I'm planning on getting a new psu+mobo+memory+graph card this monday, maybe even a soundcard.
Now, I've decided that I don't want to buy the 9800gtx because it's kind of a dissappointment, and I have the patience to wait for the 9900gtx. So I want to get a mid-range card to last me long enough, and play a few games at med settings at 1280*1024 resolution. I looked for a while, and found the the ati HD3650. There's a lot of versions out there, and I was wondering what is better: a card with 512mb of ddr2 memory, or 256mb of gddr3 memory, or 256mb of gddr2 memory, or 512mb of gddr3 memory, or do they all have gddrx memory and it's just written down incorrectly? And is the card a good choice as mid-range card? I don't really know much about them, I know more about high-end cards.
Also, another question popped into my head. I'm thinking of ordering the x-fi xtrememusic with it, because i'm planning to get it sooner or later. Can I connect the audio ports on the front I/O panel to it, which is built into my case (cooler master cm-690), or would I have to connect it to my motherboard and just plug the audio in the back?
A question about mid-range video cards
Pasha the Mighty
Hengis
Have you considered the Geforce 9600GT?
NVidia finally have a mid range card worthy of the name.
Have a look at this review which answers many of your questions.
http://www.behardware.com/articles/7...n-hd-3650.html
The 9600GT is quite a bit more expensive though but would probably keep you happy for a lot longer than the 3650.
Whatever card you decide upon though, I would definitely go for 512 meg of memory. Having only 256 meg cripples the performance at higher resolutions and texture details.
NVidia finally have a mid range card worthy of the name.
Have a look at this review which answers many of your questions.
http://www.behardware.com/articles/7...n-hd-3650.html
The 9600GT is quite a bit more expensive though but would probably keep you happy for a lot longer than the 3650.
Whatever card you decide upon though, I would definitely go for 512 meg of memory. Having only 256 meg cripples the performance at higher resolutions and texture details.
Pasha the Mighty
I know the 9600 gt, but it's not an option because it's 130 euros for a card that i'm just going to need till june.
So 512 mb is the way to go? and is there a difference between ddr2 and gddr3?
So 512 mb is the way to go? and is there a difference between ddr2 and gddr3?
majestikk
do you have a budget?
EVGA E-GEFORCE 8800GT 512MB is pretty solid
EVGA E-GEFORCE 8800GT 512MB is pretty solid
Pasha the Mighty
I know all the ones you'd suggest, but what I need is a cheap (<100) videocard to last me till the 9900gtx comes out. I don't need a good one, just one that can play most shooters at moderate framerates. If I would want a good card, I would get a 9800gtx, or maybe a 3870x2, but I want to wait, and just need something to last me till then.
Now I've done some more research and found a few 512mb 3650's, but I don't really know the difference between 512 ddr2, ddr3 and gddr3. Can someone tell me what the difference is?
Now I've done some more research and found a few 512mb 3650's, but I don't really know the difference between 512 ddr2, ddr3 and gddr3. Can someone tell me what the difference is?
I Dont Do Coke
When does the 9900GTX come out? If it's within 90 days, get an 8800GT and step up later.
Shendaar
The memory type doesn't really have much of an impact. Having more memory on the card is important when playing at high resolution in game requiring a lot of memory. At 1280x1024, 256Mb may be enough for some games, but it may struggle a bit in others as well, depending on the rest of the graphic settings of course.
I imagine 256Mb for medium settings could be fine. I'd says just the find the cards that match your price range and search for reviews on google to find out which one is the best.
I imagine 256Mb for medium settings could be fine. I'd says just the find the cards that match your price range and search for reviews on google to find out which one is the best.
Pasha the Mighty
The release is supposed to be in june, but it might be postponed so I can't take that risk.
I don't need to play high settings, but it would be a nice bonus. If paying €10-20 extra (which is actually the case here) will allow me to play on high settings in some games, it's fine with me, i'll go with 512 mb.
The weird thing is I see three memory types here: gddr3, ddr3 and ddr2. isn't ddr3 just a typo? And which one should I choose? btw, the one gddr3 i see is a €104,- so that's not worth it, because I see ddr3 ones for 70. But is it really ddr3 or just a typo and it's actually gddr3 too?
I don't need to play high settings, but it would be a nice bonus. If paying €10-20 extra (which is actually the case here) will allow me to play on high settings in some games, it's fine with me, i'll go with 512 mb.
The weird thing is I see three memory types here: gddr3, ddr3 and ddr2. isn't ddr3 just a typo? And which one should I choose? btw, the one gddr3 i see is a €104,- so that's not worth it, because I see ddr3 ones for 70. But is it really ddr3 or just a typo and it's actually gddr3 too?
