Which Graphics Card ??

[wicky]

Hey

I am buying a new pc, and I have the choice of two graphics cards

They are
Dual 256MB PCI-Express x16 NVIDIA? GeForce? 7900 GT - SLI Enabled
or 512MB PCI-Express x16 ATI RADEON? X1900 XTX

The machine is intended for gaming, however, I have no idea which is better?

any advice would be greatly appreciated !

[$c8t@]

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/graphics/charts.html

use that to compare

[eastyy]

When they say Sli enabled do they mean it has two graphics cards or one graphics card with a spare slot ?

[wicky]

When they say Sli enabled do they mean it has two graphics cards or one graphics card with a spare slot ?

two graphics cards (in this one)

[eastyy]

Well judging by the bencmarks it seems pretty balanced with the 7900 being better at somethings and the ati at others

I would go with the ATI though as thats all i have used for the past few years

[$c8t@]

to be honest... they are both great cards, providing your other components are upto it i can't see you having any problems with any games at the moment... maybe F.E.A.R or Oblivion on S00pa D00pa Settings might challenge them but anything else with run maxed fine

[NW2013]

How about waiting for the 7950GX2 or whatever it's called or some other DX10 cards when Vista launches? Seems like you may as well save a bit longer and get something that will last even longer. Still both of those cards are very good so either would be adequate I assume.

[wicky]

How about waiting for the 7950GX2 or whatever it's called or some other DX10 cards when Vista launches? Seems like you may as well save a bit longer and get something that will last even longer. Still both of those cards are very good so either would be adequate I assume.

can't really wait unfortunately, my old machine is dying and it wont' last long

also I i am buying pre-built but customisable (can't be bothered to build my own) so sort of limited to the options available in the system

[SubparMario]

Although I prefer nvidia cards, I don't think SLI and the hassle it can bring is worth it if you can get a single GPU of comparable power.

Pretty much top of the line there. Are you buying some kind of ultimate gaming machine?

[wicky]

Although I prefer nvidia cards, I don't think SLI and the hassle it can bring is worth it if you can get a single GPU of comparable power.

Pretty much top of the line there. Are you buying some kind of ultimate gaming machine?

yup liquid cooling, duel core processor etc etc etc

[Hohum]

If you are wanting a build a top end system then I personally would wait for Intel's new 'Conroe' processors, which are due pretty soon now (August I think?). That's just me though.

[wicky]

If you are wanting a build a top end system then I personally would wait for Intel's new 'Conroe' processors, which are due pretty soon now (August I think?). That's just me though.

i don't really have much choice tbh, my old machine is dying and probably won't last till then

[FelixofMars]

Personally Nvidia have better driver support, IMO. ATI also 'fiddle' the results alot in their favour, usally there isn't much between the two.

[sputnick]

well considering that the ati x1900xtx is more powerful than the 7900gtx(512mb) its a no brainer.

also the ati card is the only card capable of hdr lighting and anti alaising at the same time.

also important to note is the fact that the 7900gt is only 256mb mem, compared to 512mb of the 1900xtx.

x1900xtx without question(did i mention the image quality is better on the ati cards too??).