Graphics cards.

[eno]

As some of you will know I've recently upgraded my PSU due to a failing one. The old PSU had caused some hardware problems most of which I have solved. After a few FS9 sessions it is becoming obvious that my graphics card has been one of the casualties of the failing PSU. I'm currently using an ATI X800XL. I've been searching for a good interim card, with a view to upgrading the card again after DX10 becomes the norm. I'm a fan of ATI however even the x800/850 series are still retailing at over

[GeForce]

is the 7900GT going to beat the ass off the X800/850?

Put simply, yes.

I've got the 7900GT, fantastic card, PROVIDING you don't get one of the faulty ones, which there are a lot of with the 7900 series.

Jon

[eno]

Any particular manufacturer to avoid for the faulty ones or was it just a bad batch of chips?

[GeForce]

Any and all, unfortunately.

Go for eVGA as these seem to be the least failing ones, and their RMA service is excellent.

Mine is BFG and it's fine. Luck of the draw really, but I would advise eVGA.

Jon

[eno]

Might just go for the X1900 that I've just found for about the same price.

Any other opinions?

[GeForce]

Might just go for the X1900 that I've just found for about the same price.

Good idea. Out of interest, what motherboard are you using?

Jon

[eno]

Havent got a clue ......... its a Dell.

EDIT: It's this one. Dell 0M3918.

[Rifleman]

I thoroughly agree on EVGA for choice....I got an RMA over the phone to Calif within ten minutes of talking to a knowledgeable rep.....used regular mail and had mine in their hands in 4 working days and have my replacement  in the  mail as I type this.....expect to see it in two or three more working days........I think thats pretty good customer service.....

[Mees]

I wouldn't go with the X1900, the 7900 is (as far as i know) faster and probably cheaper than a X1900 evaluent, so i'd go for a 7950GT or a 7900GT/GS.


Mees

[GeForce]

Yup, the 7950GT would be my recommendation too. It's only marginally quicker than the 7900GT but the 7950's have none of the problems suffered by the 7900 series.

Jon

[congo]

7900gs if you can find one considerably cheaper than the other models of 7900xx's. (they should be a fair bit cheaper and they perform nearly on par)

If you plan on keeping the card for over a year, maybe get something a tad better, there are new cards out with 2 gpu's on the one card, kind of an SLI emulation, pretty good arrangement actually.

The shadow of DirectX10/Vista is looming up over the horizon, so when we will need/want DX10 video cards is a matter of conjecture at the moment, but punters are tipping no sooner than second quarter '07.

[Viper22]

Yeah I just ordered a eVGA 7900GT KO, so I'm hoping it won't be faulty

[Mees]

Are you sure the X800/850 isn't retailing at