Budget graphics card upgrade

**coldalarm** · #1 9th Sep 2007, 12:16

Hey,
I'm currently using my ultra-fast, ultra-amazing 7300GS, and I'm looking to upgrade.

I've currently got my eye on the HD2600XT with 256MB of GDDR3 memory, as it's quite cheap and low power consumption.
I've been recommended the X1950Pro but it's more expensive (just out of my budget by around £30-£40, maybe more), and also the X1950GT (still out of my budget but not by much). I will use it for gaming (My post demanding game will probably be Oblivion or C&C3, and maybe Stalker/Bioshock if I get them).
Is the card I'm looking at any good (two reviews have said it's great value for money), and will it be able to cope with these games?
Thank you

**alex** · #2 9th Sep 2007, 13:57

Do not, I say again, do not get the 2600.

They hit it with a fast gpu (for generating pixels), crazy fast ram and then give it 4 lousy rops to output said pixels to a screen.

4!

I can't believe somone sat down in a meeting and decided that.

The only AMD DX10 card even worth considering is the 2900 but as thats out of your budget the X1950GT is a superb card, in comparison, really is. DX9 only but considering the games you've quoted it's easily the clear winner.

**coldalarm** · #3 9th Sep 2007, 14:02

I'm not doing DX10 with my card, so I'm open to most cards.

**alex** · #4 9th Sep 2007, 14:05

Resolution of screen 1280x1024?

If so:

7900GT/7950GT

X1950GT/Pro.

Don't get one with 512mb of ram though, it'll cost more and the extra ram will never see use at that resolution, so the extra cost will be wasted.

**coldalarm** · #5 9th Sep 2007, 14:07

1024x768 =]

**alex** · #6 9th Sep 2007, 14:10

X1600 of any flavour is lousy (interestingly though, found to beat the 2600 in some games....)

Definately 7900GT or X1950pro then.

They'll eat that resolution allowing for high AA and AF along with very good frame rates, and, importantly, a high minimum frame rate.

**coldalarm** · #7 9th Sep 2007, 14:11

Well, I'm not too fudged about having all the eye candy on.

And I really can't stretch to the price of those two cards, as much as I would love to.

**alex** · #8 9th Sep 2007, 14:31

Okey doke, now I understand your needs more just get a 7600GT it will more than suffice.

7600GT

**coldalarm** · #9 10th Sep 2007, 07:36

Ah, thanks.

Your help is appreciated =D I got to a decent conclusion easier than on another forum lol

**coldalarm** · #10 13th Sep 2007, 12:19

Well, sorry to DP but I've had a change of plan.

My budget has now stretched to £160, but I'll stress that I NEED a new PSU (430W Antec EarthWatts is still my choice).

So, would an ATi X1950XT/Pro be the only logical choice, or is there something a little cheaper that's better?