GeForce 7600GT vs. GeForce 7800GS

Vicidius

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I've been looking at the specs for both cards, and while the 7600GT seems to have the 7800GS beat in seemingly significantly higher fillrates and clock maxes, the 7800GS has seemingly significantly higher max bandwidth; also, the 7800GS has a 256-bit memory interface while the 7600GT has a has a memory 128-bit interface.

Also, I use the word "seemingly" because I'm not so sure if the difference in fillrate/clock maxes are that high.

I used this for reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_NVIDIA_Graphics_Processing_Units

Are there other factors I'm not factoring in?

Which card do you think is better for gaming purposes?

Also, before anyone asks, my old motherboard only has an AGP slot :(
 

cleeve

Illustrious
Yes, but the 7600 GT has a much higher clockspeed which equals it out.

Same on the memory front... the 7800 GS has a 256-bit interface, but the 7600 GT has amuch higher memory clockspeed on it's 128-bit interface.

The result is that performance is damn near identical at stock speeds.
 

fatman90210

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Hey there Vicidius! I got a GeForce 7800GS OC AGP from BFG (only because my 6800 ultra broke & instead of fixing it, they just gave me the 7800). I also am still using a 5 year old PC that I bought from Walmart(AMD AntholonXP 3000+). I'm still playing the latest PC games with it and perfoms very well even with newer games like Bioshock! So go ahead, get one bro!!!!!!!!!
 

Vicidius

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Thanks for all the help so far, guys! It's really appreciated =)

Here are my system specs, let me know if there's too much info to sift through or it's not enough:
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Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 1
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name NEG (Gigantes Elegantes)
User Name Chris

Motherboard:
CPU Type AMD Athlon XP, 2200 MHz (11 x 200) 3200+
Motherboard Name Asus A7V8X-LA (Kelut) (3 PCI, 1 AGP, 2 DDR DIMM, Audio, Video, LAN, IEEE-1394)
Motherboard Chipset VIA VT8378A UniChrome KM400A
System Memory 1024 MB (PC3200 DDR SDRAM)
BIOS Type Award (06/09/04)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display:
Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700LE (128 MB)
3D Accelerator nVIDIA GeForce FX 5700LE
Monitor HP F1703 [17" LCD] (CNCHW0Z664)

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter VIA AC'97 Enhanced Audio Controller

Storage:
IDE Controller Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
IDE Controller VIA Bus Master IDE Controller
SCSI/RAID Controller SCSI/RAID Host Controller
SCSI/RAID Controller SCSI/RAID Host Controller
Disk Drive ST3200822A (200 GB, 7200 RPM, Ultra-ATA/100)
Disk Drive ST3300631A (279 GB, IDE)
Optical Drive EI2845W DSM169Z SCSI CdRom Device
Optical Drive HG3537L JGB449P SCSI CdRom Device
Optical Drive HG3537L JGB449P SCSI CdRom Device
Optical Drive HG3537L JGB449P SCSI CdRom Device
Optical Drive LITE-ON DVD+RW SOHW-802S (DVD+RW:8x/4x, DVD-RW:8x/4x, DVD-ROM:12x, CD:40x/24x/40x DVD+RW/DVD-RW)
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 185862 MB (63562 MB free)
D: (FAT32) 4899 MB (634 MB free)
F: (NTFS) 286165 MB (43609 MB free)
Total Size 465.7 GB (105.3 GB free)

Input:
Keyboard HP PS2 Keyboard (2K - 3)
Mouse PS/2 Compatible Mouse

Network:
Network Adapter VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter (192.168.1.47)
Modem Agere Systems PCI Soft Modem

Peripherals:
Printer EPSON Stylus CX5400
Printer Microsoft Office Document Image Writer
USB1 Controller VIA VT83C572 PCI-USB Controller
USB1 Controller VIA VT83C572 PCI-USB Controller
USB1 Controller VIA VT83C572 PCI-USB Controller
USB1 Controller VIA VT83C572 PCI-USB Controller
USB2 Controller VIA USB 2.0 Enhanced Host Controller
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Thanks for that link, it was really helpful! Although, now I'm torn between getting a GeForce or ATI X1950 PRO. What would be the best card for me to upgrade to, given my current computer specs?

Also, I'm planning on getting a 1GB stick of ram, replacing one of the 512MB sticks I have in there. Thanks!
 

