Buying to a Specific Goal

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by Computer-Ed

I agree it seems a solid fit, now the question to the forum is, can we get a less expensive card and still meet the critera?

Yes, but like everything in life, there are trade offs. The biggest titles will struggle the most on lesser cards, as will upcoming A-list hits (DX10 notwithstanding). And if going ATI (such as the X1950Pro, what I'd consider the next logical choice under the 8800GTS/320MB), any chance of a lifetime warranty gets thrown out of the window, if such a thing matters to the individual user.

[Computer-Ed]

Well lets throw out some main stream games to set this up, Say WOW and LOTRO, something a bit tougher, Company of Heroes and SupCom and then lets add Oblivion and Counter Strike.

This gives us a good solid mix to work with, plus these are all popular games.

[Yellowhello]

My friend has the 8600GTS, and it plays all the games he plays (FlatOut 2, Lost Planet: Extrreme Conditions, CS:S, etc.) at 1440x900 with AA at 4x with no problems. I would say the 8800 320MB for you because I don't think the 8600GTS could handle the higher resolution because of it's 128 bit memory.

My 2 cents.

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by Computer-Ed

Well lets throw out some main stream games to set this up, Say WOW and LOTRO, something a bit tougher, Company of Heroes and SupCom and then lets add Oblivion and Counter Strike.

XBitLabs is a great resource for looking at a wide variety of games, and we can see how the contenders (8600GTS, 7900GS X1950Pro, X1950XT, 8800GTS) fare in the below links:

Table of Contents
Oblivion
Company of Heros
Supreme Commander

That's half the games in your list, and since pretty much any mid-range card will run Counter Strike at your specified settings (they do include Half Life 2: Episode One, which is a close equivalent), that just leaves WOW and LOTRO out of the equation. In their place are no less than 14 other titles in their gamut of benchmarks, along with a few synthetics, all run at three different resolutions (1280x1024, 1600x1200, 1920x1200) and high visual quality settings (4xAA, 16xAF).

Looking through them all, from my perspective the numbers reinforce the 8800GTS as the go-to card, with the X1950XT being the second choice if absolutely pinching pennies. But it's up to the individual user, and how he/she interprets the results.

Happy reading...

[Dr. V]

The 8600GTS won't handle games quite as soundly as a 7900GS...very close, just a hair down.

Definitely taking into consideration the resolution, nothing below an 8800GTS 320 would be ideal for anything higher than 1440x900...definitely would bring a noticeable difference. for 1920+, you're looking at least 8800GTS 640.

If you can maybe wait a bit and/or push out that bit of extra cash, the 8800GTS 320 is definitely an amazing card for you.

Not only would I NOT get a DX9 card, I'd rather spend a bit extra for a noticeably better card (for example 7900GS or X1950 vs 8800GTS 320) AND have DX10 support all in one punch. DX9 isn't justifiable anymore to buy brand new. I've had my 7900GS for a WHILLLEEE, and I'm waiting until I can grab a 8800GTS 320. This is after my 22" Widescreen monitor comes...which will be soon.

Anyway, I wish you luck in finding the card that you can get. The perfect and ideal fit would be the 8800GTS 320, but if you absolutely 100% can't wait to be able to get it, I would say the 8600GTS is the best offering after that. It's very very close to a 7900GS, and I can tell you (since I have one) that the 7900GS is wonderful with current games, AND it's DX10.

[onebxr]

I dont use anything above 1440x900. Why you ask? I have a widescreen monitor and 1440x900 is the only resolution that it will support. But I can tell you on FEAR with everything(aa,AF) maxed out it will still perform smoothly.
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this post makes 500.
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[Dr. V]

1440x900 will be not too bad then for a 8600GTS.

Even at that resolution, the 8800GTS 320 compared to it is clearly a difference. But now I feel a helluva lot better recommending the 8600GTS since your resolution is 1440x900. At the same time, you may be upgrading in the future. If you know for a fact that it's to a 1920 or higher resolution monitor, then the 8600GTS will hold you off well until you'd need to get a 8800GTS 640 or higher.

So basically, this is the structure, if you will:

#1 Choice, best solution for everything except cash gripe: 8800GTS 320MB
#2 Choice, good solution for everything including cash gripe: 8600GTS

Beyond that I'd say stay away from DX9...it's just not worth it bro.

EDIT: Congrats on 500th...I remember mine lol. OH NO my 700th was only 9 posts ago...and I didn't mention it :(