One big splashout or two?

[badbob]

Say if I spend £400 on a top end graphics card now (not that I would but still) then keep that until graphics start slowing down.

Or I buy a £200 graphics card and keep that until it slows down also, then replace it with a new £200 graphics card.

I've spent £400 either way, but which option do you think offers most performance over the lifespan of the base unit? Do you think in x years (depending on rez/detail and game requirements) the new £200 card will offer superior performance to the other £400 card?

Not taking into account SLI as you could buy that second £200 for £80 once it starts juddering.

 

[p0rks0da]

I'd go the £200 route, thats what i do myself, i have never spent over £200 on a gfx card in my life. To me its just not worth paying the premium for the latest greatest, its not like a £400 card is 2x faster than its sub- £200 midrange counterpart. Just my 2 pence.

 

[Mikey1280]

Yeah I agree with P0rks0da, you can also sell your first £200 graphics card when you upgrade giving you more money to spend. For example last April a X850XT cost about £370 whereas now it only costs £150, so you might as well spend £200 on a card now and another £200 later on.

 

[daven1986]

£200 route definately. Don't forget you can also overclock older cards to make em last longer!