Time to Upgrade Video Card? NVIDIA 9800 GTX+

[edresearcher]

Just checking to see if there is an argument to replace my current video card. Is the performance for video that much better than 2 years ago? Especially for WoW, when Cataclysm comes out? Currently using a 17 inch LCD, but could see myself going bigger. What pricepoint would I be looking at for a worthwhile upgrade? Thanks!

 

[wa1]

A single GTX460 is a good upgrade from 9800GTX.
But for 17" monitor then stay with your current card, it's more than enough.

 

[jonnyboyC]

I would agree, if you upgrade your video card you probably will want to upgrade your monitor too.

games for the most part haven't become much more demanding over the last few years, so really you'll only need a better video card if you want a higher res

 

[majesticlizard]

Just checking to see if there is an argument to replace my current video card. Is the performance for video that much better than 2 years ago? Especially for WoW, when Cataclysm comes out? Currently using a 17 inch LCD, but could see myself going bigger. What pricepoint would I be looking at for a worthwhile upgrade? Thanks!

There is not much of an argument to replace that card. The 9800 GTX+ (AKA GTS 250, 9800 GTX, 8800 GTS 512), is actually still a very good video card for modern games, especially at 1280 x 1024 resolution. There are still very few DX11 games and most of those barely benefit from the inclusion of DX11.

The going rate for that card on ebay is about $50 to $75. If you replace it with anything less than a GTX 470, you are not going to see much of a difference. However, the GTX 460 1 GB will at least have DX11 and a larger frame buffer (assuming you have the 512).

I have a 9800 GTX (overclocked to 770 MHz) in my back up computer and was surprised that it can still handle games like Aliens Vs Predator and Metro 2033 (sanz DX11 effects) on the highest settings. People say these cards are too old to handle games and this is ridiculous. The 9800 GTX is considerably more powerful than the PS3 or XBOX 360 GPUs and most PC games are just translations of games for the consoles.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

I replaced my 9800GTX+ with a GTX460 1GB and my FPS basically doubled. I do overclock my GTX460 to 820/1640/2000 though.
I have to agree with what others have said about the 9800GTX+ being PLENTY of card for a 17in monitor. I did have a 19in at 1440 x 900 and the 9800GTX+ was fine for that even with games like Dragon Age and Fallout 3.

 

[edresearcher]

Before I choose a winner, I have decided...I want a bigger monitor . So same question with the option of a 21", a 22", a 23" and a 24" (still not sure which I am putting on the desk yet).

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Well I just got one of these and I have to recommend it. Beautiful picture and no eyestrain at all with the LED backlighting.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001419


I will say these are a BUNCH of really good monitors on the market right now. Go somewhere with a storefront ( Best Buy ) and compare pictures.

 

[jerreece]

If you go 1080p (1920x1080) I'd say then it's worth upgrading your GPU. Depending on the games you want to play, and the graphical settings you require (I hate anything less than High/Highest) you can choose between the GTX 460 1GB / ATI 5850 / GTX 470.

I play @ 1080p with my GTX 470 and hit 60FPS or more in most games I play. Battlefield Bad Company 2 with settings topped out does 60FPS or more for me in most situations. Metro 2033 is playable, but only about 30FPS if I use DX11 mode. In DX10 mode it runs fine. Of course, Metro 2033 is sort of the modern day Crysis so far as benchmarking is concerned. It's a beast.

This is what I have:

MSI GTX 470 ($299 + Free Mafia 2 game download) - Runs hot though
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127501&cm_re=gtx_470-_-14-127-501-_-Product

Others to consider @ 1080p

ATI 5850 MSI Twin Frozr II $255
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127500&cm_re=ati_5850-_-14-127-500-_-Product

Sparkle GTX 460 1GB $209
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187115

 

[edresearcher]

Best answer selected by edresearcher.

 

[Phil24]

Now 6870 would be a better choice to go with the full HD resolution/23-24" LCD.
USD239 and beat 5850/GTX460.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey