What are my best upgrade options?

[eipnvn]

With all the buzz over the extras that dx10 allows, is it worth getting a card to support it at the cost of the better performance of a card like the 7900?

 

[b1gapl]

The 8600GT is horrible for playing DX10 games. If you want to play DX10, an 8800GTS or higher is highly recommended.

 

[eipnvn]

Thanks, that's exactly what I was wondering!

 

[veg1992]

um.. huge no no on the 8600gt... go 8800gts320mb if u truly wanna do DX10 gaming...

 

[Invisible]

7900gs and x1950 pro or xt
are good options in the $125-$175 price range

 

[eipnvn]

So after reading about the 7900gs I'm totally sold on it. That was a really great recommendation. I'm glad I posted and didn't waste my money on an 8600. I guess DX10 will just have to wait for now. The 7900 seems like a sweet card. So I'm planning on the e4400 and a 7900gs. Is there a brand of motherboard that you guys prefer? I've got a ton of options and right now I have a cheapo ECS in my system - but to it's credit it's worked great for a couple years now. I'm just thinking if I can get a better quality board for a little more it might be well worth it. I've been looking at Biostar or Abit. What do you think? Or does it really matter in the long run?

 

[b1gapl]

At the moment, we're favoring Gigabyte and ASUS. But that doesn't mean the others are bad.

I would suggest the Gigabyte P35-DS3R, if you can afford it. Or the Gigabyte P35-DS3L, as a cheaper alternative.