BFG 8800GTX or MSI 8800 GTS

[JayA55]

Price aside which card is the better performer? I know the FPS will not be a huge difference, but will one produce more vivid graphics than the other?

Here's the specs:

GTX:

626 MHz @ 128 streams
2000 MHz memory w/768 MBs @ 384 bit

GTS:

678 MHz @ 128 streams
1944 MHz memory w/512MB @ 256 bit

[azianai]

GTS'll perform basically the same as the GTX unless you're going 1920X1200 resolution or higher, then the GTX'll be superior. When you factor in AA, the GTX is hands down the better card. Depends also on your Q6600's clock speed, you may end up having a slight bottle neck if you use stock speeds.

[gvblake22]

They both have the same series of GPU, so they will produce the same image quality. Like azianai mentioned, it will depend more on what resolution you are running, but the two cards are actually pretty close in performance. Considering the $100+ price difference, the 8800GTS 512MB is usually the better bang for the buck choice.

[azianai]

main difference is the 512 is the G92 core while the GTX is still the G80

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by azianai

main difference is the 512 is the G92 core while the GTX is still the G80

Which means it is manufactured using a smaller process. Kindof like comparing a 130nm AMD Winchester CPU and a 90nm AMD Venice CPU, both have the same basic internals, just on a smaller scale (which usually reduces power consumption and heat output).

[JayA55]

hm, how big of a difference does DX10 make? I've actually seen both cards run the same game, but one was in DX10 (GTX) and the other the latest DX on XP. To me there was a slight difference in image quality, but I think that could have been DX10 at play.

I think I might just SLI two GTS', it'll be about the same price, but would outperform a single GTX. I suppose that would be a nice setup. Deciding on which videocard to get is the last piece I need for my new system.

decisions...decisions. I'm kind of concerned though, because this is the case that I have Newegg.com - Rosewill R6A34-BK 0.8mm SECC 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

I practically got it for free in a combo deal with my PSU, so I couldn't pass it up. I wonder if there's enough room in there for SLI, not to mention I also bought that Zerotherm for my chip, which is pretty big, and case fans that plug into the PCI (which I guess that would be out of the picture now).

[polobunny]

Both cards are DX10 compatible.

[Quakindude]

To even be able to utilize DX10, you'll need to run Vista. Or find the hacked drivers for XP.

I wouldn't suggest MSI or BFG. I would suggest EVGA or XFX. Look at the warranties and how flexible they are compared to BFG...fairly limited, and MSI's...anal retentive.

With EVGA and XFX, you can overclock, change out the stock cooler...etc...and retain your warranty. Plud, EVGA has awesome customer support. I hear XFX does as well, but I only have experience with EVGA.

[azianai]

which another recommendation for EVGA mainly because im able to return my stepup G92 just by screwing back on the original sink/fan since i put an Accelero S1 on it (which i'll put for sale soon). EVGA's stepup agreement even stated "if you have replaced the heatsink/fan with an aftermarket, please replace the original heatsink/fan before sending back to avoid voiding your warranty"

[One4yu2c]

I'll go ahead and whole-heartedly (and I can't stress that enough) disagree with the anti-BFG recommendation. On paper, EVGA and XFX have somewhat more flexible terms, as they allow you to OC and change the heatsink without voiding the warranty if you don't physically damage the card. In reality, it's marketing points - if your card dies while using a capable third-party cooler, for example, you're not going to volunteer that information, particularly since third-party coolers should typically extend the life, not shorten it. Put the stock back one, and RMA it.

Unfortunately, ALL three companies now require the end-user to register their card online within 30-days of purchase, or forfeit the lifetime backing in favor of a paltry 1-year warranty. BFG just recently jumped on that bandwagon, and shame on all three. While it doesn't take but a minute or two to register, the punishment is far too harsh if you otherwise qualify (own the card, have the receipt, etc), and creates an unnecessary hoop to jump through.

On a related note, having experience with all of them, I'll say that BFG's customer support is some of the best in the business, graphics or otherwise. While I wouldn't hesitate to purchase from any of the big three, I certainly wouldn't put BFG behind the other two.