High end system needs a high end video card

[bandin]

Hi,
I've just built a new system. Here are the specs:

-AMD Athlon 64 3400+
-MSI K8N Neo Platinum (mobo)
-1024mb PC-3500 OCZ EB Platinum RAM
-160gb s-ata HD
-Cooling, case, blahblahblah

I'm making this system because I want to upgrade from my system right now (1.3ghz t-bird, 512sdram, radeon 8500) and also because I want to equip myself for the next generation of shooters (Doom 3, HL2, etc.)

I'm looking for a video card that doesn't generate much noise. The X800 interests me because I've heard that the fan is bearly audible. Vi/Vo would be a bonus too.

I'm debating between X800 Pro/XT/XTPE and any of the 6800's available. Price is a pretty big factor for me.

Please help - thanks!

[VHockey86]

If price is a factor, save a few hundred bucks and get an ATI 9800 pro or 9800 XT. Both are excellent cards (they rank right up there near the new generation of cards in current benchmarks) and can be had for around 230 rather than 500.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...102-286&depa=0

[bandin]

Thanks for the reply.

But I'm only interested in X800 / 6800's pretty much, since I won't be upgrading for a VERY long time (over a year) and want something to last. I was thinking of going with an X800 Pro by Sapphire (which has Vi/Vo) - how does that sound?

PS: Is the difference between an XT and a Pro very noticeable?

[The Real Bingo]

Seeing your specifications and the cards you are looking at, I don't know how you can say price is a big factor.

Between those cards, there isn't much of a price difference between the X800 and the FX6800. I would recommend getting the FX6800, though, because the technology is newer and would be a better investment.

[GameManK]

lol "over a year" is a "VERY long time"
the 6800 GT's look like a very good deal to me
on sale at newegg http://techbargains.pricegrabber.com...geforce%206800

[bandin]

make that 2-3-4 years even!
lol i was running on a geforce 256 until last year when my friend felt sorry for me and gave me his old 8500 64mb

[VHockey86]

1 year is not a long time for an upgrade by any means... especially when you are forking out that kind of cash
Feel free to buy whatever you want
... but my advice still stands
If you care at all about money, buying the flagship/newest generation of cards is simply a waste. You wont really see all that much better practical game performance out of them to nearly justify the cost, unless maybe you are really interesting in bragging rights or something.

If you are an enthusiast with money bursting from your pockets, go right ahead. Otherwise its my personal opinion that its kind of stupid.

[bandin]

ok here's my next biggest issue:

are the 6800's louder than the x800's? sound is also a big enemy of mine

[VHockey86]

Compared to your processor heatsink and you power supply, niether one should make a noticeable difference

[bandin]

k

ill settle for a sapphire x800 pro then

thanks for the advice guys =)