Blackhearted
Here's something you should always follow. If a card comes in a gddr3 version, as well as a gddr2 version, Always buy the gddr3 version as it will be much faster than the gddr2 one. Alot of companys make cheap-o versions of mid-range cards with gddr2 to get more money from less knowledgeable buyers and they're are always significantly slower than their normal gddr3 counterparts. Which is why you generally want to avoid those models.
Edit: For an example you can see it on some 8600gt's. The normal gddr3 versions have 1400mhz memory, where as the cheap-o gddr2 versions tend to only have the ram at 800mhz. In this case they nearly cut the memory bandwidth in half(22.4gb/s vs. 12.8gb/sec), which will really hinder performance, especially at higher resolutions or settings.
Edit: For an example you can see it on some 8600gt's. The normal gddr3 versions have 1400mhz memory, where as the cheap-o gddr2 versions tend to only have the ram at 800mhz. In this case they nearly cut the memory bandwidth in half(22.4gb/s vs. 12.8gb/sec), which will really hinder performance, especially at higher resolutions or settings.
Pasha the Mighty
yeah i get that, but it says ddr2, ddr3 and gddr3. I know the difference between ddr2 and 3, and i know all high end cards have at least gddr3, but I've actually never heard of ddr3 on a graphics card. Is it, like I thought, just a typo?
EDIT:
I'm either ordering this one:http://www.club3d.nl/index.php/produ...phics/item/311
or this one: http://www.sapphiretech.com/us/produ...gpid=208&grp=3
the club3d one says it has gddr3 memory, but does not list dx10.1 support, which would be a nice bonus.
the Sapphire on has 10.1 support, but says their models have ddr2 or gddr3 or gddr4 support, depends on which version. So that would mean that the site I'm ordering from just typed it wrong, because they say it has ddr3 memory, right?
EDIT:
I'm either ordering this one:http://www.club3d.nl/index.php/produ...phics/item/311
or this one: http://www.sapphiretech.com/us/produ...gpid=208&grp=3
the club3d one says it has gddr3 memory, but does not list dx10.1 support, which would be a nice bonus.
the Sapphire on has 10.1 support, but says their models have ddr2 or gddr3 or gddr4 support, depends on which version. So that would mean that the site I'm ordering from just typed it wrong, because they say it has ddr3 memory, right?
Blackhearted
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Pasha the Mighty
the club3d one says it has gddr3 memory, but does not list dx10.1 support, which would be a nice bonus.
the Sapphire on has 10.1 support, but says their models have ddr2 or gddr3 or gddr4 support, depends on which version. So that would mean that the site I'm ordering from just typed it wrong, because they say it has ddr3 memory, right? |
Pasha the Mighty
are you serious? Any mid to low end 3xxx series card supports it, while none of the current high end nvidia cards support it? I had actually found it weird when I say they didn't add it to the 9800 gtx/gx2, but it's even weirder now I see ati did.
So basically, I can go with the cheapest? Or is one of them exceptionally better? The difference between the two is just 4 euros by the way.
And does anybody know wether I can plug the front panel of my case into an X-fi?
So basically, I can go with the cheapest? Or is one of them exceptionally better? The difference between the two is just 4 euros by the way.
And does anybody know wether I can plug the front panel of my case into an X-fi?
Brianna
Wait.. we have to buy new cards to get DX 10.1 support? I hope that is a joke, or else I'll be really pissed.
Pasha the Mighty
nope no joke: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directx_10.1
The dx10 hardware still works with dx10.1, but not all the new features will work
The dx10 hardware still works with dx10.1, but not all the new features will work
Brianna
Grr.. why the hell do they crap out new versions of Dx faster than anyone can even adapt to the new stuff? I mean hell.. now we have to buy new cards just to get it too? This really pisses me off.
Besides for Mid-Range gaming cards just get an 8600 GT, can find it for under 100$ USD and it can play most games very well, whatever that is converted into € or such.
Besides for Mid-Range gaming cards just get an 8600 GT, can find it for under 100$ USD and it can play most games very well, whatever that is converted into € or such.
wetsparks
I don't know about shipping costs to Europe (you did mention you wanted something less than 100 euros) but newegg.com is selling the card you are looking at for less than $100 which, I think, converts to well under 100 euros.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...HD3650&x=0&y=0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GDDR3
Take the wiki article with a grain of salt of course but it would seem gddr3 is the way to go.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102725
That would appear to be the card you are looking for, but my knowledge of video cards is limited.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...HD3650&x=0&y=0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GDDR3
Take the wiki article with a grain of salt of course but it would seem gddr3 is the way to go.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102725
That would appear to be the card you are looking for, but my knowledge of video cards is limited.
