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
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