Upgrade from an 8800GTX

Lee · 28 Aug 2010 at 10:30

Hi, my trusty 8800GTX is starting to struggle a little, so I'm looking to replace it. I have around £200 to spend.

I game at 1280x1024, but may upgrade to 1920x1080 at some point.

CPU is a Q6600 clocked at 3.0Ghz.

I'm leaning toward ATI, but would appreciate any recommendations any of you have.

Cheers,

Lee.

rolypolyman · 28 Aug 2010 at 10:40

1GB 460GTX( I like the look of the Asus CU TOP) or the 5850 or wait for the Ati 6*** series, not long now.

MonkeykingZX · 28 Aug 2010 at 10:40

either an msi/gigabyte 1gb gtx460 or a cheap hd5850

Lee · 28 Aug 2010 at 10:41

When is the likely release of teh ATI 6*** series ?

MonkeykingZX · 28 Aug 2010 at 10:42

i think the first lot of cards is due out in october

Lee · 28 Aug 2010 at 10:43

Thanks Monkeyking, I want to get something sooner.

Thansk for the advice so far.

rolypolyman · 28 Aug 2010 at 11:01

Then its either the 460GTX 1GB version or the 5850 like this one. That warranty is excellent as its with Ocuk.

Lee · 28 Aug 2010 at 11:02

Thansk Rolypolyman, I was looking at that one. Why is it £20-£30 cheaper than the others ?

Lee · 28 Aug 2010 at 11:17

I assume my Corsair 650W PSU will be able to power a 5850 ?

maj · 28 Aug 2010 at 11:31

My Corsair 650W PSU can support my single GTX 470 so you should have no problems with a 5850.

Lee · 28 Aug 2010 at 11:43

Thanks Maj.

coupe69 · 28 Aug 2010 at 14:35

Lee said:
I assume my Corsair 650W PSU will be able to power a 5850 ?

You'd be able to run a pair in crossfire on that psu!

Ivyforce · 28 Aug 2010 at 15:26

I also had an 8800 card.
I was looking at the MSI 1gb 460 for £199, but was persuaded on this forum to spend another £30 and get the MSI 470.

My fear about noise was not justified, it's no louder i find than old 8800.

Lee · 28 Aug 2010 at 17:58

Thanks everyone, I think I'm going to go for:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-166-XF&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=411

...the XFX 5850 for £194

Can anyone think of a good reason why i shouldn't go with this one ?

kylew · 28 Aug 2010 at 18:02

Lee said:
Thanks everyone, I think I'm going to go for:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-166-XF&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=411

...the XFX 5850 for £194

Can anyone think of a good reason why i shouldn't go with this one ?

None at all, that's the best deal on a 5850 in a long while.

Lee · 28 Aug 2010 at 18:03

Thanks Kylew.

Lee · 28 Aug 2010 at 18:11

Just ordered it, delivery on Wednesday (damm bank holiday !).

I assume all I need to do is uninstall Nvidia software, shut down, remove my 8800GTX, install the 5850, boot into Windows and install the latest ATI drivers ?

kylew · 28 Aug 2010 at 18:26

I would honestly suggest you re-install windows. Moving between nVidia and ATi, or the other way around on the same install can be "difficult" at times as there are remnants of the old drivers left behind.

By all means, go for it without installing, but if you have difficulty, you'll have a decent idea of what it is, before you post on here claiming ATi drivers, under no circumstances, never ever work.

Lee · 28 Aug 2010 at 18:44

Appreciate the advice, although a fresh install would me a major undertaking. I'll do some more research.....

Coolasmoo · 28 Aug 2010 at 18:57

If your using Windows 7 or even vista, just uninstall - remove card and insert new.

Ive swapped out from Nv to Ati and back again on the same install and everything is fine