Picking a graphics card

[Wingo]

I'm starting to look into building a new PC from the ground up. I'm waiting for Nahelm to be released before choosing a CPU and motherboard, but I'm likely to look at a midrange CPU and clock it. I'm looking at 4gb of DDR3 ram, possibly 4x1gb sticks for dual channel.

What I am stuck on is picking a graphics card. I'm looking for something that is fairly high end with a bit of grunt, so I wont have to upgrade it for a while. I'm tossing between the 9800 GX2, HD3870 X2 or waiting to see what the new HD4870 is like.

The 9800 GX2 is the most expensive, but also has the most power. the HD3870 X2 is a lot cheaper, but doesn't have as much power, although it is a decent card still. There are rumours around that the HD4870 is going to be more powerful than both, with a respectable pricemark. Which should I pick, or should I be looking at something else?

[Flying Mouse]

It's hard to make the call IMO.

I must admit, my HD3870X2 only shows style since the ATI driver release 8.5

I am very happy with it but I really would wait for the reviews on the HD4870X2.

Mouse  ;)

[Wii]

If you are waiting for Nelly, choosing anything right now, you will probably change your mind and get something newer, better.

[NickN]

NEVER 4x1GB

Always 2x2GB for DDR3

DDR3 motherboards have high and low speed memory slots right now because of the limit the current Intel system has on bandwidth.. with nellie that all changes

You never use 4x1GB or the memory will run slow, always 2x2GB and you must use the right slots on the board (typically the black slots but check the MB manual to be sure)



I would wait till at least mid summer before making a Vcard decision. Right now a 8800GTX 768 has more guts for Flight Sim than the best card on the market. This summer that will change