Help with gfx card please...

[MrJubbly]

Hi,

Over the last few weeks I have been trying to put together my component list for my first system build. For my graphics card I had selected the Sapphire ATI Radeon X1950 Pro ULTIMATE SILENT 256MB. However, after posting my spec on the 'General Hardware' forum for a spec check, it was suggested that I could drop my sound card and go for an 8800 instead of the X1950. If I do drop the sound card it will leave me about £200 to spend, which puts me into 8800GTS (320MB) territory. Before making a decision on going this route though I have the following questions re the 8800 that I hope you guys can answer.

- I am not a gamer, but would like to play the odd one now and then to a reasonable quality level. The screen I will be using will be a 20" wide screen (with the outside chance of a 22"). Baring this in mind is there any real reason (other than extended future proofing) for me opting for the 8800 over the 1950?

- What is cosidered the best 8800GTS at the momment?

- I'm looking to run a quite PC, and this was one of the reason I went for the 'Ultimate Silent', so what are the noise levels like on the 8800's?

- In addition to noise levels, are the fans efficient in terms of cooling? .i.e I'm not going to be looknig at additional outlay to improve cooling/reduce noise?

- These cards are quite big I understand. Would there be any problem fitting one in a Lian Li PC-7 (my current case choice). Would there be any heat problems running one of thse cards in a PC-7.

- More of a general question really, but what sort of life span should you expect to get from a new entry gfx card these days? i.e. I guess an 8800 would out live an 1950, but by how long?

Cheers,

Jubbly

 

[peetee]

Iv got a pc-7, fits fine.
Nothing is future proof, but yes an 8800 is raw power compared to a 1950pro, so will last longer.
The cooling on it is great, i cant hear mine over the pc-7's case fans really, not sure if i'v ever heard it yet?

Basically you'v got to ask yourself is the 'reasonable' quality level that you want going to be worth the extra money. Its a great bang for the buck card, but only if you're going to use it really. What games do you, and will you want to be playing? And why were you looking at a soundcard? What would it be used for?

 

[MrJubbly]

Basically you'v got to ask yourself is the 'reasonable' quality level that you want going to be worth the extra money. Its a great bang for the buck card, but only if you're going to use it really. What games do you, and will you want to be playing? And why were you looking at a soundcard? What would it be used for?

Well TBH I haven't dabbled with PC since about 2000 now, and the last games I played were NFS3, Forsaken and Half Life. Then the children came along, and not much chance to play since. After building my new system though I may start to play the odd game again here and there.

As I say this will be my first build, and I was just covering all the bases with the sound card. I knew that most mobos these days carry on board sound but discounted this, believing that the quality would not be any good. Have since been educated otherwise. The sound capabilities on the PC need only be good enough to play the odd CD, DVD or MP3 so I'm happy to let the mobo handle this now.

BTW, which 8800 have you got peetee?

Cheers

Jubbly

 

[peetee]

iv got the BFG OC 320mb, they're all exactly the same except for a few mhz here and there, and the EVGA versions with different coolers. They are all made in same factory, only difference generally being retail package&warranty. BFG is 10year UK warranty, spot on to be honest. forsaken, half-life, you'll be wanting a geforce 2 then
But really though, 8800 might be overkill for you. If indeed somewhere down the line you do start playing games a little more you coudl always get one of the mid-range cards that are due out within the coming months, but really, 8800 just isnt worth it if you're not sure.. best off saving the pennies and putting it away. A 1950pro will probably suite you

 

[J.D]

Hi Mr Jubbly.

As you can see from my specs I have the x1900. I'll be upgrading within a month to the 8800GTS 640mb version. Only reason I'm going for the 640mb version is I play at 1680x1050 and the 320mb version is good up to 1600x1200. Although my resolution is smaller than the stated 320mb 8800gts I'd rather pay the extra money just in case.

The point I'm trying to make without babbling on is that if it's going to change an overclocker and gamers mind that uses his PC frequently then it's worthwhile.

I seen the above post and thought about your use of the PC over the years but as you were going to get the x1900 there is no point in not forking out a little extra for the 8800GTS when you have just saved £200. It will mean you can sit down when the kids are settled, whack on just about any game and get those settings up to show off speed for some intensive and mind blowing games to take you away from reality briefly. Today's games compared to those you mentioned are a lot more advanced now and for the best results for a long time in a MASSIVE selection of games from 2000 - 2007 then the 8800GTS 320mb version is your card.