[AntzNZ]

Hi, looking to upgrade video card so I can play the latest games like BioShock and CoD4.

Is it worth it upgrading from the 7600GS to anything but the Geforce 8800(can't afford).

I was looking at "Asustek EN8600GT MAGIC/HTDP/ 512MB NVIDIA GEFORCE 8600GT 512MB DDR2 PCI-E 16X" Would this boost my performance greatly?

Would getting another 7600GS 256mb and setting it up for SLI be the go?

Or should I just leave it and wait for the 8800 to drop alot? Maybe try overclocking my current setup...

Please use http://www.pricespy.co.nz if you want to consider prices, as things are really expensive over here, and most US shops won't ship here with a resonable rate :[

Will be running
AMD Athlon 4200+ Dual Core 2.2ghz
2gb DDR2 667 RAM
(Video Card)

Thanks HEAPS for any help.

 

[teddyk]

Have you checked these charts yet? I find them very helpful, he doesn't have the two games you listed in the chart but he has a handful of others. Also he doesn't show SLI or CF and he doesn't have the 3850/70 and the 8800gt but still. I can tell you that from the reviews I've seen the 3850 is a little better than the 8600GTS and the 3870 falls a bit short of a 8800GT and the 8800GT is nearly as good as a 8800GTX in more than a few cases.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=715&model2=854&chart=279

I know you don't have the cash yet but I would save up cash and go for the 8800GT preferably or the lower priced 3870. Who knows how long it will take for the 8800GT to drop in price its a really hot card right now and the etailers are really jacking up the prices for them, same goes for the 3870; both are selling way over MSRP right now if you can even find them in stock. If not that then either a 3850 or the 8600GTS.

I'm no guru but this is what I've turned up so far in my own searches... good luck.

EDIT:

Please use http://www.pricespy.co.nz if you want to consider prices, as things are really expensive over here, and most US shops won't ship here with a resonable rate :[

Can't believe I missed that in your post.... well that changes alot I guess but still what I said about performance still applies.

 

[FreoHeaveho]

Forget the 8600, they suck! Get a top of the range dx9 card for now such as the Radeon™ X1950 PRO

check here for further info http://www.techsupportforum.com/f24/how-to-trouble-shoot-install-select-a-video-card-188115.html

 

[AntzNZ]

It seems I should just wait and save up for an 8800, that 8600 looks quite **** from the reviews.

Thanks for all the help, the X1950 Pros are not that much cheaper than 8800GT 320mb.

How well would the 800GT 320mb go with AMD Athlon 64 4200+ 2.2ghz and 2gb RAM?

Thanks HEAPS for all the help, I was so close to purchasing the 8600!

 

[FreoHeaveho]

the 1950 will destroy every game compared to a 8600 mate. DO NOT BUY ONE! they are the fx5200 equivalent imho. Anway, your call man.

You are welcome.

 

[AntzNZ]

the 1950 will destroy every game compared to a 8600 mate. DO NOT BUY ONE! they are the fx5200 equivalent imho. Anway, your call man.

You are welcome.

I definately won't now, I'll probably save for an 8800

Thanks again.

p.s. How well would the 8800GT 320mb go with AMD Athlon 64 4200+ 2.2ghz and 2gb RAM?

 

[FreoHeaveho]

it probably more depends on your motherboard and PSU. Ie the chipset and the speed of you motherboard, and your Power Supply. Research your board, after working out a couple of terms you will quickly understand how it will cope. But I think the GT rocks anytime, i am getting one for XMAS (fingers crossed) from my wife and sister! lol

 

[1 g0t 0wn3d]

The 8800 gt is very good for the money atm, but it also deserves noting that you will most likely have to upgrade your power supply to a quality 650 watts such a antec trio 650 watt to handle that card