Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > Need a video card for a friend
Word :    Username :           
 

He knows nothing about computers, so he asked me to do this.

 

Anyways, he just a new computer, because his old one was failing. He bought a Gateway (Insert model number here) for $1000, including OS, and, I think, Office. It wasn't a bad deal, because he got 4GB of RAM and a Q6600. Unfortunately, as we all know, pre built systems skimp royally on the graphics card, and he got an 8500GT, which isn't much improvement over his old 6600 AGP. Considering that he has a 24" monitor, he needs a new card eventually.

 

My question: Should he get an 8800GTS 640/HD2900 XT/PRO now, or wait until November to assess the market then? Since it isn't vital that he gets a new card (he is more than happy at Supreme Commander being a game, rather than a slideshow), I was thinking that it would be best to wait, but I would love to have others' input into the matter.

 

Edit: Is this a good deal here? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102707


Message edited by nukchebi0 on 10-02-2007 at 03:45:23 AM
Sponsored Links
Register or log in to remove.

I like the 2900pro 1gb that you linked, just for the fact that it has 1gb RAM and can be OC'd to XT speeds for less $ than the 2900xt! Not sure how long these 2900pro's are going to be around, but if he wants to wait, it might drop the prices a little, but probably not much. We will see how this pans out. If I had the $ now and wanted to upgrade now, I would get the 2900 pro 1gb, but that is just my opinion.

Reply to lunyone

No one's input is more important than your friends. But Im guessing once he get a better video card he'll enjoy SupCom even more than he already does. Waiting, or not waiting, is directly based on how happy your friend is now.

 

You'll want to compare 2900Pro/1GB and 8800GTS/640 to each other and also compare the 2900Pro/512 and 8800GTS/320
Supreme Commander really seems to prefer the 8800 series GPUs right now. With better ATI drivers the game might narrow but its something to keep an eye on as you look at the different cards.

 

http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/video/radeon-hd-2900-games/sc_4x.gif

Reply to WR2

Supreme Commander isn't the only game he plays. Do you have a link to the source of those charts?

Reply to nukchebi0

There doesnt seem to be enough of a performance jump in the 1GB and 512MB versions of the 2900 to pay the premium price of the 1GB model.

 

http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/video/diamond-viper-hd2900xt-1024mb/scm_4x.gif

 

From a 2900XT/1GB review @ Xbit Labs


Message edited by WR2 on 10-02-2007 at 04:24:49 AM
Reply to WR2

Thanks for the link.

Based on your definition of waiting, he should, since he is happy.

What do others' think?

Reply to nukchebi0

1.Will a HD2900 or GF8800 fit in the case?
2.Power supply, amps?
Oem system, upgradability, size limitation?

------------------------------ P35-DS3L Rev 2 bios F9C l E8400 @ 3.6Ghz @ 1.232v l OCZ Vendetta 2 /LGA775 Bolt-Thru l 4GB G.Skill 8800PI@1000mhz 4:5 @ 1.87v l WD3200AAKS 320GB l Evga 8800GTS 512 l X-Fi Xtreme Music l Corsair HX520 l Antec Sonata III 500 l Vista32 SP2 l Win7 X64 7600
Reply to kpo6969

Yeah, I checked it. The fit will be tight, but he has enough slots and length. He needs a new PSU, since the OEM ones are low quality.

Reply to nukchebi0
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > Need a video card for a friend
Go to:

There are 553 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
Sponsored links
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them