Same old.......either and x1900xt or 7900gtx

kevpuk · 26 Apr 2006 at 09:27

Quickie for everyone......

Looking for conclusive advice on whether to get a 1900xt or 7900gtx TODAY, to replace my BFG 7800GT OC (as per sig).

Points to consider :

- No Plans to run 2 gfx cards at once
- Running @ 1680x1050 native
- Best bang for buck across board

Must buy today, as GT is off and need PC running

vanandjuanunited · 26 Apr 2006 at 09:28

Ducks before the mud slinging starts.
Hope you are happy with what is about to follow.

What games do you play?

X1900 cheaper but probably noisier and uses more power. Visuals better tough.

kevpuk · 26 Apr 2006 at 09:42

williamw11 said:
Ducks before the mud slinging starts.
Hope you are happy with what is about to follow.

What games do you play?

X1900 cheaper but probably noisier and uses more power. Visuals better tough.

Yeah, kinda figured this would involve some throwin' !

Well, FEAR, QUAKE4, Oblivion (soon) and so on.....also looking towards video quality for DVD/Blu-RAY/HD etc.

Seems generally that the 1900XT does most very well, and for a few shekels less.....but some advice suggests the 7900GTX more clockable & less heat/power consumption.....

I don't think I will be disappointed with either, but just want thoughts before shelling out £300+

vanandjuanunited · 26 Apr 2006 at 09:47

Well if it was for me then I would go x1900 for the better visuals. Power usage and 'noise' wouldnt bother me. Performance differences to me are not worth the extra for the 7900.

Darkwave · 26 Apr 2006 at 09:48

The X1900 is a bit louder and hotter but a lot cheaper with much better image quality. You said you want bang for buck, the 7900GTX is not good value for money.

Vogon · 26 Apr 2006 at 09:55

X1900's cost less and performance is pretty even between the 2.
They are not as noisy as is made out, but are a bit louder than the 7800's (no idea about 7900 as I haven't heard one of those in action) if that concerns you buy the HIS one with the quieter cooler

Either card will do what you want with no problems, but is it worth shelling the extra out for the 7900 over the x1900 ?
If thats not an issue for you, then I cant see there being much in it otherwise, just choose whatever takes your fancy

For the record I prefer ATi as I think they have better drivers, but thats just my opinion before anyone starts shouting

kevpuk · 26 Apr 2006 at 09:58

Great advice, guys, thanks loads

TBH, I was leaning towards the 1900XT (figuring the XT-X is probably not worth it...) and the 7900GTX doesn't really offer £x more performance, if at all.

Any thoughts on which version/brand ? This Week Only has some spangly choices.....

Oh, and :

Vogon said:
For the record I prefer ATi as I think they have better drivers, but thats just my opinion before anyone starts shouting

I haven't used ATI since my beloved old 7500....are the drivers OK ? Have heard worrying things about a year ago.....

Darkwave · 26 Apr 2006 at 10:11

The Catalyst Control Centre sucks but base Catalyst display driver plus ATi Tray Tools is amazing as hell.

kevpuk · 26 Apr 2006 at 10:14

Exsomnis said:
The Catalyst Control Centre sucks but base Catalyst display driver plus ATi Tray Tools is amazing as hell.

Thanks

So, MSI or Powercolour to save £10 or Sapphire ? Perhaps even the vanilla HIS ? Any experience with these manufacturers ?

vanandjuanunited · 26 Apr 2006 at 10:18

Always preferred Sapphire myself.

Darkwave · 26 Apr 2006 at 10:45

I too am a fan of Sapphire.

kevpuk · 26 Apr 2006 at 10:47

williamw11 said:
Always preferred Sapphire myself.

Exsomnis said:
I too am a fan of Sapphire.

Seems like Sapphire is the favourite, then, any particular reason (overclocking, support, bundle, quality) or just experience with brand ?

Darkwave · 26 Apr 2006 at 11:01

Just experience with the brand, and their support is always top quality. As far as I know the bundle and warranty for all of them is exactly the same.

kevpuk · 26 Apr 2006 at 11:19

Thanks to everyone, just phoned the nice peeps @ OC and have my Sapphire X1900XT arriving tomorrow

Darkwave · 26 Apr 2006 at 12:07

Good stuff.

Let us know how it goes. :cool:

kevpuk · 26 Apr 2006 at 12:47

Exsomnis said:
Good stuff. Let us know how it goes.

Surely will, any tips on clearing out nVidia drivers and baggage, prior to ATI install ?? It's been a while since I have had anything but nVidia cards.... :eek:

Darkwave · 26 Apr 2006 at 17:39

kevpuk said:
Surely will, any tips on clearing out nVidia drivers and baggage, prior to ATI install ?? It's been a while since I have had anything but nVidia cards....

Run the uninstall for them, reboot, then run DriverCleaner Pro (should be the first hit on Google) and reboot again. Then install the latest Catalyst drivers (6.4) and don't forget the "Chuck patch" to enable HDR+AA in Oblivion (if you play it.)

kevpuk · 26 Apr 2006 at 17:48

Great, thanks, just looked up Driver Cleaner Pro and 'Chuck Patch'....will be my route of choice.......am I best just downloading the latest ATI driver (6.4 ?) and installing, rather than whatever is on the CD ?

Darkwave · 26 Apr 2006 at 17:50

kevpuk said:
Great, thanks, just looked up Driver Cleaner Pro and 'Chuck Patch'....will be my route of choice.......am I best just downloading the latest ATI driver (6.4 ?) and installing, rather than whatever is on the CD ?

Yep. The drivers on the CD will be dated, I got the 6.1 drivers with my X1800XT. If your driver CD has 6.4 on by any chance, just use those.

kevpuk · 26 Apr 2006 at 17:53

Excitement building.....

want to play.......hope it arrives before work tomorrow, bloke on OCUK phones said no probs for next day delivery.... :cool:

- mind you, my 7800GT buyer has gone silent :confused: