Worthwhile Upgrade?

[GeoffRowley]

I'm considering upgrading (sorta) from my Radeon x800xl to and xfx7600gs. I know it won't be a huge , if any, leap in performance, but I was really looking forward to RS:Vegas and SCA (don't bother listing its faults), but naturally, the x800xl is Sm2, the 7600gs is sm3, so thats one consideration. Also, my x800xl has some conflict with Graw, having really odd texture problems, and has some problems with COD2 now and again. I'm just lloking for a nice average card that can play the newer games at acceptable resoloutions and graphic details, the thing is, I really don't want to spend alot, or have to but a new PSU. The 300 watt should work for the 7600gs, or so says a pal, but I'm fairly sure it should. So anyone think this is a decent choice? Eathier this of the xfx7600gT, but I'm thinking that will use a touch more power, and might be a bit dangerous. But any ideas on those to cards, and the differences to my x800xl would be greatly appreciated.

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Worthwhile Upgrade?

My $.02, absolutely free:
I wouldn't spend the money to go from an x800xl to a 7600gs. It would give you some faster framerates (maybe even noticeable) at the same resolution/AA/AF as you're currently running. But try running at the same resolution/AA/AF and then turning on SM3 in...let's say Oblivion. Suddenly, 20-35FPS.

SM3 (HDR) is pretty when it's done well, but bloom is pretty too. I'd stick with bloom and $150 in my pocket, rather than being $150 poorer but having a gpu that can technically do SM3, with gawdawful resolution and smoothing effects.

Have you considered just overclocking your x800xl? I have an x800xt AIW clocked from 500/1000 to 546/1164 using one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186129

I use the AIW compatible version, though. It really makes a difference by shooting all the hot air out the back of the case. Zalman makes a really great cooler, too, think it's called a VF9000Cu that is compatible with ALOT of different gpu's, but it's around ~$40 last I checked. Ugh.

[GeoffRowley]

Re: Worthwhile Upgrade?

I have overclocked slightly. Default being 400/490, OC'd to 435.5/535.5. It gets loud, fairly hot, around 70-75Max (Celcius). I really don't see much of a difference, but then again, not much of an OC. I've thought about it, and if the 7600gs isn;t that great of an idea, albeit for the tom clancy games mainly, I'll just hold out with my current card and maybe buy a PS3 later on, next summer maybe.

[mattymac1]

Re: Worthwhile Upgrade?

At least uprgrade to a 7900GS. I got one that came OCed and it outperforms the 7900GT. I only have 1GB ram though so it sorta sucks.

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Worthwhile Upgrade?

...buy a PS3 later on, next summer maybe...

Groans...then farts...

...LOUDLY...

That xl isn't a bad card at all. Good idea to hold your dollars until (at least) after the x-mas hype wears off. then again, you could keep an eye on www.xpbargains.com and see if any super deals come up on gpu's.

[GeoffRowley]

Re: Worthwhile Upgrade?

Yeah, I guess it isn't a bad card or anything, but I would like something a bit more future proof, especially is games are going to be more and more SM3 only. But, alas, I'll keep the x800xl as long as possible, being Scottish, I am cheap.

[Exactly]

Re: Worthwhile Upgrade?

Groans...then farts...

...LOUDLY...

That xl isn't a bad card at all. Good idea to hold your dollars until (at least) after the x-mas hype wears off. then again, you could keep an eye on www.xpbargains.com and see if any super deals come up on gpu's.

[cloakster]

Re: Worthwhile Upgrade?

^ Seriously WTF are you spamming for?