Good or bad time to buy a video card?

DiscoZombieDiscoZombie Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18951Members
in Off-Topic
Are any major innovations coming up in the video card department so that I should avoid buying a new card in the near future? I'm thinking about a fancy directx 10 card for Crysis and other such fancy games coming out soon, but I don't want to jump the gun if new technology will be making the current crop of cards obsolete soon...

if I were to buy now, would a GeForce 8800 GTS serve me well at high resolutions?
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  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    From the Ti 4X00s to the 7X00s to the 8X00s, nVidia has made gigantic leaps, and it looks like they're about to do it again with the 9X00s. If you're worried about tech like DX10 instead of just raw power, though, there's really not a lot on the horizon; the current crop of DX10 cards really haven't had a ton of DX10 games to prove themselves on, so if you're planning on gaming a lot in Vista and playing the newest games at really high resolutions it would make sense to hold off, but I think for a lot of people they aren't going to have to worry about DX10 for a while, and something like an 8800GTS should certainly tide you over until then (that's what I just bought).

    Your choice is to either wait for the 9X00s and buy one of those or buy an 8X00 because the price will have gone down, or just buy an 8X00 right now.
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  • AbraAbra Would you kindly Join Date: 2003-08-17 Member: 19870Members
    were can I read about the 9x00 generation?
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  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    There's almost no recent info. <a href="http://www.xbitlabs.com/discussion/3953.html" target="_blank">This article</a> and then <a href="http://www.tcmagazine.info/comments.php?shownews=15261&catid=2" target="_blank">this article</a> look like they're your best bet. There's some disagreement over whether the 9X00 line launches November/December or next year. Really, it looks like nobody knows for sure.
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  • EpidemicEpidemic Dark Force Gorge Join Date: 2003-06-29 Member: 17781Members
    edited August 2007
    Could you tell us about your current card? IMO I wouldn't buy now unless I really needed it, the current generation of graphic cards is 1 year old. But on the other hand, ATI has never really come up with anything better yet to give Nvidia to incentive to make a better product.
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  • radforChristradforChrist USA Join Date: 2002-11-04 Member: 6871Members, Constellation, NS2 Playtester, Subnautica Playtester
    edited August 2007
    Being a 7900GS owner, I've been thinking of upgrading to a 8x00 series card. But after googling a few benchmarks, I've found that my 7900 GS is equivalent to an 8600 GTS, albeit not DX10 compatible, but still more performance for a better buck. From the research I've done, I wouldn't buy a 8x00 series unless it was an 8800. if you want a good upgrade but not necessarily a DX10 card, I'd recommend the 7900, it's a good card, and relatively inexpensive.

    My performance issue is not my video card, it's my CPU. Seems I am going to have to drop the cash on an upgrade soon...
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  • HellbillyHellbilly A whole title out of pity... Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 3931Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    edited August 2007
    <!--quoteo(post=1646074:date=Aug 28 2007, 04:49 PM:name=DiscoZombie)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DiscoZombie @ Aug 28 2007, 04:49 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1646074"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->if I were to buy now, would a GeForce 8800 GTS serve me well at high resolutions?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Yup, specially the 640mb version. I have the 320mb version and can play everything i own at 1600x1200 at highest settings with AA and AF, even Bioshock and my cpu is only a s939 amd64 4400.

    @rad4christ

    I went from a 7900GT to a 8800GTS and it made ALOT of difference. The 8800 is just in a league of it's own and i dont even have the GTX.

    I played the MoH: Airborne demo at 1600x1200 full settings and thats the Unreal 3 engine. So unless you intend on playing the newest games at 2000+ resolutions with everything maxed, an 8800GTS is all you need right now.

    But, i wasnt getting near that performance on my 7900GT. The 8800GTS is just that much better and it's way more quiet aswell.
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  • radforChristradforChrist USA Join Date: 2002-11-04 Member: 6871Members, Constellation, NS2 Playtester, Subnautica Playtester
    edited August 2007
    <!--quoteo(post=1646142:date=Aug 28 2007, 06:23 PM:name=Hellbilly)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hellbilly @ Aug 28 2007, 06:23 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1646142"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->@rad4christ
    I went from a 7900GT to a 8800GTS and it made ALOT of difference. The 8800 is just in a league of it's own and i dont even have the GTX.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Exactly, and 8800, I was referring to the mid range 8<b>6</b>00 as being on par or underperforming the 7900. I have a free 8800 on the way, so I'm anxious to see the difference.
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  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1646151:date=Aug 28 2007, 07:09 PM:name=radforChrist)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(radforChrist @ Aug 28 2007, 07:09 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1646151"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I have a free 8800 on the way, so I'm anxious to see the difference.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    How'd you manage that one? I could like, do SLI or something with a free 8800 <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
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  • torquetorque Join Date: 2003-08-20 Member: 20035Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    I love my 8800 GTS. That said, isn't there supposed to be a card coming with the next gen late this year that's supposed to perform slightly under the 8800GTS but run quieter and cooler? I'd almost hold off on that, I guess, since I believe that card (whatever it was) is also supposed to be dx10-capable.