KyleSTL

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I would say the 7600GT, it is made on a smaller processing tech (90nm, instead of the 110nm of the 7800GS), and is cheaper. Make sure it's a DDR3 version, as I've heard there are a few DDR2 versions out there. My 7600GS overclocked like a champ (400/350 -> 607/441). The new revision makes all the difference in the world, and a 7600GT should be able to OC higher with the higher Vcore.
 

cleeve

Illustrious
An X1950 PRO isn't a terrible choice if you can't afford a system upgrade for a while. But with an AthlonXP, a system upgrade isn't a bad idea.

I'd get the 7600 GT if I were you and save the extra $$ for a future system upgrade.
 
And if he's considering a system upgrade, what would it take to get im into a PCIe system and a cheaper PCIe video card?

I agree save the money and get the GF7600, but if it weren't for the system holding him back I'd recommend other options of course.
 

Vicidius

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Thanks for all the advice =).

I don't plan on upgrading my system for a whiiile. Like several years. Would it be worth shilling out the additional money for a X1950 PRO (since I'll be holding onto it for a long time) or should I still get the 7600 GT?
 

KyleSTL

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Several years? Hmmm. An AXP is pretty old right now, truly before Intel started getting its butt kicked. If your system were an Athlon 64 I could understand it has some life left in it. Either way you go, I think you'll be disappointed in performance gains of upgrading the video card long before 'several years' has elasped (if you're trying to keep up with new game releases and whatnot). If you are just planning on running last-gen games, I would say go for the 7600. If you plan on getting any games released recently or in the near future go for the X1950Pro.

Honestly, I would say that neither is the better decision. If you're willing to invest the ~$160 for the X1950Pro, I would sooner put that money toward a CPU/MB/MEM combo that will last you that couple of years+ you're looking for.

Like this:

EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 - $75 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130062

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - $66
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103774

pqi POWER Series 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $34
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141018

MSI K9VGM-V AM2 VIA K8M890 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - $47
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130542

Total - $222

With this you also have upgrade options, so it'll probably last >2 years. Even if you went for a cheap Intel MB and a single-core Celeron (Conroe-L) processor, it would still be more powerful than your current Athlon XP, and would have TONS of upgrade options.
 

KyleSTL

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Sorry about the double-post but I think it's worth mentioning...

What is your current power supply? The X1950 (and likely the 7600 too) will almost definitely lead to a power supply purchase with a system of that age. That could mean an additional cost we have not even breeched yet. I certainly wouldn't want to cause you to purchase something your computer can't handle.
 

Vicidius

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Oh WOW.

This is alot more help than I expected to receive, thank you so very much!

I really appreciate your suggestions =)

It's become pretty apparent that my motherboard and processor are archaic and that it's vital to get something newer. My only apprehension is whether or not I'll need to get a new case. I don't know if some of the things inside of my HP Pavilion a645c will come out, or if the there'll be room/space to replace things.

Will I likely need to buy a new case for my computer as well?

Also, my power supply is 250, I was thinking of upgrading that as well. Suggestions?

I was reading some of the feedback on the sticks of RAM you suggested, and it seems like not many people are a big fan of it.
 


Yep, that's what I was eluding to with Cleeve, it's tough to recommend an entire system replacement, but with the high cost of the AGP models of these cards, and the low cost of the PCIe GF7600GT/X1650XT, after rebate I'd add the HIS X1650XT http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161049, but at the very least the GF7600GT would be a great starting point like you have, and really there's more future in that build and more room for gradual upgrades, whereas adding an X1950Pro to that AthlonXP is ok for now, but really overpriced for the performance boost you wind up with compared to the great value of something a little more well rounded. and if he can sell his current unused parts for like $5 each, hey it helps make up the price difference.

Anywhoo, like the suggestion and agree with the build, especially if he can work in a Celeron on a 775 solution, that'd be perfect IMO.
 


It should still have a standard ATX motherboard tray in there, it doesn't look smaller than that. You should be fine, and even if not, go with a Beige case for $10 for now, and heck if the PSU is a question get a $29 case+PSU combo, sure it's not a LianLi or Coolermaster or PCPower&Cooling, but they would be fine for the mid-range you're looking at. I can find Chieftec Cases with Generic 400-450W PSUs for that price in Toronto so if you have access in the US you should be able to do as well, sure I'd recommend better for an X1950Pro or higher, but the GF7600GT or X1650XT or even PCIe version of the GF7900GS would be fine with such a setup.

