Wattage For New Build

[RamonGTP]

So how is that different than using all 4 sticks and not having room to upgrade which is what you said not to do? I'd just do 2x2 for 4GB personally.

[EXreaction]

You can get 2x 1GB sticks for free with the 8800 GS.

I would get the 2x 2GB I linked to from Frys and throw in those 2x 1GB sticks as well since they are free.

[RamonGTP]

I was refferring to the 2nd part of your last post, in regards to "if 4GB is wanted" I would go with 2x2GB personally vs 4x1GB, even if I got 2x1GB for free. Though with the video cards available today at the price points they're at, I would recommend something better than an 8800GS, unless you're going with a pretty budget gaming system. An HD4850 may cost 2x more, but at <$160 it's still a great price for a card that goes head to head with an 8800Ultra.

[EXreaction]

Even better, you can get $15 more off that card.
eVGA 8800GS 384MB PCI-Express Video Card $65 After $30 Rebate - SlickDeals.net Forums

I'd hardly call the 8800 GS a budget card. When I played through Crysis I played at 1920x1200 with medium settings and the 8800 GS didn't have a problem 95% of the time. The 4850 is not a lot better, maybe 30-50% tops than it but costs over 2x as much.

[RamonGTP]

Maybe not a budget card, but it certainly is a budget GAMING card. The 4850 is significanlty better and well worth the price premium IMO. They're not even in the same league. If you're building a new system and are going to use it for gaming, why would you put an already out dated card in there? I'm not sure what it is, but lately I've noticed that you're REALLY pushing these budget cards, with a passion I might add. It's ok if people want to spend a little more to have a card that will atleast last a while verus being obsolete before you even use it.

[EXreaction]

Spending over double for something that is less than 50% better is absolutely stupid unless you want to throw your money away.

If somebody wants to spend 2x more for less than a 50% increase I really don't care.

Obsolete? That is absolutely stupid. If you really think that a new product 50% faster at twice the cost makes something else obsolete I have nothing more do say.

[RamonGTP]

When spending double equates to less than $100, it's WELL worth it. Sorry, but the 8800GS IS obsolete, sorry if it hurts your feelings. It's not even shown in any benchmarks anymore, let alone one comparing it to newer cards like the 4850. Like I said, they're even in the same league. There is a reason it costs ~$70 and it certainly isn't because of it's superb Crysis performance, especially at 1920x1200.

Sure, it's a great card if all you are willing or able to spend is $70, but if you're going to be gaming and you ARE able and willing to spend a little more, it's a stupid buying move because it simply won't cut it. What makes it obsolete is it's performance relative to other cards and a feeble 384MB of ram.