Which of these 4 Cards would be best? [Archive]

Trace

01-22-2008, 02:24 AM

Which of these cards would be best for their price. The 8600GTS stands no chance but for the price, I thought it was worth looking at.

On the 3870 in here, I don't care the vendor as long as the price is similar. I just grabbed one for reference

My budget is around $300 or less and if you know of a better card, let me know.

Also, when the 9 Series nVidia comes out, do you think the prices will drop significantly?

The choices are:

8600GTS 512MB GDDR3 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3244224&CatId=1826)

8800GT 256MB GDDR3 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3509851&CatId=1558)

8800GTS 512MB GDDR3 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3510513&CatId=1826)

Radeon 3870 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3482895&CatId=1826)

I grabbed a link of NewEgg, are any of these any better? These (http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=48&name=Video-Cards)

Thanks for all the help,
Trace

crenn

01-22-2008, 02:46 AM

The 'best' one currently is the 8800 Ultra however if you're on a decent budget, the 8800GTS is actually very good.

I wouldn't recommend the 256MB 8800GT or the 8600GTS. The Radeon 3870 will beat both those cards fairly easily. If you want a 8800GT, get the 512MB version.

EDIT: The 9 series is due next month according to a few sources.

Fuganater

01-22-2008, 03:11 AM

Trace

01-22-2008, 03:32 AM

My brother picked up his 3870 for $220 and I read a review that either the 8800GT(s) would beat it although it was very close. I love AMD/ATI and would get a card, but I want something that should fairly future proof my system. So either the 8800GT 512MB or the 8800GTX/Ultra?

Anybody have a link to one of those cards around $300, I could go more, if it's worth it.

Thanks for the help guys

Trace

01-22-2008, 04:32 AM

Ok, I've been shopping some more. I can't afford an Ultra/GTX, but I have pulled some more links (just what you guy's wanted!) I've numbered them in the order that I was thinking I would buy. Which one of these do you like? Or another...?

Number 1 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143119)

Number 2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130319)

Number 3 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130317)

I am going to bed, but will check this before I go to school tomorrow. I would say $350 is about the very highest my budget would allow until I get a job.

crenn

01-22-2008, 06:40 AM

If you run vista, then the 3870 is more future proof as it provides Dx10.1 support, however if you can wait a bit, the NVidia 9xxx series will also have Dx10.1 support.

I would recommend:

Number 4 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130325)

The extra $10 is for a reason (there is also a $20 mail rebate so you're spending approx. $300). EVGA have an upgrade program which would enable for you to upgrade your 8800GTS to something in the 9 series for a price. Spawn-Inc has more details about the step-up program.

EDIT: Here's a thread where he explains and links it - http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12704

.Maleficus.

01-22-2008, 08:02 AM

I'd get an 8800GT 512MB (actually, I did :D) or an 8800GTS 512MB. Both are great cards, hold their own against an 8800GTX, and are future-proof. And I've read that...

9600GT < 8800GT. So if you're saving for a 9xxx series, wait for 9800's.

J-Roc

01-22-2008, 08:36 PM

.Maleficus.

01-22-2008, 08:47 PM

I would stay away from number 2. It only has a single slot colling solution which means its going to get as hot as the sun... My 8600 was reaching mid 80's celcious with its single slot cooler, that 8800 probly hits 90 or above.
Actually, it doesn't. That's the card I have, and though I am in a cool basement right now, I've never had it go above 52C, and that's OC'ed to 715MHz core, and almost 2GHz memory.

Trace

01-22-2008, 08:56 PM

As I type this, I'm looking at reviews, and I see that the GT holds very well against the GTX Linky (http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3140&p=9)

Looking at This (http://www.guru3d.com/article/Videocards/479/13/) it looks like the 3870 gets beat by the 8800GTS In the first test and in the second it looks like even the 8800GTX is matched or beat by the POV 8800GTS

Even here (http://www.guru3d.com/article/Videocards/472/10/) it looks like the 3870 gets beat by the 8800GT.

So, I would have to say it's between This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130325) and a 8800GT (Anybody got a good link?)

