New
#21
Then even my 8800GT would be enough (8800GT = 9800GT).
Most games still run fluently. I'm also using Photoshop.
Tell me some of the games ur playing and or u plan to play in future, then i can do a recommendation
I thought the 9 series had better power management? Anyhow...I normally play games (RTS fan here) like Age of Empires(II and III)...Civilization IV...any shooter game that I can't play on the 360/PS3...Starcraft (and II when it comes out)...Elder Scrolls IV Obilivion and Fallout 3...probably others but I forget. I want something that isn't old...can play my games on max setting without stuttering...and can run Aero and photoshop stuff adequately
PS the good movie quality and HDMI out native is a must...it being reasonably priced is a plus as well
Intel + nVidia = sweet electronic love w/ each other.
...though AMD is making a comeback, so there's that route too. it'd be my first choice. i like AMD better, they just tripped in the race to glory (Core 2 duo won)...
AMD + nVidia = sweet interracial electronic blah blah blah
I have to agree with the consensus on Intel/nVidia combos and I feel the same for the AMD/ATI combo.
I think the biggest con with intel for me personally is price. I could build 4 completely loaded AM3 Phenom systems with top notch performance for the price of a single i7 processor not a complete i7 system just the processor alone. For a fully loaded i7 system you could build 10 of the most insane AMD systems you could dream up it's crazy.
If Intel had a competitive price I think I might own at least one i7 system if for nothing more than a variety.
nVidia and ATI are both outstanding in my opinion. The only reason I use ATI on my own system is the simple fact I am running AMD. If I had an Intel system sitting here it would be nVidia instead. I have owned many of each brand and never had any bad cards. You only get a bad card if you buy a bad model. Spend the cash and you will always be happy.
HDMI out is a MUST HAVE for you?
Then i would pick the one from ZOTAC
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 260 AMP2! Edition ~ 170 €
OR
Zotac Geforce GTX275 AMP! ~ 205 €
In my opinon the 35€ are worth it to be payed, cause you don't buy a graphic card every 3rd month
Here is a "small" Test where i think you could decide if the 35 € are worth it or not. The Test is in german but the graphics should be enough
Test: 13 aktuelle Grafikkarten (Seite 3) - 04.07.2009 - ComputerBase
Incomplete design parameters - mobo model number, please.
Hardware ages rapidly on the retail shelf and ages gracefully on the desktop. My ATI HD3850 supports HDMI w/audio over the DVI port with a $15 adapter. Total cost $40. Cards with HDMI ports onboard are available in this price range. WEI 6.9 w/o OC.
i bought my system september 2008
Intel Q6600 for £115
Sapphire ATi 4850 512mb for £120
Awesome price performance value at the time, i remember then 9800 equivalent (gtx if i remember correctly), was a lot more expensive, not so up to date with the battle anymore.