[8800 GTS 320MB + Vista] vs [7900GS + XP]?

[mcwildcard]

Here's an interesting question, I currently have a 7900GS + XP and I've been looking at notching up to an 8800GTS 320MB.
I'm happy with my current FPS on games (generally BF2142), but due to issues with the card I figured I may as well 'DX10 up' my system.
I've also been considering going up to Vista, but have been concerned by the drop in framerates that gamers are having due to the shoddy drivers available.
So my question is, in general, will the 8800GTS + Vista beat the 7900GS + XP for performance in games?
(Obviously in time the drivers will get better and it'll be a no-brainer, but I want to know how it stands currently)

Oh and I can't be bothered to set up a dual boot.

My system spec is thus:

E6300 @ 2.8GHz
2 x 1GB OcUK Value PC6400
GA-965P-DS3
Hanns-G 1440x900 Monitor
AC Silentium T1 Pro Case
500w Arctic Cooling PSU built into case

 

[mcwildcard]

I've had a little nose about on google and from what little info I've found it would seem that the games with problems on Vista knock about 20% off the performance of the 8800GTS, which still means it'll beat the 7900GS.
Ooh, I'm getting excited, new card and new OS!

God bless poker for giving me the funds to afford both!

 

[mcwildcard]

Hence the username I assume

Hahaha! No actually!
I used to be an MC, but although I gave up the name stuck.
Wanted to be MC Joker, but knew that was taken by an established MC, so figured Wildcard was the next best thing.

God, I chose that name over a decade ago, that makes me feel old!!

 

[mcwildcard]

I think there lies your answer.

The 8800GTS will give better performance, when it works.

Why fix it if it ain't broken?

Problem is, it IS broken!
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17699939&highlight=7900gs

So although I should be able to RMA it, I'd rather just sort out an upgrade now and be done with it! Vista is just a bonus really, but if there's serious BF2142 issues, then maybe I'll hold off on the new OS until it's a little more stable.
How annoying.

 

[mcwildcard]

Ah, didn't know that.

If you're going futureproof though, i'd certainly recommend finding the extra cash for the 640MB version.

Suppose I could forget Vista for now and use the cash for that instead, it had crossed my mind tbh, but I tried Vista for the first time about a week ago and I thought it was excellent.
Much to think about!

 

[mcwildcard]

If you're happy with your system and don't see yourself changing motherboard any time soon, how about saving some cash by picking up the OEM version? As long as you don't break the EULA by changing motherboard, you'll save yourself over 50%.

You could also go down to Home Basic if you feel you don't need Aero.

Either way, the drivers may well be problematic for the 8800 under Vista. I have no experience of them myself, the time I did use Vista I was getting good performance with my X1950, i'm drawing from other users' feedback. Then again, nVidia are due a driver release soon, they may end up fixing a load of problems!

What exactly does the OEM version pick up on?
I'm likely to stick with my DS3 mobo for quite a while, although my CPU is likely to change a few times, plus I'd like to grab some extra PC6400 at one point.

 

[mcwildcard]

Yes, but you've just confessed to using a copy of Microsoft Vista OEM and breaching the T&C's of the licence. That's software piracy because you should have bought a new copy, and by saying to another forum member, you don't need to worry, you're encouraging him or her to use illegal software, surely?

I don't understand, if he's using the licence for the same one system, then surely he's not breaking any rules?

 

[mcwildcard]

He's actually breaking several rules, and Microsoft are allowing resellers to break one too as technically OEM copies shouldn't be sold to end-users, only with the basis of a complete system, defined as - a motherboard.

OEM is designed to make sure any new computer sold is sold with a copy of Windows. This done for 2 reasons, firstly because they don't want to allow pirate copies to flourish and secondly because they don't want you to go over to open source.

So they sell OEM copies cheaply to resellers and system builders.

Enthusiasts, who want to build their own hardware, are licenced to change whatever they like, but they have to buy a full copy. I don't see what the issue is. Most gamers would cheerfully shell out £200-£300/year on new graphics cards but they mump and moan about having to pay for the operating system that holds it all together.

The OEM licence is very clear - it is tied to the original COMPUTER it was installed on, and the basis for that PC is the motherboard. Change the motherboard, get an new OEM copy.

Ah I see, but what would happen if the mobo died?

 

[mcwildcard]

If he replaces it with the same make and model, it won't even have to re-activate.

Sounds like the OEM will be adequate for me then, thanks for all the info

 

[mcwildcard]

I have the same card and XP, i'm also having issues (still playable), could you be specific, would be helpful to compare.

It's all here: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17699939&highlight=7900gs