Can't decide

Computer Forum Video Cards, Displays and TV Tuners
1

Hello.
I am currently running:
Intel Core 2 6600 2.4
2gb Corsair
Nvidia 7950 GX2

I am planning on upgrading my video card to one of the Nvidia 8800 GT, although I can’t decide which one to choose, there are so many. (XFX, PNY, BFG, etc.)
I am looking to spend $300 CAD.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Also, would it be worth gettin another 2gb’s of ram seeing that there is a good sale on right now. I am running XP 32bit.
Thanks in advance!

2

For the RAM, 4gb would be ok if you had a 64-bit operating system, since a 32-bit OS wouldnt support 4gb. You would probably only see 3gb and the rest is used for other hardware components such as your VGA, etc… (this is called Physical Address Extension)

OK ENOUGH of the teaching session lol… BASICALLY… an extra 2GB wouldnt hurt if your a big multi tasker… remember 4gb is a lot.

As for your graphics card… i would actually go with all those companies. Theyre all good in my opinion. BUT, if i were to choose… i’de probably go with EVGA (not on your list)… i heard theyre great with nVidia. Also, don’t go with a card that has been “PRE-CLOCKED”… some companies actually take the standard core-clock (600mhz for example) and over clock it to 625mhz. I’ve read customers reviews and many people had problems with there cards (overheating) because of this.

SUMMARY
4GB is more than enough, i recommend not filling in all your RAM slots,
EVGA’s are good, as are all the others… as long as you don’t stick with the pre-clocked ones i mentioned… your not risking anything.

3

Hey, thanks for the reply.
I was considering the +2bg ram because I mostly game, and i thought that would improve performace.

After looking for several hours, i have come down to
NCIX.com - Buy XFX GeForce 8800GT XT 512MB 640MHZ 1.9GHZ GDDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I HDCP HDTV Out DIRECTX10 Video Card - PVT88PYDE4 In Canada.
or
NCIX.com - Buy PNY XLR8 GeForce 8800GT 600MHZ 512MB 1.8GHZ DDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I HDCP HDTV Out DIRECTX10 Video Card - VCG88512GXPB In Canada.

Any suggestions?

ALSO, in order to install 64 bit windows, i would require a whole new setup correct? (mobo\processor, etc.)

4

Not at all… your CPU has 64-bit support. All you need to do is…INSTALL haha

I would go for the XFX in this case. It has a faster Core-Clock and a faster Memory Clock. Other than that they both have similiar features.

5

I recently purchased Vista and was considering 64 bit, after hearing it improves game performace, although it sounds like its more for advanced users. but what do I know =)

Yeah, I saw that the XFX was faster, I was just wondering if I was missing something due to the fact that the PNY card was more expensive.

6

I honestly don’t know if it improves game performance. I think in the future more users will use 64-bit OS’s… so why not start know you know.. i might start using it soon enough when i get a new hard drive

hope i helped you :slight_smile:

7

All the cards are basically the same its just name branding and some brands like BFG and EVGA have better warranties but thats because they genrally sell overclocked cards and yes some people have had issues with their cards over heating. But i would say that EVGA 8800GT that has not been overclocked is the best one to go for because the warranty on EVGA cards are brilliant which is good if your thinking of keeping the card for a long period and they are very well built cards too. From my experience EVGA’s customer service is very good.

Take a look at this card EVGA 8800GT

8

Hey, thanks for the suggestion. That card is just as good but i can’t find it being sold on a site that ships to canada (checked NCIX & Tiger Direct)
Can only find a EVGA slower then the XFX or a Super OC version =)

9

I would definitely go with the XFX Branded 8800gt you posted.

10

Yeah, the speed\price ratio is very good compared to others, such as ASUS.
Now, if only they were in stock ANYWHERE :wink:

11

Also look at the clocked MSI 8800gt. Probably the 3rd best clocked 8800gt out there.

12

Well, considering I would have to wait 2+ weeks for an XFX i was wondering if Palit was a respectable brand? (never heard of it) =)

NCIX.com - Buy Palit GeForce 8800GT Sonic 650MHZ 512MB 1.9GHZ DDR3 PCI-E 2XDVI-I HDCP HDTV Out Video Card - NE/880TSXT352 In Canada..

13

Not sure if I would go for that card if I were you. Never heard of the brand and XFX is way better looking + heatsink. Try looking at tigerdirect.ca or wait the 2 weeks.

14

Luckly, late last night i updated the stock and NXIC had a bunch of XFX cards in, so I jumped on one. Came with uber cheap express shipping too =)
Cheers! and thanks for all your help guys.