Quick question (video card-related)

[Lazerbeak]

I tried to get used to the framerates, and I tried to convince myself to NEVER buy any upgrades for videogame purposes, but who am I kidding? I just can't enjoy the sim 100% if I'm getting such awful frames. So I have to bite the bullet and buy a new card...

Now, most people have recommended a 7800GS for me (since I have an AGP computer). I've found that there are two different 7800GS's: an eVGA one and BFG Tech one. The eVGA one is MUCH more expensive (I'm assuming it's better).

I only want a card that will allow me to run FS9 (not FSX) at peak settings with at least 20 FPS. Would the less-expensive BFG Tech one be enough, or should I spring for the

[NicksFXHouse]

http://www.gainward.net/products/produc ... ucts_id=48


If you want the best and you dont plan to upgrade to PCIe in the next year, then the best AGP card is the Gainward Bliss 7800GS+ 512. Unlike any other 7800 card it runs the same processor as the 7900GTX 512 and has an on-card PCIe-AGP converter to allow the G71 core to run the AGP spec.

It overclocks like mad and is silent because the modified cooler. The factory clocks of 450-650 are set up for the 7800 series spec. The card will easily clock to 575-730 with no mods and runs around 70c wide open and clocked to the max. With a voltage mod to bring the core up to 7900GTX spec voltage, it will run 690-775.

Now for the bad news, you can only buy it from Europe. OverClockers-UK carries it and it will run around 450USD shipped.

but you wont get a faster AGP card unless they are planning to mount a DX10 core to an AGP card.. I doubt thats going to happen because of the bandwidth limits on AGP but whio knows.


Be carefull because there are 2 versions of that card out on the market. 1 is the golden sample G71 card and the other is the old G70 model.

[cheesegrater]

I would buy the cheaper one. The cards have the same core. The eVGA might be overclocked by 30mhz. There is no point paying extra for an infintisimal gain in performance.

[Lazerbeak]

Thanks for the quick replies, all.

That Gainward Bliss cars is very impressive, I'd really like to try that out. Sadly, I'm on a rather tight budget, so for now that one's a bit beyond my reach.

Going by what cheesegrater said, I think I'll go ahead and nab the cheaper one. No sense in spending more money on a card when you can get the same results for less.

[NicksFXHouse]

I would buy the cheaper one. The cards have the same core. The eVGA might be overclocked by 30mhz. There is no point paying extra for an infintisimal gain in performance.

I assume you were comparing the two cards he posted. If not, 16 compared to 24 pipes along with full clock ability is not what I would call an infintisimal gain and unless something changed, they do not use the G71 core.


but I do understand the cost factor

[NicksFXHouse]

Thanks for the quick replies, all.

That Gainward Bliss cars is very impressive, I'd really like to try that out. Sadly, I'm on a rather tight budget, so for now that one's a bit beyond my reach.

Going by what cheesegrater said, I think I'll go ahead and nab the cheaper one. No sense in spending more money on a card when you can get the same results for less.

You cant get the same results

The bliss card will cream the other 2 in performance and visuals. Its a 7900GTX 512 in an AGP package and without the 7900 bugs

[Lazerbeak]

You cant get the same results

The bliss card will cream the other 2 in performance

Perhaps, but if I can get acceptable results (at least 20 or so FPS with the settings I have now) with the cheapest one, I might as well go with that one. If not, the I guess I'm going to have to loosen my pockets a bit.

Normally I'd have bought the Bliss card in a heartbeat, but as someone with absolutely no income, my budget is harshly restricted to what little I have left in my wallet.

[NicksFXHouse]

Perhaps, but if I can get acceptable results (at least 20 or so FPS with the settings I have now) with the cheapest one, I might as well go with that one. If not, the I guess I'm going to have to loosen my pockets a bit.

Normally I'd have bought the Bliss card in a heartbeat, but as someone with absolutely no income, my budget is harshly restricted to what little I have left in my wallet.

I understand... Your post indicated you thought the bliss card would net the same results for more money however that is not the case.

If you are looking for 20FPS in FS9, thats not a problem with the cheaper cards. You should easily be able to lock at 24 and run all the graphics sliders (except weather) maxed however the P4 is going to hold you back just a tad... it will work fine though.

FSX is another story. Its not the video card so much the tower in your case. It should still be able to get you a decent frame rate assuming you set the sliders correctly.

[cheesegrater]

All eVGA and BFG 7800GS have the same 16 pipe core. So, the cheaper one is a better choice. The Gainward card is the only one I am aware of that has a different core. It also sells for $450 while you can get the BFG 7800GS for $200 after $30 rebate (it is on sale ).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814143046

For $450 you could upgrade your CPU and mobo and upgrade to PCI-E.

[congo]

For $450 you could upgrade your CPU and mobo and upgrade to PCI-E.

For cripe's sake cheesegrater, read with empathy.

[DizZa]

An X850 can max out fs9. However with newest addons you may get studders, so I'd try; 7600GT+, and X1650XT+.