO's.An excellent card the 7950GT is,and I highly recommend it to anuone.Goodluck.

Dahak

AMD X2 5600+ @ 2.8ghz(stock)
M2N32-SLI DELUXE MB
2 GIGS DDR2 800 RAM
THERMALTAKE 850WATT PSU
7950GT KO(WAITING FOR MY OTHER TO COME BACK FROM RMA)
ACER 22IN. LCD
SMILIDON RAIDMAX GAMING CASE
80GIG/250gig SATA2 HD's
XP MCE

 

[rammedstein]

pfft, get this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102061 , if you need more power, get a 2nd one and run in crossfire, isn't $110 cheap enough for you ? lol, i'll find you a handy link i have floating around....

http://www.digital-daily.com/video/x1950pro_crossfire/

 

[Dahak]

Well for that money,there is no comparison.Crap dude,I wish that price was accessable here in Canada,I go buy three of those cards now.

Dahak

 

[rootb33r]

I ended up getting the 1950XT that Anoobis linked. only 256mb of RAM but here's the thing- it was only $170 and right now I honestly don't have any games that I'm "into."

when i find a game that i get really into I'll get what's necessary to play that game at its max settings, whether it be a $500 vid card or just an upgrade to a dx-10 compatible card.

I've got too many student loans to pay off to buy a huge $3k gaming rig rigth now

THANK YOU everyone for your help, though, I really appreciate it.