confused on what path to take

[lambo31]

My video card died this morning so I'm in need of a new one. I've been saving for a new pc build and so far have $400. I looked at Tomshardware and they suggest 2 4850's at $380 (about $190 each). But I don't know if I should try crossfire or get a single more expensive card. Then I'm also thinking if I get just one 4850 I could upgrade my processor to the E8500, but then again I don't have to. Any thoughts or suggestions??


currently I have:


 E6850 processor
 P5K3 Asus MB
 2 gigs DDR3 1333
 PCPC 610 power supply

 Lambo

[humble]

I just got an 8800GTS after thinking long and hard about the 4850 x 2 or other ATI card. Finally just decided that the history of slow driver development with the ATI cards made them a poor choice. Very happy with the 8800 so far...I've seen them for as low as $100 on specials...I'd consider just grabbing one and waiting till your ready for an entire new build out...

[Getback]

I don't have much thought on the subject. I will say I like my 3850.

[Masherbrum]

I just got an 8800GTS after thinking long and hard about the 4850 x 2 or other ATI card. Finally just decided that the history of slow driver development with the ATI cards made them a poor choice. Very happy with the 8800 so far...I've seen them for as low as $100 on specials...I'd consider just grabbing one and waiting till your ready for an entire new build out...

I just completed my build last month with an 8800GTS KO.   I made the correct choice.

[BaldEagl]

A single 4850 or 8800 will run AH at max FPS with all settings maxed.  Unless you're playing other high demand games then a single card will be fine.  Besides that, if you're on a budget, you can always buy one card now and the other in the future.  Just make sure you're getting something relatively new that will still be around when you want to add the second card.

I've got an 8800 512 GTS too.

[Ghosth]

Don't do crossfire or SLI there is simply not enough improvement to make it worthwhile.

Buy one good, video card and save yourself some bucks.
Heck most games still not taking full advantage of 512 video memory yet.

Also I notice 3 people out of 4 posts mention the 8800gts.  Looks to me like all are happy with it.
What more do you need bro?

Good luck!

[lambo31]

Very true Ghosth!
 
Thanks for the replies every one     


 Lambo

[Dragon]

Agree on getting the single VC.  The rest of your system is fine.

[BaldEagl]

BTW, one other thing.   Trying to run 2 video cards with that 610 PCP&C PSU would be tight.  You might have to upgrade to at least the 750 for a Crossfire or SLI set-up.

[BoilerDown]

Honestly SLI/Crossfire is a scam for 99.9% of the PC gamers out there.  Its definitely not needed for Aces High.  Get a decent video card, 8800 GT or 4750 are better than you need for AH2.  Keep the rest of your money to upgrade the rest of your system, later on.

[Getback]

Me thinks he's thinking of doing something else. We'll have to wait for the announcement.

[lambo31]

Me thinks he's thinking of doing something else. We'll have to wait for the announcement.

LOL Getback. 

  Naturally I'm getting the graphics card which I think I've decided to get the 4850, it seems to be what I'm looking for to replace the 8800gtx that died. It was a tough call between the 8800GT, GTS, and the 4850. But with the 4850 I can always crossfire it if I decide one card isn't enough since my motherboard supports crossfire instead of SLI.
 I also think I'm going to wait on the E8500 until I have enough to build a whole new system, unless the price drops enough to make it irresistible.
 Thanks for the suggestions every one.


 Lambo

[Getback]

Rgr that Lambo, Tough call, still though you have a good chip and you don't have crossfire or sli. So I think you would have won no matter which way you went.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

I got the 4870 last week and it's been working great. Games that used to be choppy with the 8800GTS640 are now playable at max settings. Good value for €230.

[SD67]

Using an 8600GT 512 here (yes I know but it was a mistake in the ordering and I'm impatient so I just went with it OK? ) no issues running with all settings maxed out.