Curse

bodyboarder · Aug 16, 2006, 11:08 AM // 11:08

Hi im building my own Computer and i wanted some advice on what video card i should get.I was thinking of the 256MB 7900GT. My budget is around the $400 mark.Is there any other cards i should consider that might be cheaper?

AMD Athlon 64 3500, 1GB RAM, 250GB HD.

So any advice would be great.

Thank you

cynnn · Aug 16, 2006, 11:25 AM // 11:25

i'd say get the new intel dual core 2 for ur processor. if your rig is meant for running gw most of the time, you dont need a 7900GT.

if you want 120fps in guildhall - 6800GS 256mb is enough. (my processor is amd 64 3200)
in crowded towns - 30fps minimum, highest = 100.
in instances.. almost like guildhall.

above is on Highest settings.

Relambrien · Aug 16, 2006, 04:02 PM // 16:02

7900GT is good future-proofing if you're gonna be running some future games. But if you're buying the XFX model, be prepared for a loud fan. Updated BIOS will solve this problem.

And as previously stated, an Intel Core 2 Duo is your best bet for a processor if you're future-proofing. It blew away everything else, including AMD's latest chips.

A cheaper card...Hmm...Well I'm gonna take a look real quick...

Well you said your budget was around $400, and an XFX Geforce 7900GT is $269.99 on Newegg. So yeah, that's probably your best bet, especially if you want future-proofing.

Otherwise, check out Biostar's Geforce 7600. It's really cheap, and has some good reviews on Newegg. $139.99 after rebate. You can PM me if you want the links to these products. But shop around and see what you like; these are just a couple that stood out.

bodyboarder · Aug 17, 2006, 04:51 AM // 04:51

Well i forgot to add i live in australia so newegg is no good for me as they only ship in USA. I have already bought my processor so no good with the intel. So any other advise would help. Thank you

xerverkillah · Aug 17, 2006, 06:23 AM // 06:23

I buy alot from AusPCMarket.com.au

I like to think of them as the Aus version of New Egg, so check them out.

kvndoom · Aug 18, 2006, 12:24 AM // 00:24

Wait, just wait, just wait a little longer...

http://techreport.com/onearticle.x/10569

7950GT, a lot faster, double the video memory, same price. Yummy, yummy...

coolsti · Aug 18, 2006, 08:15 AM // 08:15

I build a new computer for my wife, with an Asus 7900GT video card, and the graphics are amazingly beautiful. We are using a 19" HP crt monitor, and everything looks so fluid and great playing Guild Wars.

I just want to caution you that there have and maybe still are a lot of issues with the 7900GT. Do some internet surfing before you buy. I have a thread here in this forum discussing a freeze-up problem while playing GW with this card, but I think (and hope) that this problem is now solved.

Two issues with this card I can mention: Firstly, a lot of manufacturers (not Asus) set up the card to be overclocked by default, and this has caused a lot of problems, apparently, with crashing and artifacts. If you have this problem, it sounds like it can be fixed by adjusting the clocking speeds downwards in the direction of what the chip was actually designed for. Secondly, the cooling fans that most manufacturers use (Asus included) are very noisy, and irritating if they are running at anything more than minimal speed. This can also be fixed somewhat: some manufacturers provide ways to adjust the fan speed according to measured temperature, so you could try to keep the noise level down this way; alternatively, replace the cooling fan with one from Zalman or Arctic Cooling or another third party (Arctic is coming out in some months with a passive cooling solution for the 7900GT, but do not have anything that fits this card currently). This step, however, will void your warranty.

I can definitely recommend the 7900GT if it works for you, as the graphics are really nice with Guild Wars.

gabrial heart · Aug 18, 2006, 06:30 PM // 18:30

Hmmm an associate just did the bench testing on the nvidia offers (i assume it's the 7950GT, i forget for sure which he said) with the ati's newest x1650xt and it pretty much runs circles around nvidias card. But, thats been typical with testing between the 2 and not so much with the released cards. I'd say wait a few more weeks, if nothing else you'll see a good price drop on the older cards.

Doomlord_Slayermann · Aug 18, 2006, 09:23 PM // 21:23

Video cards are one of the best examples of quick obsolescence in computer hardware. If you order the fastest card available on Newegg.com today, chances are that there will be a faster one (or one with more memory) by the time you get the thing. Don't hype to much about the performance of one subtype over the other. Make an informed decision from what we told you and what you already know, and don't speculate too much. A top-of-the-line graphics card is way ahead of its time in most instances.