[stettybet0]

The 8800GTS 512mb is very quiet as long as the fan is <50%. I use RivaTuner to overclock it and manually keep it at 50% and it runs fast, cool, and quiet.

However, I could max out Madden 08 on my old 6600 at 1920x1080, so the 8800GTS 512mb is definitely overkill.

[Advertisements]

Ok thanks. I actually hadn't realized until I looked for the post how low my max resolution is. I guess I should be thinking about a monitor as well maybe...

[Crunchy409]

Ok thanks. I actually hadn't realized until I looked for the post how low my max resolution is. I guess I should be thinking about a monitor as well maybe...

[Crunchy409]

Hi James-

The motherboard that you suggested has lost the link. The link you posted was
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813128059

That brings me to search results. Did they get rid of the board? Do you remember which it was?

What do you think of this card
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814121221
compared to this
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130312

Obviously there is a huge difference in price- is that because of the extra memory?

thanks...
~Matt

Edited by Crunchy409, 02 January 2008 - 05:41 PM.

[SOORENA]

The second one is the newer generation of the GTS which performs better. The comparison chart on Nvidia's site shows it has double the Texture Fill Rate of the old GTS and its only down side is that its 512mb compared to 640mb and that it has a 256-bit Memory Interface.

Soorena

[stettybet0]

The new 512mb 8800GTS absolutely slaughters the older 320mb and 640mb GTSs.

However, I'm not quite sure why Soorena brought that up, as you asked for a comparison between the 256mb 8800GT and the 512mb 8800GTS. In this case, the 512mb 8800GTS is a much better card, especially at higher resolutions. However, if you are mainly playing Madden 08, the 256mb 8800GT will do just fine. In fact, you could probably go a bit cheaper if you wanted and get a 256mb HD3850. As I said earlier, my 256mb 6600 could run Madden 08 maxed out at 1920x1080, so you don't need to put that much into a video card if that's all you play. Just trying to save you a bit of cash.

[Crunchy409]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate your thoughts on saving money as well. how would a game like Crysis do on the 1920x1080 resolution with any of these cards?

Where would that 8800GT I have linked be compared to the HD3870?

I also like strategy games which tend to be pretty graphic-intense. I also want to leave the possibility of an upgraded monitor in the future.

Lots to think about!! I appreciate all the help!

[stettybet0]

Well, 1920x1080 is not a standard monitor resolution. It's a 1080p HDTV resolution (which is what I use as my computer monitor). So, I don't know how much help this will be, but I'll tell you anyways.

The 8800GTS 512mb can run nearly any game I've thrown at it maxed out at this resolution. This includes F.E.A.R., Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Company of Heroes, Guitar Hero 3, and Far Cry, to name some of the more graphically intensive games I have.

However, ironically, I cannot get Crysis to work in Vista with this card. I'm pretty sure its a driver issue, but I say "ironically" because Crysis came bundled with the card.

However, I can get the Crysis GPU benchmark to run, and on Very High I get about 25fps.

[SOORENA]

The new 512mb 8800GTS absolutely slaughters the older 320mb and 640mb GTSs.

However, I'm not quite sure why Soorena brought that up, as you asked for a comparison between the 256mb 8800GT and the 512mb 8800GTS. In this case, the 512mb 8800GTS is a much better card, especially at higher resolutions. However, if you are mainly playing Madden 08, the 256mb 8800GT will do just fine. In fact, you could probably go a bit cheaper if you wanted and get a 256mb HD3850. As I said earlier, my 256mb 6600 could run Madden 08 maxed out at 1920x1080, so you don't need to put that much into a video card if that's all you play. Just trying to save you a bit of cash.

The reason is because the second link he gave is to the GTS 512mb not GT 512mb. Thats all.

Soorena

[Crunchy409]

Alright, taking everything into consideration I have put together the following computer. The hardest decision was regarding the video card. I chose the HD3870 and even though it's $30 extra I chose the Asus version for the included software. I considered hopping up even further, but I think that this card has more than enough power for what I need (low resolution, madden and possibly some newer games)

Case- $114
Antec Sonata III

CPU- $190
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750

Motherboard- $99
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L

Memory- $74
Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (will by 4GB worth)

Graphics card- $280
Asus HD3870

Hard Drive- $120
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500GB

Optical- $30
Samsung

Floppy

OS- $200
Vista Home Premium

If you have commented previously, I greatly appreciate your input. Your thoughts have made my first computer build go nicely so far. If you have any last thoughts I would love to hear them. My only concern is that I do not believe the motherboard will support the firewire that the case has built in on the front. Oh well, I probably will not use it.

I'm also confused about PCI express X16 and Pci express 2. or whatever.

thanks guys

[james_8970]

PCIe 2.0 is backwards compatible with PCIe 1.x and vice versa, it's a dead issue right now.

The firewire port will work with this motherbaord.

Build looks good, good luck.

James

[Crunchy409]

While settling on everything, I'm still wondering about the memory.

1. Should I get 4gb or will 2gb be just fine? Should I spring for the highest speed or is 800 ok?

2. Just checking.. the intel core duo 6750 should cream my current 5 year old Intel Pentium 4 2.53ghz @ 2533mhz right?

I'm looking for value.

thanks!!

Edited by Crunchy409, 05 January 2008 - 11:13 AM.

[james_8970]

2GB will be plenty.
Yes, the E6750 is significantly better then your Pentium 4.
James