    ... Not that dx10 will matter to me for awhile, since I have no intention of upgrading to Vista just for a couple of games.
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  • AnarkiThreeXSixAnarkiThreeXSix x_x Join Date: 2003-12-31 Member: 24894Members
    I got an ATI Radeon HD 2600XT.. great price for great performance. ^_^.. that's all I really have to say.. anytime is a good time to buy a video card.. there's always something a little bit new coming soon so whatever.
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  • ZaggyZaggy NullPointerException The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-12-10 Member: 24214Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Onos, Subnautica Playtester
    Waiting will always bring something better and cheaper, but you can't wait forever...

    Crysis system requirements: <a href="http://www.crysissector.com/info/systemrequirements.php" target="_blank">http://www.crysissector.com/info/systemrequirements.php</a>

    <!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Minimum Requirements
    CPU: Athlon 64 3000+/Intel 2.8ghz
    Graphics: Nvidia 6600 or ATI X1600 - Shader Model 2.0
    RAM: 1GB
    HDD: 6GB
    Internet: 256k+
    Optical Drive: DVD
    Software: DX9 with Windows XP / Vista

    Recommended Requirements
    CPU: Dual-Core CPU (Athlon X2 / Pentium D / Core 2 Duo)
    Graphics: Nvidia 7800GT or ATI X1800XL Pro (SM 3.0)
    RAM: 1.5GB+
    HDD: 6GB
    Internet: 512k+ (128k+ upstream)
    Optical Drive: DVD
    Software: DX9 with Windows XP / Vista

    Ultra High Requirements
    CPU: E6600 Core 2 Duo
    Graphics: Nvidia 8800GTS
    RAM: 2GB
    HDD: 6GB
    Internet: 512k+ (128k+ upstream)
    Optical Drive: DVD
    Software: DX9 with Windows XP / Vista<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
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  • DiscoZombieDiscoZombie Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18951Members
    if I picked up an 8800GTS I'd have the exact system requirements suggested for Ultra High on Crysis =p but when you look at benchmarks, it's hard not to get a GTX... though for the price of a GTX I could get, like, a 360 or PS3...
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  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1646236:date=Aug 29 2007, 07:03 AM:name=DiscoZombie)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DiscoZombie @ Aug 29 2007, 07:03 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1646236"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->if I picked up an 8800GTS I'd have the exact system requirements suggested for Ultra High on Crysis =p but when you look at benchmarks, it's hard not to get a GTX... though for the price of a GTX I could get, like, a 360 or PS3...<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Odd, it's the opposite with me. I look at the benchmarks and see the GTS runs every game I could possibly want to play at ultra high with AA and AF and shadows and stuff turned up to max, and I can't imagine ever spending a million extra dollars on a GTX to just to go from 60-80 FPS to 100-120 FPS.
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  • RoverRover blargh Join Date: 2003-09-23 Member: 21139Members
    Wait for G92, imo. It's what I'm doing :/ (that being said, 7900 is still doing fine)
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  • DiscoZombieDiscoZombie Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18951Members
    My 7900 does a pretty good job... seems to sputter at some points on high resolutions when I play Bioshock... I'm still tempted to treat myself to an 8800...

    my monitor sucks also. I'm tempted to go on a newegg binge and buy myself <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824252008" target="_blank">this display</a> and <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082" target="_blank">this 8800 GTS</a>. good combo? I know so very little about video stuff these days.
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  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    I've never heard of "CHIMEI" but the reviews are pretty good. The GTS is a great card though.
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  • HellbillyHellbilly A whole title out of pity... Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 3931Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    Yeah never heard of that brand either. Personally i'm very fond of Samsung and this is one of their better monitors around these days <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001096" target="_blank">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16824001096</a>

    8800GTS and that monitor, you cant go wrong.
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  • XythXyth Avatar Join Date: 2003-11-04 Member: 22312Members
    I guess Ill be the one to say it:

    It's NEVER a good time to buy computer hardware!
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  • BraveheartBraveheart Join Date: 2007-08-31 Member: 62106Members
    This is a good time to get DX10...i am not sure if it works with HL1 but it does work with source and all games that have come out in the last 2/3 years.
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  • AbraAbra Would you kindly Join Date: 2003-08-17 Member: 19870Members
    uuh.... yeah... buying new hardware is with the thought "I want to be able to play HL1" in mind.
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  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1646891:date=Sep 1 2007, 01:27 PM:name=Braveheart)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Braveheart @ Sep 1 2007, 01:27 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1646891"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->This is a good time to get DX10...i am not sure if it works with HL1 but it does work with source and all games that have come out in the last 2/3 years.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    There are like 5 games so far that use DX10 at all. Your card will default to DX9 or lower on >90% of the games you play.
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  • torquetorque Join Date: 2003-08-20 Member: 20035Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1646316:date=Aug 29 2007, 11:19 AM:name=Hellbilly)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hellbilly @ Aug 29 2007, 11:19 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1646316"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Yeah never heard of that brand either. Personally i'm very fond of Samsung and this is one of their better monitors around these days <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001096" target="_blank">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16824001096</a>

    8800GTS and that monitor, you cant go wrong.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    My bf is using that monitor... with my old 7900GT. Which is now watercooled. Very strange man.

