Hi guys,
 
I intend buying a new computer preferably for my birthday in September, but can wait until October if necessary.  What I want to know is how important is it to have a DirectX 9 compliant card?  I don't want to go with (for example) an expensive ti4600 if it's only going to last for 12-18 months.  If I buy a top of the range card I'd expect it to last for at least 3 years before having to upgrade.  Basically do you ABSOLUTELY require a DirectX 9 card to play DirectX 9 games, or will a DirectX 8 card play them but at lower settings?  And finally what are your predictions for what will be the best (not necessarily fastest) high end card available come September/October?
 
Thanks very much all in anticipation.
 
Tony.

A DX8 card will play DX9 games, but with the DX9 features disabled.
 
<font color=blue>At least half of all problems are caused by an insufficient power supply!</font color=blue>

nv30 ain't coming out september/october so the answer to your question is the r300. If you said february next year then it would be a tough call.