Blackhearted
Missing the .1 update really isn't that big a deal imo. Nothing even requires normal directx 10 yet. By the time DX10 renderers completely replace DX9 in games(as in, dx9 isn't an option) ones you'll probly have upgraded anyway.
Zamorakk
The 9900GTX will come out 2008 Q3 or later. And DX10.1 will be pretty like useless. The 9800GTX ís a big disapointment, its just a g92 with some new features and a new name (if I am right g94 
) I dont think the 9900GTX will be way better, I think this year will be an ATi year 
Now just wait for the 10800GTX or how the hell they wanna call it 
And it'll be better if u buy the card in your own country, the shipping+extra tax costs can be like 80 euros.
And DDR3 can go faster than DDR2, bút memory isnt the most important thing on a graphics card, the shaders are on #1 the core clock on #2 and the memory clock on #3, but I would buy a graphics card with 512mb.
) I dont think the 9900GTX will be way better, I think this year will be an ATi year Now just wait for the 10800GTX or how the hell they wanna call it And it'll be better if u buy the card in your own country, the shipping+extra tax costs can be like 80 euros.And DDR3 can go faster than DDR2, bút memory isnt the most important thing on a graphics card, the shaders are on #1 the core clock on #2 and the memory clock on #3, but I would buy a graphics card with 512mb.
Pasha the Mighty
I just looked into a few other models, and apparantly the MSI2600xt-diamond-512 just falls into the budget. It's a 2600xt with 512mb of gddr4 memory, and I read a few reviews saying the 3650 is better than the 2600 pro, but not the 2600xt. Is msi a good company though?
Brianna
MSI is ok.
My extended family owns a hard core gamer store and they put MSI parts into their comps; see http://www.lanspeedgames.com/Computers.aspx
They run pretty good computers there, so I'd say it wouldn't hurt.
My extended family owns a hard core gamer store and they put MSI parts into their comps; see http://www.lanspeedgames.com/Computers.aspx
They run pretty good computers there, so I'd say it wouldn't hurt.
Admael
I say 9800GTX then stepup to the 9900GTX in July 
BFG offers some variant of it now, so you don't have to stick with just EVGA.
BFG offers some variant of it now, so you don't have to stick with just EVGA.
Pasha the Mighty
The thing is, I don't want to risk that, as nVidia could postpone the release, just like they did with the 9800gtx several times
EDIT:
Now that I've started a topic anyway, no need to start a new one. Should I wear latex gloves while placing all kinds of stuff (including a processor), because of oil's that come from the skin and stuff? Or will that just create static electricity? I already ware an ESD wristband, but I'm afraid of ruining my processor.
EDIT:
Now that I've started a topic anyway, no need to start a new one. Should I wear latex gloves while placing all kinds of stuff (including a processor), because of oil's that come from the skin and stuff? Or will that just create static electricity? I already ware an ESD wristband, but I'm afraid of ruining my processor.
Blackhearted
Unless your hands are excessively dirty when you go to work on your pc your bare hands should be fine.
Brianna
I just install everything by handling the parts by their corners, and not touching the middle/main parts of them, I don't think oils from your hands are anything to worry about really.
Honestly you see all kinds of stupid kids putting their hands all over their new computer parts like its some toy, and yet not even they fry it out (I don't recommend doing that either, it's stupid.) So yeah.
Honestly you see all kinds of stupid kids putting their hands all over their new computer parts like its some toy, and yet not even they fry it out (I don't recommend doing that either, it's stupid.) So yeah.
Pasha the Mighty
I just figure, it can't hurt to play it safe. Would it build up any static electricity?
And any feedback on the 2600xt 512 gddr4?
And any feedback on the 2600xt 512 gddr4?
Admael
I don't know about latex, but I use silk gloves when handling hardware for an excessive time, like changing/applying heatsinks or waterblocks/ramblocks and volt modding. But for just changing the processor, adding in a new card, etc I do that bare handed. Anti-static wrist bands are for newbs who aren't aware of the risk right off the bat.
Just make sure you don't work around carpet, wash your hands before you work, and touch an unpainted metal part of your case before you begin your work to discharge any static.
I'd just get the 8800GT for a mid-ranged card. It's the best bang for the buck, and if you slap that with the new 790i Ultra SLi and E8500 Wolfdale, it will bring that card to the top, especially at 1280x1024 resolutions. You can play any game maxed, no problem.
I like MSI motherboards, I hate MSI video cards.
