Cant decide on graphics for new system

[MT-]

Hi all.

I'm trying to spec up a new system, partly to get some increased fps in games I already play (TF2 is probably the most taxing, but HL2 Ep2 was getting a bit jerky in places), and also to allow for some future games. I always play at native res (1680x1050), and I'd also like to upgrade to a full 1920x1200 at some point. FPS not dropping below 50 at current res in TF2 is the minimum target.

My current rig is a 939 Athlon 4400 X2, 2 GB DDR, NF4 SLI, 8800 GTS 320 MB.
What I'm currently planning is a Intel QX9450, 8 GB DDR2 800 and IP35 Pro.

I have a feeling that it may be the relatively small graphics memory that is holding me back at high resolutions, and so splurging on ram and cpu isnt going to help matters at all.
Ideally, as this is going to cost a lot of money , I'd like to not spend too much on the graphics. In fact, ideally, I'd like to be able to get by on the GTS for the next 3-4 months, until the first round of price cuts comes in on these next gen cards, and then get a pair of the best performing cards. On the other hand, I dont want to spend £600 and still have 25 fps occasionally, I'd rather spend £800..

Help!

 

[Ben M]

well if you're happy to keep the GTS for a few months, then do so, as new tech is coming out (actual new tech, not just re-branded 8 series afaik)

if not, then, at 1920x1200, an 8800GTX is your best bet from the current crop.

 

[queamin]

My pc is about the same spec as yours, all i am going to do is replace my 320 with a nvidia/ati card on the 16/18 june and see how it goes if it runs ok, i will more likely keep it until next year.
At moment i run a hdtv so res is 1360x768

 

[queamin]

You could always wait until 16/18 and see what they cost.

 

[MT-]

Thanks guys, I'll suck it up with the 320 for now

When you say virtually the same spec you mean it, even have the same brand RAM and GFX

I haven't even tried crysis yet, learnt my lesson from when I bought a 6800 GT, first to arrive on TCR. Inside was a copy of Far Cry. Install brand new, cant get any anywhere, graphics card, install brand new, awesome game. Be taunted mercilessly by glorious graphics going along at flickbook rates. To be fair, it was going ok till I got outside, then fps went down.....

I'm waiting till I have something that will play the game right before trying again

 

[queamin]

First part of crysis ran okish but once i hit the snow map and navy ship part it was quite bad at times.

 

[-iceblade^]

to boost that snow and navy part, use the CCC mod.

on an E2160 at 3ghz, with an 8800GT at normal reference speeds and 2gb of ram, i stayed at about 30fps, dropping to 20 or so if i used 2x AA... it works like a charm

oh, and that was at 1680x1050

 

[El Jimben]

OT but I really wouldn't bother getting a QX9650 (if that's what you meant), they're way too overpriced for what they are.

 

[MT-]

Yep, my bad, take off that QX - its just a Q9650 I'm planning - quad core yorkfield, 2.66 GHz, 12MB L2.