So what to buy now?

[Waspy]

OK let's assume you are building a new machine that you want to use for a long time. Mostly gaming/movie watching, some coding/reading/office etc. Let's assume this is a Windows XP SP2/3 machine.

What is the best card to buy for "future-proofing?" Let assume that this is an SLI motherboard.

2x 8800GTS G92 (SLI)
1x 9800GX2
1x GTX260, with expansion to SLI later

I'm thinking GTX260 as a single card would be a good buy now...I'll get the eVGA one. That'll get you by for a while...with the ability to upgrade to an SLI rig in the future. These GT200 cards look like they will have a long shelf-life like the 8800 GTX and Ultras did.

Thoughts?

 

[Conumdrum]

I'm looking at the 260 GTX.

Reason being I think for a single card with watercooling it's right in price. Reviews say the 260/280 is a leaf blower so no matter what you'll need aftermarket cooling.

The 260 OC is close to the 280 and cheaper. I can't spend $800+ for a GPU/WC, but I can choke down $650.

 

[sidereus]

loook what i've found ...a website is alrdy listing the GTX 260

http://www.pcvonline.com/productDetails.aspx?id=7247

at 228$ it is a really fair price..dont you think ?

 

[Babadi]

Isn't the 260 supposed to retail for around $400? That's a steal at that price, can't imagine it actualy selling for that.

 

[evongugg]

Only problem, it's out of stock.
It is supposed to be $400.00.

 

[Waspy]

Wow $228 yea...makes me wonder, what is up with that?

I don't think the GTX260 is going on shelves until the 26th, isn't that correct? I've seen that number tossed around...GTX280 is supposed to be "buyable" tomorrow.

 

[gadgetnerd]

i wouldnt trust a site selling it for 228 without checking it out 1st.

 

[knotknut]

OK let's assume you are building a new machine that you want to use for a long time.

What is "a long time" ?

 

[Waspy]

What is "a long time" ?

Hehe, good point. It's not a fully defined thing.

Basically, I'm running an ancient junk box. I want a significant upgrade that will run current games on a 24" LCD. This could also include some GameCam fun as well.

I want this upgrade to run games for as long as possible, but I don't want to dish out TOO much for a "super-premium" card...AKA GTX280...GTX260 is what, nearly half the price, but still a badass performer. As a single card, it's the 2nd best single card on the market, only to it's big brother the GTX280. 2 GTX260s should flatten everything except the 3x SLI solutions and 2x GTX280s...this should last for a long time!

 

[royalcrown]

WHY don't you just wait and see how ATI fares ?

 

[knotknut]

The reports that are coming in about the GTX280 and GTX260 cards are not what many had hoped for.

Opinions are that the 9800 GX2 is still the best card out.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/251685-33-9800-good-deal-pass-wait

Some say wait for the 4870 cards.

No matter what you buy now will be out done. Maybe even before the end of this year.

 

[Waspy]

Royal, do you know the release schedule for the new ATI cards?

That does sound good, especially if it's not too long (~1 week or less).

I am running on tin cans, cardboard, and string now...seriously. It's bad. It took me almost a week to write the punchcard to make this post, hehehe. =P