8800GT vs 3850 - Which one?

Rambo · 8 Mar 2008 at 11:38

I'm deciding on buying a new graphics card, but have no idea which to get. I want a fairly cheap but decent performance card (if that's possible!) which is good for a 24" monitor.

I play games (HL2, UT3, etc...) sometimes, so obviously I need something that's going to cope with that resolution.

Anyway, I had these two in mind mind:

Which would you go for and why?

Cheers,
- Tim.

easyrider · 8 Mar 2008 at 11:39

8800 GT and the search Function

Darkwave · 8 Mar 2008 at 11:39

It's safe to say the 8800GT would kick seven shades out of a 3850.

Hayley-K · 8 Mar 2008 at 11:40

GT

Much faster

If you have to go ATI get the 3870

Rroff · 8 Mar 2008 at 11:40

For a 24" display running 1920x or above you really need an 8800GTS (G92 512Mb) or 8800GTX (if you like to push up the FSAA) imo - 8800GT will do well enough but drop off a bit in places at that res... 3850 really isn't upto that resolution.

badbob · 8 Mar 2008 at 11:40

The 8800GT is faster than the 3850 and 3870. Although I think ATI has better picture quality, when it comes to AA and AF implementation. Just upgraded from a x1900xt to 8800GT

Rambo · 8 Mar 2008 at 11:44

Blimey, fast replies!

@ easyrider - sorry! I'm usually pretty good when it comes to reposting topics, but I completely forgot to search this time!

So you guys think I should go for something like this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-086-OK&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=927

How much better is 512MB of GDDR3 over 320MB?

Thanks for the help.

easyrider · 8 Mar 2008 at 11:46

Rambo said:
Blimey, fast replies!

@ easyrider - sorry! I'm usually pretty good when it comes to reposting topics, but I completely forgot to search this time!

So you guys think I should go for something like this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-086-OK&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=927

How much better is 512MB of GDDR3 over 320MB?

Thanks for the help.

Thats an end of line product with a slower core fewer SP's so avoid.

badbob · 8 Mar 2008 at 11:46

The 320MB model is much slower, older cores..go for the 512MB models. My GT copes fine at 1920x1200, with older games (pretty much everything except crysis)

Rambo · 8 Mar 2008 at 11:56

So something like this? http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-127-LT&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=927

Only thing is that's getting a little out of my budget... =/

Darkwave · 8 Mar 2008 at 12:00

Rambo said:
So something like this? http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-127-LT&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=927

Only thing is that's getting a little out of my budget... =/

Just get the OcUK 8800GT you were looking at, I had one and they're fantastic.

badbob · 8 Mar 2008 at 12:05

Can bring up some tests with my GT, at stock if you like. You've got a faster CPU thought but at least give an idea. COH @ highest 1920x1200 ok?

Richdog · 8 Mar 2008 at 12:10

easyrider said:
8800 GT and the search Function

Hell yeah.

Rroff · 8 Mar 2008 at 12:57

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-017-PV&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=927

Price won't last long tho so hurry if your ordering...

Otherwise go for the OCuk 8800GT - I can get some benchies at 1920x if needed.

badbob · 8 Mar 2008 at 14:19

Ok just done a test in COH OP.

56.8 average
61 max
29.5 minimum

At stock gpu
55.3
60.6
24.4

Richdog · 8 Mar 2008 at 14:41

A 5fps increase in min framerate is very good, will make it a lot smoother.

Rambo · 8 Mar 2008 at 15:44

@ badbob: I take it COH is a graphic-demanding game? Those results are great - I think I'm gonna go with the OcUK 8800GT.

Thanks for all the help guys.

badbob · 8 Mar 2008 at 18:52

Not sure. I'll try World In Conflict, that's another graphically intense game.

Rambo · 9 Mar 2008 at 00:10

badbob said:
Not sure. I'll try World In Conflict, that's another graphically intense game.

Excellent! Can't wait for the results.

Trunks9486 · 9 Mar 2008 at 01:09

ATi cards offer good perf/dollar. If you want performance go fo 8800GT or 8800GTX.

There is also the X2.

Anyone personally i would get something cheap to hold on until a really great card comes out.