Read before you buy graphics card

[mlkmnz]

There seem to be plenty of forum members who find it hard to know what graphics card to get, some are new to the hardware scene and some have bought a really crappy graphics card initially and want to know what to get next.

So, before you leap into a graphics card or PC purchase, or hop on the forum to ask the same questions over card choice, the lastest Graphics Buyer's Guide by Tom's Hardware should help shed some light on what's what in the graphics world. Its in reasonably plain english and has a wealth of charts comparing the various graphics card chipsets.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/05/08/2006_graphics_card_buyers_guide_part1/

Enjoy.

[Stormy{CAN}]

Re: Read before you buy graphics card

Here's another for card comparisons,

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=329&card2=385

allows you to get side-by-side specs of any two cards (all specs based on reference design, not what the various manufactures put out). Can give you a good idea as to whether that new card you are considering is a step up, step down or a step sideways from what you currently have.

[mlkmnz]

Re: Read before you buy graphics card

Here's another for card comparisons,

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=329&card2=385

allows you to get side-by-side specs of any two cards (all specs based on reference design, not what the various manufactures put out). Can give you a good idea as to whether that new card you are considering is a step up, step down or a step sideways from what you currently have.

Thats pretty damn handy. Although the ratings are based on user's opinions and not necessarily the real world performance of the cards (i.e. a Radeon 9700 Pro is actually considered better than a 6600GT). Still a good tool nevertheless.

[WildLegba]

Re: Read before you buy graphics card

I have to say I'm a little stumped by their card selection. The best nvidia card on there is the 7800GS which obviously is not going to hold a candle to the high end ATI cards. They don't mention either why they don't have anything higher. Very odd.

What I do find interesting is their VGA chart. Shows that specs and stats don't always predict performance:

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html

[-(PK)-DarkIllusion]

Re: Read before you buy graphics card

Here's another for card comparisons,

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=329&card2=385

allows you to get side-by-side specs of any two cards (all specs based on reference design, not what the various manufactures put out). Can give you a good idea as to whether that new card you are considering is a step up, step down or a step sideways from what you currently have.

i love you!!! :p :p jk jk jk.. I"VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A SITE LIKE THAT FOR LIKE... FOREVER...

[kewl e-man]

Re: Read before you buy graphics card

thnx man. i was looking to upgrade my video card. sweet.

[mlkmnz]

Re: Read before you buy graphics card

I have to say I'm a little stumped by their card selection. The best nvidia card on there is the 7800GS which obviously is not going to hold a candle to the high end ATI cards. They don't mention either why they don't have anything higher. Very odd.

What I do find interesting is their VGA chart. Shows that specs and stats don't always predict performance:

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html

They did mention in the start that the cards had to reach them in retail format, so if no one was able to supply them a higher end nVidia card than the 7800GS they wouldnt have reviewed it.

And yeah, specs and stats can be deceiving, some game work better for some cards than others.

[Blak_Phoenix]

Re: Read before you buy graphics card

Just found some with newer cards that are good...

http://sg.vr-zone.com/?i=3335

This one compares all the 7600GT's (different brands) together n how they all run.. etc etc..

http://sg.vr-zone.com/index.php?i=3551