Unless, a 3870 Stands a chance ( I realize it's cheaper) I think that's out. Give me a link if you have a good 3870.

Thanks for all the help guys

EDIT: Which is better, THIS (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3510513&CatId=1826), or This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130325)

.Maleficus.

01-22-2008, 09:42 PM

This one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130319

I'm running the first revision of the card, and it is awesome.

Trace

01-22-2008, 10:07 PM

Will that beat or crush the 3870?
How good is the overclockability?
Would a PCI Blower be good to have by it?

crenn

01-22-2008, 11:18 PM

That will beat the 3870. Overclockablity is good if you cool it fine. A PCI blower may not do much.

Trace

01-22-2008, 11:29 PM

So, an after-market cooler would be in order?

So, you guys think I should get this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130319)? Last question, will prices drop around beginning of March? Like around my birthday due to the 9600 coming out? Or should I just order it now?

Thank you all. Plus REP all around!

crenn

01-23-2008, 01:45 AM

If you get an EVGA card, you can step-up your card later.

Trace

01-23-2008, 01:53 AM

OK, Thank you. Looks like I have come to a decision

.Maleficus.

01-23-2008, 07:22 AM

Keep in mind, if you'd like to use the Step-Up program, you CAN'T put an after market cooler on it. Gotta keep it stock. I wouldn't worry though, it's a great card and will play anything you throw at it, and is pretty future-proof.

For after market cooling, I like the Thermaltake Duo Orb.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106112

J-Roc

01-23-2008, 08:49 PM

There is only one PCI fan that i would recomend as it seems to be the only one on the market that pulls cool air in from outside. http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18237&vpn=VCOOL&manufacture=ANTEC

The common slot blowers will actually work to your disadvantage. <--- ---> as opposed to <--- <--- with the antec cooler.

Trace

01-23-2008, 09:22 PM

Ok, Thank you guys for all your help!

Trace

01-23-2008, 10:09 PM

New Question For People With The EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512MB Card.

Will this (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=D15-1001) power supply manage it? Or should I upgrade?

crenn

01-23-2008, 10:29 PM

You may be pushing your system. I'd recommend a new powersupply, 550-650W at least. 650W is better.

Trace

01-24-2008, 12:53 AM

Ok, I was leaning that way too. I just had to cancel my new PSU order on TigerDirect so that's why I asked. Thank you/

crenn

01-24-2008, 01:17 AM

Also be sure to get a good brand PSU.

Trace

01-24-2008, 01:31 AM

Is Ultra a good brand?

Fuganater

01-24-2008, 01:57 AM

Ultra isn't necessarily bad... I personally think they are a cheaper company. All of my PSU's are either Antec or Roswell and my Antec's kick butt.

Trace

01-24-2008, 01:58 AM

Ok, I'll look into getting an Antec. Thank you. + Rep

Fuganater

01-24-2008, 02:09 AM

Anytime :D

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371001

This is mine. But when I bought it, the cables were covered with a sleeve. Also make sure you have room in your case for a crap load of extra cables.

crenn

01-24-2008, 02:39 AM

If you're willing to spend a little more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256012

.Maleficus.

01-24-2008, 07:44 AM

Ultra is a good brand. They're inexpensive, but not cheap. Rosewill... I haven't had good experiences with their products. Antec, good.

There's also...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341002
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171024
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153039

I personally like modular PSUs. Easy to manage.

Trace

01-24-2008, 07:43 PM

I was almost going to get a modular Ultra but some issues with TigerDirect's stocking I had to cancel the order.

Thanks for the great links guys.

Greco101

01-27-2008, 07:23 AM

I was also looking into the 3870...

Price wise... it seems worth it. You can look at it this way-

100 dollars more for an 8800gt... or... 100 dollars from from the 8800gt for another 3870.

I honestly think I may go ATI. The 9series is going to be $$$ when they first come out and I don't really want to wait too long for their price to come down although when they DO come out... maybe the 8800s will come down too?

khalie

01-27-2008, 09:46 AM

my vote goes for 3870 or 8800gt 512mb they both have good ratio price-performance.

