Can't seem to decide on what GPU to get

gregmcc

gregmcc

Honorary Master
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
29,793
Reaction score
11,041
Location
Somewhere in the world
Looks like the more info I read up on the more confusing things become. Got a bunch of questions with no answers :)

I'm looking for a fairly decent GPU and willing to spend around R2000-2500

I was going to get the NVidia 9800GTX+ but from looking at the benchmarks the 9800GTX is faster (and cheaper)

http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_list.php

The new Nvidia range is also confusing - the GTS250 is based on the 9800 but a lot more expensive? For performance/cost isn't it better then to get the 9800?

Then there's also the ATI Range - the HD4850 is about the same price as the 9800 but slight faster according to passmark.

One thing that passmark doesnt state is the memory on the card - both cards come with either 512mb or 1gb formats. Does it make a lot of difference - its like 1000-1500 more expensive for the 1GB. Can the 512 be upgraded later to 1gb?

If you have 2000-2500 to spend what would you go for?
 
gregmcc said:
Looks like the more info I read up on the more confusing things become. Got a bunch of questions with no answers :)

I'm looking for a fairly decent GPU and willing to spend around R2000-2500

I was going to get the NVidia 9800GTX+ but from looking at the benchmarks the 9800GTX is faster (and cheaper)

http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_list.php

The new Nvidia range is also confusing - the GTS250 is based on the 9800 but a lot more expensive? For performance/cost isn't it better then to get the 9800?

Then there's also the ATI Range - the HD4850 is about the same price as the 9800 but slight faster according to passmark.

One thing that passmark doesnt state is the memory on the card - both cards come with either 512mb or 1gb formats. Does it make a lot of difference - its like 1000-1500 more expensive for the 1GB. Can the 512 be upgraded later to 1gb?

If you have 2000-2500 to spend what would you go for?
Click to expand...

What is your system specs?
 
The GTS250 is a smaller rebranded 9800GTX+. Has been discussed here.

The 9800GTX+ is slightly faster than the 4850, and a little cheaper too. Go for the 9800GTX+. :)
 
Nokkie said:
What is your system specs?
Click to expand...

Going to get i7-920

The 9800GTX+ is slightly faster than the 4850, and a little cheaper too. Go for the 9800GTX+
Click to expand...

I think I should stop looking at the passmark site - they give the 9800GTX a higher score than the GTX+ and the 4850 is at the top.

I've looked at a few more benchmark sites now and they rank them the other way around, GTX+, GTX and then the 4850.

Looks like you really can't believe anyone! :mad:
 
Greg you would be better off buying a core2 system or amd system and push the money into a better card like a 280 or 4870 i think.

No point having i7 if your running a 250 in all honesty. Are you just using this rig for gaming?
 
killadoob said:
Greg you would be better off buying a core2 system or amd system and push the money into a better card like a 280 or 4870 i think.

No point having i7 if your running a 250 in all honesty. Are you just using this rig for gaming?
Click to expand...


Yip - I'll be using it for gaming.

Actually looking at the 4870 - PCInt's got the following:

HD 4870 1GB GDDR5 PCI-E DVI-I / TVO Toxic (Sapphire)

For around R2700 which ain't bad. Its like 800-1000 more expensive everywhere else. What's the catch - better order before they correct their price list :)


PCint lists the 4850 1GB at a LOWER price than the 9800GTX+ 512MB...
Click to expand...

Indeed - very good prices there. The 1GB version is cheaper than the 512MB version at other places. I wonder what brand it is - Ill email them?
 
Last edited:
gregmcc said:
Yip - I'll be using it for gaming.

Actually looking at the 4870 - PCInt's got the following:

HD 4870 1GB GDDR5 PCI-E DVI-I / TVO Toxic (Sapphire)

For around R2700 which ain't bad. Its like 800-1000 more expensive everywhere else. What's the catch - better order before they correct their price list :)




Indeed - very good prices there. The 1GB version is cheaper than the 512MB version at other places. I wonder what brand it is - Ill email them?
Click to expand...

Think they usually do Sapphire ATI cards.
 
killadoob said:
Greg you would be better off buying a core2 system or amd system and push the money into a better card like a 280 or 4870 i think.

No point having i7 if your running a 250 in all honesty. Are you just using this rig for gaming?
Click to expand...

I thought the same.

The i7 will not even hog a Nvidia Gtx295 screencard.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X