Graphics upgrade

[Marakith]

Hello!

I'm thinking of retiring my Radeon x1900 (on a Conroe system) in favour of a beefy 8800GTX. I'm looking to get lovely smooth graphics on Conan and generally feel the love on my big new monitor.

Either the XFX: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-099-XF&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=877
Or the OcUK Value one: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-051-OK&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=877

I have a couple of questions, and would be grateful for your help:

1] Is it worth holding off or going for it now? I mean - will the x1900 hold up? I'm 18 months into this system and I usually swap around 18 months into the lifetime of a rig, but can I hold off longer and still play the new stuff well?

2] Will I need to reinstall Windoze when swapping the cards over. I didn't need to on my last one, but they were both NVidia.

3] Will it fit into an Antec P180 case?

4] I can't remember off the top of my head if I have a 500w PSU or a 600w PSU. It's a quality Enermax or Antec PSU so it's clean power.

Thanks a million in advance for your advice!

 

[Marakith]

Wow!

Great answers! Thanks guys!

I woke early this morning and opened my system. The x1900 in there is about 240mm long. It's a snug fit in there with the power cable.

The 8800GTX is 275mm long apparently. I reckon I could possibly wedge it and the power cable in there, but I'm not sure.

I really regret getting that Antec p180 case. It's been a nightmare to setup: cramped inside and a silly non-standard PSU cage, and the USB ports on the front have snapped.

FYI - The PSU is a Tagan 580w.

I think I'll wait a wee while and see what to make of these funky new cards you mention.

Thanks again!