    Really nice display, but he's not a gamer so I haven't seen any gaming on it. I'm thinking of picking up an LG 22" to go with my 8800GTS, and Crysis on that should look <i>amazing</i>.
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  • ExploderExploder Join Date: 2006-11-02 Member: 58202Members
    Everything seems to suggest a new Nvidia card coming out this Christmas so if you've got the patience, you should wait. Buying any of the 8xxxx series from Nvidia now for DX10 is very silly because the next wave of Nvidia 9xxx is just a few months away, and the big wave of DX10 games hasn't reached us yet.
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  • HellbillyHellbilly A whole title out of pity... Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 3931Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1647056:date=Sep 2 2007, 01:45 PM:name=Exploder)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Exploder @ Sep 2 2007, 01:45 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1647056"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Everything seems to suggest a new Nvidia card coming out this Christmas so if you've got the patience, you should wait. Buying any of the 8xxxx series from Nvidia now for DX10 is very silly because the next wave of Nvidia 9xxx is just a few months away, and the big wave of DX10 games hasn't reached us yet.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    It is supposed see the light in november i think. But there are mixed "facts" about what kind of card it will be. Some say it's an amazing new core that will blow away the 8800 series but others say it's only an upgrade that will only show slight improvement.

    It will be interesting to see how it fairs when it's released.

    Personally i'm very very happy with my 8800GTS and probably will be for a while. A CPU upgrade is next on my list.
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  • Browser_ICEBrowser_ICE Join Date: 2002-11-04 Member: 6944Members
    How much would a 7900, 8000 and 8800 go ?


    I'm guessing they are SLI cards and not AGP. I'm still stuck with my ATI 9600XT AGP. I'm at the point where if I upgrade the CPU, I'll have to upgrade EVERYTHING. I have a AMD 3000+ wanting to go dual core but aint got the money for ANY upgrades yet.
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  • DiscoZombieDiscoZombie Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18951Members
    if you've got AGP and have to upgrade everything, might as well just go with a whole new PC when you can afford it. AGP is pretty much dead as I understand it - the selection of video cards is small, they're more expensive than the PCI-E counterparts, and the AGP is a bottleneck too I think isn't it? I'm talking outside my field here <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
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  • schkorpioschkorpio I can mspaint Join Date: 2003-05-23 Member: 16635Members
    wait till the end of november or whenever the new nvidia cards come out - you'll either get a super fast card for today's price, or todays card for a cheaper price <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
    its only two months to wait, and most of the new games are comming out during nov also.
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  • DiscoZombieDiscoZombie Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18951Members
    yeah, I think I'm going to wait. in fact, I know I am, because my car just basically died and I have to get a new one, so there goes my spending money <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />
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  • Nil_IQNil_IQ Join Date: 2003-04-15 Member: 15520Members
    Myself, I don't know that I <i>can</i> wait for the shiney new Nvidias. My current PC is making the sort of noises that suggest to me it is going to go kaput any day now, and on top of everything else I <i>really</i> want to play Bioshock. Like, lots.

    As I see it, if I go for the 8800, i'll still have something that can run Crysis on ultra-high, which is more than enough for me for the forseeable future. Any good reasons why I shouldn't just do this?
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  • HellbillyHellbilly A whole title out of pity... Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 3931Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1647537:date=Sep 5 2007, 08:50 AM:name=Nil_IQ)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Nil_IQ @ Sep 5 2007, 08:50 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1647537"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Myself, I don't know that I <i>can</i> wait for the shiney new Nvidias. My current PC is making the sort of noises that suggest to me it is going to go kaput any day now, and on top of everything else I <i>really</i> want to play Bioshock. Like, lots.

    As I see it, if I go for the 8800, i'll still have something that can run Crysis on ultra-high, which is more than enough for me for the forseeable future. Any good reasons why I shouldn't just do this?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    If you really want it now, then get it.

    There is always something better around the corner when it comes to computer stuff. When the new Nvidia cards come out they will probably be good but they will also cost more and most likely not long after, ATI will release something too. And when ATI have released theirs, Nvidia comes with something a bit better and so on and so on.

    Only reason to wait is that the 8800 cards will probably go down in price when the new Nvidia cards come.
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