Another request-Which one?

[Teamsreth]

I tell you what, upgrading is giving me a very large headache!!

I recently aquired a new computer, but want to upgrade some of the vitals. Some very helpfull people have helped on most of the stuff, but the graphics card is causing me the most problems.

First, a little background, to help see where I am coming from. I was planning on building my self a pc, spending about £1500. But because of AM2 and other new things, (DX10 etc), I didn't want to take the plunge. I need to upgrade the graphics, as shown by my specs. (Ram will be 2 X 1GB GeIl PC3200, PSU probably Hiper 580W)

AMD 3700+ / 1gb Samsung PC3200 RAM / 2 X 160Gb HDD / MSI MS-7184 M/b / Bestec 300W PSU / Nvidia 6200SE turbocache 256mb.

At the moment, I have been allowed to spend up to £260. I am looking at either of these two, but am open to suggestions.

Gainward BLISS GeForce 7800 GT "Goes Like Hell" 512MB (GX-026-GW) from Nvidia camp and PowerColor ATI Radeon X1800 XT 512MB (GX-048-PC) from the ATI camp.
Are the 512mb cards worth the extra over the 256mb ones?
Will I notice a MAJOR difference?
Bearing in mind, that this computer will not be upgraded again. (Hopefully). And will become the spare when I finally build my own.

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the essay.

 

[Teamsreth]

With regards to RAM, at any res from 1280x1024 and above, the 512MB cards show a clear advantage over the 256MB cards, especially when you turn the eye candy AA/AF up.

I would like Eye Candy, Never had much before. (old comp running BF2 -athlon XP 2000-512mb ram-radeon 9000 pro)

He knows, he quoted as much in his first post . I think it was a more general question as to the value of 512MB cards.

Yeah, it was. I am new to all this choice, never had access to the cash to be able to choose before. I was leaning towards the ATI card, but you guys have sealed that. Thanks All.

Woooohoooo, nearly all decisions made