Can't wait any longer

[Hawklord]

Hi, I've been umming and ahhing over whether to upgrade or hold out for the next round of CPU/GPU tech but have now decided what the hell I'll do it now

My current system:-

A64 3500+ (Newcastle)
Asus A8V Deluxe (AGP)
2GB Corsair XMS3200 TwinX
HIS Excalibur XT850XT PE (AGP)
X-Fi Xtrememusic sound card

Basically I'm looking to replace my motherboard with a PCI-e board and use my current cpu and memory. I haven't as yet overclocked my CPU so would also like to replace my stock cooling with something more substantial that'll allow me to overclock. My CPU isn't the best but should still be up to the task shouldn't it?
I'd also like recomendations for the best bang for buck card that'll allow me to play games to the max @1280x1024 (my LCD's native res) I was thinking a PowerColor ATI Radeon X1800 XT 512MB GDDR3.
Would there be any interest with regard to my existing XT850XT PE? and what would I expect to get for it if I were to sell?

So if someone could make recomendations for:-

A socket 939 PCI-e Good clocking MOBO
PCI-e Graphics card (either Nvida or ATI)
Best SKT 939 cooling solution.

I have a budget of £300 + the current value of my XT850XT PE.

thanks for any pointers

 

[Hawklord]

Thanks for your reply

I was thinking of getting the PowerColor ATI Radeon X1800 XT 512MB GDDR3 over the 7900gt due to it having more memory and I also thought that my A64 3500+ would be bottlenecking the 7900gt. I know for raw power that the 7900gt is the way to go but I don't think it can do AA and HDR at the same time either.
I don't want this thread to turn into a fanboi war but which is the best bang for buck card that offers the most functionality and PQ that will give the best performance at a resolution of 1280x1024?

I'll check out the mobo and cooling solution you suggested thanks

 

[Hawklord]

Wouldn't it be best at lower resolutions to have the option off AA and HDR?
I'd be happy with the 7900gt I'm sure but want to have the best image possible @1280x1024. Does the 7900 do AA and HDR as I'd like to run Oblivion and future games in all their glory? I have an Akasa 550W psu so power shouldn't be an issue hopefully.
How much will my A64 3500+ overclock with a good air cooling solution and will it be a large bottleneck for either card overclocked?.

thanks for all your input btw it's much appreciated

 

[Hawklord]

Interesting thread for me cos I'm undecided between these 2 cards as well. I've just got a new PC from Evesham through work (HCI) but it's only got an X800GT in which is letting it down badly. I'm not convinced they'll have put a decent enough PSU in it to cope with an X1800XT so perhaps I might have to go for a 7900GT unless I also replace the PSU which I'd rather not do.
If the 7900GT did AA and HDR I'd have made my decision by now but I feel if I'm spending that sort of money then to not be able to use AA and HDR is a severe compromise. Never straightforward is it....

Join the club

Both cards will obviously give me a marked improvement over my XT850XT PE but I want the best value for money solution that will give me the best flexibility and PQ. I always go for the best compromise be it Nvida or ATI.

How long will this upgrade last me for btw are we looking at 18months or so till the dx10 cards and new cpu sockets arrive?

 

[Hawklord]

Well finally hit the buy button.

Today I ordered:-

Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro CPU Cooler

Hitachi Deskstar T7K250 NCQ 160GB SATA-II 8MB Cache

PowerColor ATI Radeon X1800 XT 512MB GDDR3

Asus A8N5X nForce4 (Socket 939) PCI-Express Motherboard

should get the delivery Thursday so that's my weekend sorted

Also got a buyer lined up for my XT850XT PE to the tune of £120 so that'll help.