Also, my power supply is 250, I was thinking of upgrading that as well. Suggestions?

I like FSP as cheap and powerful. you'd likely be fine with the barebones setup running something like a 350W, even their cheap $29 one on NewEgg mould be OK considering their quality;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104901

I was reading some of the feedback on the sticks of RAM you suggested, and it seems like not many people are a big fan of it.

I don't know about PQI and I'm a RAM snob, so I'm not a good judge, but after going through a HELL of a hassle trying to get 2 stick of Kensington top shelf SODIMMs to work on my laptop, (couldn't, now running 1+512) , I'd say go with what people say works with what you're buying because memory hassle are the worst because you can't do anything else until that's fixed and it's annoying because unlike MoBo and CPU the startup can show good memory and everything fine, yet not get past the BIOS telling you it's good (like a stick of generic ASEN RAM did on my old desktop).

IMO, go with the GEIL memory for a tiny bit more instead, I like GEIL (not as much s Corsair, OCZ, Patriot or Mushkin, but for the price, I would trust them before PQI);
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144045

And then after that you can get ridiculous deals on things like CORSAIR XMS and OCCZ GOLD for for like $45/42.

or better yet, buy a single stick of good 1GB and then upgrade another stick later if you wanna save some money and go quality and big. Sure single channel is a little slower but game performance is more size sensitive up to 1GB than speed, and even after that they're pretty much hand in hand. But even just the 2 x 512 of stuff in that high 30 low 40 dollar range from a know entity will do you fine IMO. I like the Corsair (I just like Corsair really) for $45 due to the high frequency and lower latency with good OCability, but there's alot of nice little sticks in that area. but you have nice options from Patriot, Mushkin, OCZ and even the Kingston Value Ram stuff if you want to increase stock speed and not worry about OC.
 

KyleSTL

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I made that setup simply to be a purely budget build, I would definitely follow The Ape's advice for the ram selection.

Vicidius, if you would like to throw out a budget to which you are firm, we would gladly make the best recommendations based on that budget. I don't know about everyone else, but frankly, I enjoy spec-ing out computers for other people.
 

Vicidius

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Wow, thanks for all that info, Ape! Especially about my concerns about my case and the RAM.



I think I'm in love :love: .

Well since it appears I'll be upgrading most of my computer, which should hopefully last several years without need for upgrade, I think I can afford less than $300 for my total budget!
 

KyleSTL

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OK, $300, a little tight with OS too, but do-able.

If you reuse the hard drives and optical drives, and the case. The motherboard I found has 2 PATA ports for up to 4 devices, so you'll be able to fill them with your current IDE hard drives and optical drives.

MSI P4M890M3-V LGA 775 VIA P4M890 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - $43
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130122

Intel Celeron 430 Conroe-L 1.8GHz 512KB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - $54
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116039

pqi POWER Series 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141225

EVGA 256-P2-N541-T2 GeForce 7600GS 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 - $65 after MIR ($75 before)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130075

HIPRO HP-E4009F5WR ATX12V True 400W Power Supply - $29
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817174019

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116056

That comes to $316 before shipping

It wouldn't be blindingly fast, but it wouldn't be a deadend like your current setup.
 

Vicidius

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Wow thanks, that all looks pretty economical, although I'm still having concerns about some of the negative feedback that some of the items got.

Also, do I really need to buy Windows XP again? That $90 looks to put a huge dent in my budget. If I didn't need to buy it again, how would your suggestion of products differ?
 

cristip60

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Well if you wan't an amd based system this is it
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171007
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227058
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103774
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186126
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085
Just so you know foxconn is a decent motherboard manufacturer i've owned some foxconn motherboards and they where great value and quality.
And the 8500gt i recommended is a decent card it's a little faster then the 7600gt.
And if you want a intel based system
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171007
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227058
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116036
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128058
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085
The amd system costs 307$ but you can get a 15$ rebate so it's going to cost 99$.
And the intel system costs 324$ and again you can get the 15$ rebate.
It's your choice both system are pretty decent performers you can play bioshock on both systems with good video quality.