Buy a new graphics card now, or wait? (Poll)

OK, so I've been a long time lurker, first time poster. I have to say that you all have been very helpful over the years.

Well, I went the cheap-o lazy route last year when I wanted a new computer, and got myself a Dell E521.

AMD X2 4400+
2gig 800mhz ram
8600gt 256mb graphics card (stock, tried OC but it was never stable)
450W PS upgraded from stock 305W
20" display at 1440x900
Windows XP sp2

I've been pretty happy with my graphics card and my rig, it's played everything I own at decent frame rates (CS:S maxed at 50+fps, CoD4 smoothly with almost everything max, Flight Sim X suffers if not at medium, and Oblivion honestly was almost not playable- every time I got on a horse it was like a slideshow, Medieval 2 plays well at almost all maxed, TF2 and Portal all very good)

But I really want that "next gen" look and feel, mostly for GTA:IV

My budget is anything under $200

If you all say that I should wait, what should I wait for, and until when? I mean, looking at newegg, I can get a nice 8800gt (which seems to be popular) for about $150 after rebates. Will it go down much more? By the time GTA 4 comes out to PC will a better card be $150?


Thanks for all the help!

I read somewhere that the max that my system the way it is configured can use is 3gig of ram though

I read that 32bit OS can only support up to 3.3gig
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/ [...] 016AATVUgE

What should I wait for? and how long do I have to wait?

I voted for the 8800GT, meaning the 512 one, as it would give the most boost for the money. Waiting will only put off the decision and make for frustration. FSX would be helped by a better CPU, but that would require a new mobo and would also go far beyond your budget.

http://www.highpowersupply.com/ps/ [...] n12s_1.jpg
eh...
That's the one I bought on ebay for $30

i voted for nothing but i would say wait for the HD 4870 release
it maybe a good choice and it may shake the prices of the other cards

I'd personally wait the for the 4870 until the end of May/June.
If performance is as expected it'll be a great performer with good value. Not worth waiting for the 9900 Nvidias in my opinion.

With rebates you may be able to get an 8800GTS (G92) for around $200.00. Either that card or an 8800GT would be good on this system.

A 4800 or 9900 may be too much card for that PSU & the CPU may be a bottleneck. You won't get either of those cards for $200.00, though I suppose you could buy an EVGA 8800GT or GTS and try to "step up" if you come into some funds and something better comes out within 90 days.

It won't!
Seriously, A G200 is going to be over the OP's budget, at best it would push the price of 8800GT/S/9800GTX down to a better level. But I think the HD 4xxx's will do that just fine, hence my comment

I'm not!
I'm fairly new (this is only my 2nd build, although it has been rebuilt many times) to the PC building lark (no I'm not 12!) and I fancy ATi for my next video card(s). I don't like the way Nvidia is going and also if Assassins creed is using DX10.1, I can't see any point in buying more Nv DX10 stuff and losing any future performance...
That and the 4xxx's look like they'll be mighty performers with low power usage and heat compared to the 99xx's...

With your current rig I would go for either the 8800 GT or the 9600 GT.

Yep, totally agree!

But "having sex" now with my smaller "graphics card" just isn't satisfying and I feel like I'm doing a disservice to my "games".

You're right I'll just squirrel away the money and wait for a month or so.

When do you think GTA IV is coming out?

Go for the 8800GT if you are happy with the system otherwise it is a huge upgrade from the 8600.

Wait I shall! Thanks guys!

Yeah so I sold my old graphics card for $60 on craigslist, now I'm just using the onboard... ahhh this wait is going to be so long