Trace

01-27-2008, 05:58 PM

.Maleficus.

01-27-2008, 09:31 PM

The 8800GT I'm looking at is the same price as the 3870, and has better performance.
Is it worth the extra $20 for the superclocked edition of the EVGA 8800GT?
It is $240 for this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318) and $260 for this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130319). Which would you recommend? For the extra $20 I could probably pick up a better cooler and overclock it myself.
Your call. Sometimes overclocked cards come with a slight voltage increase (to handle the higher clocks) but I don't think that THAT one does, so you could get a better cooler... Might be worth it.

Trace

01-27-2008, 09:38 PM

That's what I was thinking...
Thank you

Spawn-Inc

01-27-2008, 09:40 PM

i haven't followed this but are your going to run sli?

Trace

01-27-2008, 09:42 PM

No, I have a mATX MoBo and I don't have enough money... It also is a AMD processor so it doesn't have SLI capability on my board.

Spawn-Inc

01-27-2008, 09:52 PM

oh then i would get the Arctic Cooling Accerlo S1 or S1 Rev. 2 if you can find it. its a great price/performance ratio. i have the S2 on my 8600GT and my max temp with it is 50C. before it was 74C.

Arctic Cooling Accerlo S1 (http://www.arctic-cooling.com/vga2.php?idx=138)

Arctic Cooling Accerlo S1 Rev. 2 (http://www.arctic-cooling.com/vga2.php?idx=147)

though with a 120mm fan, or 1 it will take up about 3 slots. the good thing though you can run it passive provided there is other fans in the case.

Trace

01-27-2008, 09:57 PM

Thats ok, I'm moving into a modded Full Tower. I'll have a worklog soon.
You have a 120mm fan on it?

Spawn-Inc

01-27-2008, 10:01 PM

on mine i have 2 cheapo (one from a old 250watt psu, and intel heatsink fan) 80mm fans on mine. i will get 2 120mm yate loons on it later once i make a order from jabtech. and keep in mind i also have a slight volt mod on my 8600gt. when i got the voltages way up when i was benching the highest temp i saw was 61C.

original Voltages
Vcore - 1.35v
Vmem - 1.8v

Highest i've gone
Vcore - 1.72v
Vmem - 2.20V

Trace

01-27-2008, 10:17 PM

Wow, nice voltmods...what are the clocks?

I'm thinking picking up this (http://cgi.ebay.com/Arctic-Cooling-VGA-Cooler-Accelero-S1-Rev-2_W0QQitemZ230216178005QQcmdZViewItem) and this (http://cgi.ebay.com/Arctic-Cooling-Turbo-Module-for-Accelero-S1-S2_W0QQitemZ230166334615QQihZ013QQcategoryZ80151QQ tcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)

Greco101

01-27-2008, 10:37 PM

The 8800GT I'm looking at is the same price as the 3870, and has better performance.
Is it worth the extra $20 for the superclocked edition of the EVGA 8800GT?
It is $240 for this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318) and $260 for this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130319). Which would you recommend? For the extra $20 I could probably pick up a better cooler and overclock it myself.

I'll assume you're talking about the single slot cooled 8800. Do you think they get enough cooling?

Trace

01-27-2008, 10:40 PM

Yes, as far as I've found they do. But I'm looking at getting an aftermarket cooler anyway

Spawn-Inc

01-27-2008, 11:24 PM

the highest i could hit stable was 895/2000/2020 from 576/1500/1300. once i get a q6600 and a newer card i will try to push it more but i need some 20k VR's first.

Trace

01-28-2008, 12:12 AM

3dMark06 Score? haha

I think I need to volt mod on my 8400GS. I can barely get it to 450 from 400

Spawn-Inc

01-28-2008, 12:23 AM

it's iny my sig, 6211. and i was so happy i got my voltages that high and got the score that i forgot to run aquamark as well so the last one is on a lower clocked run.

once you get a new card i would for sure try to volt mod it, what do you have to loose?