First Upgrade in Two Years (GPU + RAM)

[Twizted_3kgt]

Hey all, haven't been on here in ages. Mainly because everything I bought 2 years ago has worked out great for me. My overclocked CPU hasn't made a peep at me, only thing that crapped out was the gawdy PSU. Christmas is coming up and I get to have another gig of RAM and a new GPU.

Price limit for the GPU is ~$150 (not me buying so no more than that, and the less I spend on that, the more I have for RAM). Unless I just get only a GPU then I can go to about $220, but then the RAM would probably have to wait a while.

Had these in mind so far:

XFX PVT84JUDF3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card
Newegg.com - XFX PVT84JUDF3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Your Price:$109.99
Mail-In Rebate: $20.00
Price after rebate(s):$89.99
(Cheap, effective?)

EVGA 512-P2-N757-TR GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P2-N757-TR GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Your Price:$149.99
Mail-In Rebate: $10.00
Price after rebate(s):$139.99

XFX PVT84JYAJG GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Newegg.com - XFX PVT84JYAJG GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Your Price:$129.99
Mail-In Rebate: $20.00
Price after rebate(s):$109.99
(512 MB, cheap, love xfx)

XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT XXX 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Newegg.com - XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT XXX 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Your Price:$129.99
Mail-In Rebate: $30.00
Price after rebate(s):$99.99
(620mhz clock speed, lower memory though)

XFX PVT84GUDF3 GeForce 8600GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Newegg.com - XFX PVT84GUDF3 GeForce 8600GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Your Price:$169.99
Mail-In Rebate: $40.00
Price after rebate(s):$129.99
(GTS 675mhz, lower mem)


If anyone can find a good 8800GT for ~$200-$220 I think i'd rather go with that, though I probably would need to upgrade PSU with that as well, which would mean some wait time.

 

[ShaolinDreams]

i wouldnt buy the 8600 if your a gamer. Sure it might play some older games but youll struggle hard to play anything recent.
Your budget is $150 you say. If your not paying for it maybe you can put the extra $110 yourself and get a 8800GT. What im saying is your wasting that $150- on a 8600. The 8800GT murders that card hands down for $110 more, its sooo worth it. Try somehow to work on your budget first. I was gonna say dont settle of second best.. but a 8600 is not even close to that lol

Another option if you really cant raise the money for the 8800GT is...
SAPPHIRE 100216L Radeon HD 3850 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 $179.00
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100216L Radeon HD 3850 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

 

[Twizted_3kgt]

Thanks for the quick response. That's what i've been reading, is it really that much of a difference that the 8600GT just isn't worth buying? There's always going to be some card thats better for $100 more, but is it really THAT much better? What about the 8600GTS?

But for me it wouldn't just be $110 more because i'd have to upgrade the PSU also, so that would be another $80-$100.

I also need more RAM, 2x1 GB is only around $40 after rebates, but thats more added costs I have to think about.

I doubt I can make much money selling my old stuff, maybe $50 at most from selling the GPU, RAM, and PSU.


As for that link, i've never ventured outside of Nvidia, but that one does look good.

 

[ShaolinDreams]

biiiiiiiiig difference. Mate everyone is after this card cos its so good, and at a shockingly reasonable price (considering nvidia). 8800GT is a Ferrari, 8600GT is a Ford Mondeo. like i said the 8800GT murders the 8600GT no joke.

I think your psu will be just able to handle it.. enough time for you get save some more money and upgrade that. Also 2gb ram aint that expensive. i wish i could pay $40 for that 2gb set. here is costs me double that.


the ATi3850 option is a good one cos its cheaper, can get your ram and probably dont need a new psu.

 

[Twizted_3kgt]

biiiiiiiiig difference. Mate everyone is after this card cos its so good, and at a shockingly reasonable price (considering nvidia). 8800GT is a Ferrari, 8600GT is a Ford Mondeo. like i said the 8800GT murders the 8600GT no joke.

I think your psu will be just able to handle it.. enough time for you get save some more money and upgrade that. Also 2gb ram aint that expensive. i wish i could pay $40 for that 2gb set. here is costs me double that.


the ATi3850 option is a good one cos its cheaper, can get your ram and probably dont need a new psu.

Ahh car comparison, now you're talking my language I see that thread about the MSI 8800GT for $220 after tax, I think i'm going to go for that. Never dealt with MSI though, are they good?

 

[ShaolinDreams]

yep good. Quick snap that card up before its gone.

Your gonna love it

 

[Drizzt]

8800 gt is what i dream about, and i will be getting one in the mail any day now. Definatly go for it over an 8600 gt... its something like 24x better or something crazy...

 

[darksideleader]

8800 gt is what i dream about, and i will be getting one in the mail any day now. Definatly go for it over an 8600 gt... its something like 24x better or something crazy...

can i ask whats with the 2 8500's though?

 

[Poizen22]

they blow big chunks. lol.

 

[Twizted_3kgt]

Missed my chance at the discount price...oh well, guess i'll have to forfeit other gifts for the 8800GT.