[james_8970]

It's important to note that the HD3850 has alot less RAM, the results would have been more interesting had the used the HD3850 512mb version.
Also trust me, ATI is retaking the crown with the HD3870X2, tomshardware broke the NDA and posted the results for about 1/2 an hour on the 21st Hopefully this'll fuel more innovation from both camps.
Again, take those benchmarks with a grain of salt till a more reputable reviewer posts some information. Though I'd wait if you can, considering this card looks interesting if the price is right.
James

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It's also important to note that the 9600GT came out on top even on the lowest resolution where video memory shouldn't be a factor (or at least much less of a factor).

The 9800GX2 is two G92 8800GTSs stuck together, and the HD3870X2 is two HD3870s stuck together. Considering how the G92 8800GTS crushes the HD3870, I see a similar thing happening with the 9800GX2 and the HD3870X2. Not to mention when the real 9 series high-end card, the 9800GTX comes out (supposedly in August, but that could easily change and it usually does) it should make everything look foolish.

[stettybet0]

It's also important to note that the 9600GT came out on top even on the lowest resolution where video memory shouldn't be a factor (or at least much less of a factor).

The 9800GX2 is two G92 8800GTSs stuck together, and the HD3870X2 is two HD3870s stuck together. Considering how the G92 8800GTS crushes the HD3870, I see a similar thing happening with the 9800GX2 and the HD3870X2. Not to mention when the real 9 series high-end card, the 9800GTX comes out (supposedly in August, but that could easily change and it usually does) it should make everything look foolish.

[james_8970]

It's also important to note that the 9600GT came out on top even on the lowest resolution where video memory shouldn't be a factor (or at least much less of a factor).

I realize this, I'm just saying we'd get a better idea of how this card performs in comparison to the ATI card at high resolutions, has they used a 512mb version, would have made things a little more interesting.

The 9800GX2 is two G92 8800GTSs stuck together, and the HD3870X2 is two HD3870s stuck together. Considering how the G92 8800GTS crushes the HD3870, I see a similar thing happening with the 9800GX2 and the HD3870X2. Not to mention when the real 9 series high-end card, the 9800GTX comes out

Single card performance means little when this occurs. What both companies are doing here is very complicated and nVida would mess up, it's also important to note that Crossfire scales a bit better the SLI. That aside, the nVidia card should without a doubt perform better but will also likely cost a bit more (and should if it's more powerful). I'm hoping ATI will release a 1GB version (nVidia as well), considering high resolutions are where these cards really shine. From looking at the benchmarks it appears that the RAM may be a bit of a limitting factor at 1920x1200 with 4xAA and 16xAF. It's disappointing that card still had RC drivers when I saw the benchmarks though......
James

Edited by james_8970, 24 January 2008 - 09:36 PM.

[droidack]

But what is this that I have found?

http://www.guru3d.co...tem.php?id=6244

Judging from these early specs it's a pretty save bet to say that the product’s proformance will be lower than the 8800GT, and likely even its rival Radeon HD 3850/3870

[stettybet0]

They were saying that based on what is on paper, not real life...

Real life:

[droidack]

Hmmm thanks for that, since the performance on world in conflict between the current 8800gt and the gts I miht get the 8800gt, I'll have a look at some uk prices.

Update here is my new harware list, (thanks to everyone who has helped)
Antec 900 case
Intel 3.0ghz 8400 cpu
mobo still ??? someone mentioned the intel p35 chipset but I'm still confused
Ram DDDR2 SDRAM something like that
same with HDD, possibly a seagate and a wd raptor(x)( possibly)
sound card maybe an xfi ? haven't looked into it yet
Nvidia 8800gt (g92)
maybe a raid card
a wireless card of some description
dvd drives etc (combo maybe)
I think thats everything

ANOTHER UPDATE: I found this http://www.rage3d.co....php?t=33909428
it compares intel's 2 3.0ghz dual core processors, am I right in thinking that the one I'm getting E8400 is better?

Edited by droidack, 25 January 2008 - 04:02 PM.

[james_8970]

mobo still ??? someone mentioned the intel p35 chipset but I'm still confused

What are you confused about, I'd be glade to clarify. I strongly suggest the P35-DS3L.

same with HDD, possibly a seagate and a wd raptor(x)( possibly)

Don't get the raptors, I personally like Seagate more because their warranty is 2 years longer.

sound card maybe an xfi ? haven't looked into it yet

Unless you are an audiofile I'd stick with onboard.

it compares intel's 2 3.0ghz dual core processors, am I right in thinking that the one I'm getting E8400 is better?

Yes you are correct in assuming this.

James

[droidack]

How about this motherboard?
http://www.overclock.......8-AS&tool=3
Its the p35 chipset, 775 socket etc. I think all of the components should fit in it. It supports crossfire, will it stilll be okay to use a nvidia card with it?

Also what you siad about the sound cards...
I managed to find a well priced audigy se although it is oem (£17.99). I could get the drivers for it from creatives website presumably?

http://www.overclock.......0-CL&tool=3

Edited by droidack, 26 January 2008 - 02:57 AM.

[james_8970]

I would personally spend a little more and get this sound card. It is very little more and produce much better sound quality. Unless you have 5.1 surround sound (in which case you'll want the Xtreme gamer version), high quality speakers or video edit you will not notice a difference between a sound card and onboard.
http://www.overclock.......=11&subcat=
Yes, you'd get the drivers from creatives website.

I'd get the following motherboard.
http://www.overclock.......&subcat=913
Because you're using a nVidia video card, you couldn't use the second PCIe video card to run SLI. This motherboard a VERY good board for the price.
James

Edited by james_8970, 26 January 2008 - 11:32 AM.

[droidack]

I'll get that xfi sound card then, but that motherboard, http://www.xbitlabs....p35-ds3l_5.html At the bottom of the table it says you need vista for the sata hot plug capability to work, I plan on using xp. Also, naturally as the mobo is the most vital component of a computer, it seems weird getting a processor that costs more than the mobo. Since it doesn't support raid I'd have to get a raid card, and a wireless card and the xfi sound card, I'd have used all the pci express slots. It feels more secure if you've got space to expand in your computer. http://img223.images...thermalstl0.png" target="_blank"> http://img223.images...thermalstl0.png

Edited by droidack, 26 January 2008 - 12:41 PM.

[droidack]

I've just thought of something if I buy an 8800gt now will it be the g92 or the g80 version?

I've just found the perfect case for me coolermaster cm 690, very practical cheaper ok noise and ok cooling with lots of room for more fans.http://www.hexus.net...p;search=cooler

Edited by droidack, 27 January 2008 - 02:47 AM.

[Troy]

Hi droidack,

The 8800GT only came out in the newer G92 variant.

I liked the CM 690 when it was first released, a very nice-looking case Although I wouldn't use the PSU that comes with it.

Troy

[droidack]

Thanks Troy, in the uk I don't think the case comes with a psu

[james_8970]

Actually thats a very good choice for a case, many people recommend it over the Antec 900.
That case doesn't come with a PSU anywhere that I'm aware of, unless there is some isolated promotion somewhere
James

[droidack]

I still don't know what to get for a motherboard, definately p35 chipset because I don't need SLI. I need quite a few sata ports because I plan on using sata HDDs. (IDE jumpers are too confusing for a first build)