Eyeballing a new GFX card.....

[[SCUM] GoldFox]

Well, it seems as if my old card is finally taking a dump, not to mention, it's 2 years old, so it's a bit out of date. I've just completed another round of school, and I'd say I deserve a reward for doing good!

I was thinking about getting one of them thar ATI X1650PRO's. Hmmm... it's a tough choice. I know I'm MAINLY gonna be playing EVE, which I need a card that supports Shader Model 3. I've seen a nice list posted so far (http://myeve.eve-online.com/ingameboard ... dID=646082) so chances are it will be one of these. Any suggestions?

So... mcphil.... show me some magic! *points to an empty table*

[[SCUM] Speedy]

I highly recommend the X1800XT

[[SCUM] McPhil]

If you're staying with ATI, go with one of the HD series cards. The X1650 is old technology. Your current Sapphire X800 GTO2 *Squared* (with firmware overclocked by yours truly :-)) is a 256MB with a 256-bit memory interface. The X1650 is a 256MB/512MB with a 128-bit memory interface. You will get worse graphics performance from the X1650.

If you have the coin, try to get a video card with the same bit memory interface as video memory such as the Sapphire HD3870 x2:
http://www.priceguidenetwork.com/comput ... rsion.html
or for the budget upgrade the Sapphire HD3870 GDDR4 is a great ATI option:
http://www.priceguidenetwork.com/comput ... 0-x16.html

These are both DirectX10 compatible (Vista required) so when you upgrade to Vista you'll need to install DirectX10 (very easy to do). For ATI Radeon users, a powerful bit of software is available at TechPowerUp called ATI Tools:
READ ME: http://www.techpowerup.com/atitool/
DOWNLOAD ATI TOOLS: http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/Tweaking/ATITool/
Stick with the non-beta version.

Remember when upgrading, there are smart ways to upgrade and fast ways to upgrade. Always take your time and don't rush it. Ask a lot of questions in a few different places and get a good feel if the information is coming from a valid source. Feel free to ask more questions.

[[SCUM] GoldFox]

Well, I definitely know I'm on a tight budget until I can get a good job (hopefully the railroad calls back soon). And I don't plan on switching to Vi$ta (aka, prolly never). I DO plan on sticking with ATI, since they're already on this comp, and those are pretty good cards.

The main thing that's killing me right now is money (think poor college kid).

[[SCUM] McPhil]

PM me the amount you're willing to spend and I'll see what's available to fit your budget.

[[SCUM] GoldFox]

rgr, PM sent.

[[SCUM] GoldFox]

okay, I think I'm gonna go for the Sapphire HD3870. It seems like a good budget card, and 200 bucks after shipping doesn't seem bad, but will definetly cut into my funds big time.