Video Card Upgrade, need advise?

RubberDuckie · Post by **RubberDuckie** » Mon May 12, 2008 5:49 pm

I cant ever keep up with Video Cards these days. Any ways ... I have an 8800GTS with 256Megs of ram running on a dual core 6000+ with 2 gigs ram. Would upgrading the video card to an 8800GTS with 640Megs be noticable? Basically going from 256 to 640 in video ram.

What would you pay for the upgrade?

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:29 pm

While more memory definitely helps, it doesn't directly affect performance (only indirectly). Most modern games adapt to the amount of RAM in your card so you'll just get lower quality textures.

I guess a lot will depend on your games.

My personal opinion is if you're going to upgrade then wait and buy a next-generation card. You'll get more improvement than just getting the same card with more RAM. Better bang for your dollars.

RubberDuckie · Post by **RubberDuckie** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:47 pm

I can get the 8800GTS OC 640Meg for $200 cash no tax
I figure I could sell my 8800GTS ATI 256 on eBay for $175

So the upgrade would only cost me $25

I really dont play games that much these days (unless you recommend something that is fun) although I am playing Crysis. My next real purchase will not be until fall. So Im trying to justify the upgrade, but if it aint worth it then I guess Ill pass.

NubyCanuby_OFC · Post by **NubyCanuby_OFC** » Mon May 12, 2008 8:30 pm

The 8800GTS 640MB is way slower then the 8800GTS 512MB which is also down to $200 now. 96 shaders vs. 128 and lower core and memory speeds.

RubberDuckie · Post by **RubberDuckie** » Tue May 13, 2008 11:48 am

I made a mistake here are the specs between the two:
Current
8600 GTS
PNY
675 Mhz Core
256 GDDR3
128-bit memory
2000 MHz memory clock (effective)
dual 400 MHz RAMDAC

vs.

8800 GTS OC
565 MHz GPU
640MB GDDR Memory
???-bit Memory Interface
1700MHZ Memory Data Rate 68GB/Sec Bandwidth
Dual 400MHz RAMDACs

Would 8600GTS ---> 8800GTS be worth $50?

NubyCanuby_OFC · Post by **NubyCanuby_OFC** » Tue May 13, 2008 12:20 pm

Going from the 8600 to the old 8800GTS should double your performance so $50 is good deal. I think the old 8800GTS gets about the same performance as the 9600GTS which I've seen as low as $110. Keep in mind the next generation ATI 4870 is coming out any week and the 9900GTX Should follow about a month later.

Err · Post by **Err** » Tue May 13, 2008 12:49 pm

The 8800GT is also a very good card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814150252

The link above is the XFX version and is 179 with a 30 rebate.

Whatever you get, stick with EGVA or XFX. Both carry a Lifetime warrenty as long as you remember to register your card.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Tue May 13, 2008 5:42 pm

I have the EVGA 8800GT and it's an excellent card. The XFX uses the same reference design though.

Pugsley · Post by **Pugsley** » Tue May 13, 2008 8:27 pm

I have been pondering building a new computer. probbly gonna go intell, but whats a good card to get now. I have a 800XL now. its been good to me. first "expensive" card i have bought (200 at the time) and it was worth every penny. it wanst the fastest or best but it was above average. would like to do the same again. Thanks.

NubyCanuby_OFC · Post by **NubyCanuby_OFC** » Tue May 13, 2008 9:19 pm

Pugsley wrote:I have been pondering building a new computer. probbly gonna go intell, but whats a good card to get now. I have a 800XL now. its been good to me. first "expensive" card i have bought (200 at the time) and it was worth every penny. it wanst the fastest or best but it was above average. would like to do the same again. Thanks.

Look at the current prices on the 512MB versions of the 9600GT, 8800GT, 8800GTS and 9800GTX.

RubberDuckie · Post by **RubberDuckie** » Tue May 13, 2008 10:25 pm

results are in and I am amazed.
8600GTS 3DMark Vantage score = P1298
8800GTS 3DMark Vantage score = P2555

Funny thing is my CPU score went down from 1504 to 1475 but nothing changed but the Graphics card ... even the same drivers.

Now to try a game and see if it is noticable... with those scores I bet it will be.