E8400 205 USD
Striker Extreme II 470 USD
8800GT 180 USD
Can't go wrong with that
Just make sure you don't work around carpet, wash your hands before you work, and touch an unpainted metal part of your case before you begin your work to discharge any static.
I'd just get the 8800GT for a mid-ranged card. It's the best bang for the buck, and if you slap that with the new 790i Ultra SLi and E8500 Wolfdale, it will bring that card to the top, especially at 1280x1024 resolutions. You can play any game maxed, no problem.
I like MSI motherboards, I hate MSI video cards.
E8400 205 USD
Striker Extreme II 470 USD
8800GT 180 USD
Can't go wrong with that
Pasha the Mighty
I would have gotten the 8800gt if i wanted a permanent card right now, but I'm just in need of a disposable (with that I mean: a card that I can give to a family member) graphics card that will run most games well enough at 1280*1024. This monday (or at least next week) I'm getting the motherboard, the memory, the graph. card and the psu. Next month I'll be getting the processor (8400, it ownz!), and then I'll wait till the 9900gtx comes out and just get that. With the fact that it's not permanent in mind, would you say the 2600xt is a good choice?
I cant touch my case to discharge, because it's not plugged into an earthed socket (that's a project for the summer, or in any case next vacation), and touching the case only works if you have an earthed socket. Also, I don't feel too comfortable working on my pc with it plugged in, it's also usually recommended that you pull out the plug and then press the on button again to completely discharge everything. Since I can't touch the case to discharge, I use the wristband. But I'm going to be replacing everything in the case, so I think I'm going to pick up a pair of silk gloves. Would cotton work too?
BTW, thanks everybody, who's replied to the thread.
I decided on the p5k-e btw, I don't intend to run SLI, so won't be getting that.
I cant touch my case to discharge, because it's not plugged into an earthed socket (that's a project for the summer, or in any case next vacation), and touching the case only works if you have an earthed socket. Also, I don't feel too comfortable working on my pc with it plugged in, it's also usually recommended that you pull out the plug and then press the on button again to completely discharge everything. Since I can't touch the case to discharge, I use the wristband. But I'm going to be replacing everything in the case, so I think I'm going to pick up a pair of silk gloves. Would cotton work too?
BTW, thanks everybody, who's replied to the thread.
I decided on the p5k-e btw, I don't intend to run SLI, so won't be getting that.
I Dont Do Coke
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Admael
790i Ultra SLi
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Quaker
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Pasha the Mighty
So basically, I can go with the cheapest? Or is one of them exceptionally better? The difference between the two is just 4 euros by the way.
|
Quote:
| And does anybody know whether I can plug the front panel of my case into an X-fi? |
Pasha the Mighty
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Quaker
The Xi-Fi ExtremeGamer has an connector for the front panel jacks (provided they are HD-audio, not the older type) The ExtremeMusic only has a connector for Creative's own drive bay unit.
|
Does anybody have a good reason not to get the 2600xt?
Fire The Nutter
I always check this list before looking/buying new cards
http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/03/...ming_graphics/
Updated monthly, v.good imo, got a 8800GT myself, tbh id dare ya to beat it for price!
http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/03/...ming_graphics/
Updated monthly, v.good imo, got a 8800GT myself, tbh id dare ya to beat it for price!
Pasha the Mighty
I did a little more research, and according to this review http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/vid...t-diamond.html, and it turns out that you were right brianna, the 8600 gts is better, in spite of the fact they used a gddr3 256 mb model, against the 512 mb of gddr4 the 2600 xt has, so I'm going with that one, it's cheaper too, even if it's just 3 euros. XFX's warranty includes overclocking, right?
JayH
you could also check out the 1950pro by ATI:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=GX-065-PC
I had one before my HD3850, i was dissapointed as the 3850 only gives a slight bit more power.
Disadvantages- Dx9.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=GX-065-PC
I had one before my HD3850, i was dissapointed as the 3850 only gives a slight bit more power.
Disadvantages- Dx9.
Pasha the Mighty
I'm not sure, but isn't halo 2 dx10 bound? or just vista bound? But I've decided on the 8600gt anyway. I'm kind of sick of going through review's for quite a bit, I've been doing it for like 1 or 2 months, before I now know what my rig is going to be lol. And then I've been looking up reviews for mid-end videocards, even though that's not what I'm getting in the end XD nVidia better not postpone that 9900gtx, and it better be as good as the rumours say it is
JayH
i know what you mean, it took me a while to decide on my hd 3850.
the 8600gt is a good card for the money, and like you say its only temporary.
im just more of a ATI fanboy ^_^
the 8600gt is a good card for the money, and like you say its only temporary.
im just more of a ATI fanboy ^_^