Many questions and much advice needed

[lvad48]

Hi guys im going through what can only be a massive graphics card dilemma on a new build i currently have the faithful combo of an Msi 790 fx Gd70 with a phenom 4 955. My initial thoughts were to build a cheaper system but as we all tend to do i went overboard.

Im having trouble with which graphics card to get especially with the release of windows 7 coming up i initially only wanted to spend around £70 originally but im wanting to get a bit of futureproofing going on so that im ok for the next few years.

My biggest question is : is there a massive difference between gddr3 and gddr5 (im a console gamer so i can only assume gddr5 is better based on prices and spec).

Would i be able to get a good solid well cooled card for aound £150 if so what do you suggest? I would prefer Ati as my mobo is crossfire based.

And are there and in a slightly smaller form as i have an antec sonata case and though it would probably fit a good size card i don't want to overly hinder my access to my hdds.

Im not a massive gamer but that could well change and it looks like im going to be doing a fair bit of editing so any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[95thrifles]

Hi
if youre talking about NVidia DDR3 vs ATI DDR5 then no, they use different instruction sets (simplified for all concerned) so you cant directly compare any of the related numbers
One thing you didnt mention is your monitor size/resolution
but anyway, you have 2 choices, invest the 150 now in a decent card, such as the 4890, slots in nicely at this price bracket and is excellent performance and decent value for money, or you could try saving a bit and skimping for now, maybe an old 4850, there are new cards (new generation of cards) out in next couple of months so if you wanted to wait another 6 til the prices drop you could then get a much better card, but its the old waiting game, youd never buy anything if you keep waiting, so your call

 

[lvad48]

Thanks for the advice my screen size is 19 inch and my res settings are 1280 x 1024

 

[Phage]

+1 4890.
But you can save even more with a 4870 whilst we wait for the 5 series in Nov.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-120-XF

 

[lvad48]

i just did the ati calculator thing it said the 4890 was the one for me, im just worried now about the sheer size of the thing