Get a 7900GS/x1950 Pro now and then get a better DX10 card a year from now?

Hi folks!

As part of my ongoing upgrade of my system, I create these threads to aid my direction. I also take time to review the contributions of other members and unsurprisingly it brings some selection headaches. For instance, I was ignoring the ATI card but after some cogent words by a number of people around, it is starting to look appealing.

I had wanted to close my eyes and hook up an 8800 GTS 320MB but now Im not so sure that in my financial situation it would be the best deal. Im looking to get 2GB Ram & Mobo combo within the next week or so and I wanted to include a card with it already. Problem is that the 8800 card is about $270 or thereabouts and certainly wouldnt allow me to get the RAM and Mobo. Even as a standalone, I think the money saved by getting a decent DX9 card could bring an E6600 closer to my buying range/time.

So in essence, I want to know whether

- the ~$20 difference between the 2 DX9 cards is worth the performance gain
- Is it worth biting the bullet and getting the 8800GTS
- I want to find out if I could get games like Supreme Commander, C&C3, possibly Crysis, etc working at highish (or near highish) settings in a setup that will look like this in a couple of months time:
- I'd also appreciate any further suggestions you may have on my proposed setup.

E6600
MSI P965 neo-f
2GB Patriot 800mhz 4-4-4-12
7900GS or X1950 Pro 256MB
HEC Winpower 550w PSU
22" Samsung 225BW
1x 320GB Seagate SATA
1x 80GB Seagate SATA
1x 20GB Seagate IDE

My current system:
P4 Prescott 3.0HT
ECS RS400
1GB DDR1
6800XT
HEC Winpower 550w PSU
22" Samsung 225BW
1x 320GB Seagate SATA
1x 80GB Seagate SATA
1x 20GB Seagate IDE

 Cheers 

Your'e welcome. If you are getting the 8800GTS, also consider getting Windows Vista.Cyborg-21

[QUOTE="Saddam_Hussain"]So the 8800GTS is worth it, even at the expense of some of the other parts? In other words, the best course is to work the budget around the other components but maintain the 8800GTS? Cheers.george_hopkins

Definately wait till at least the first SP and only once we have some DX 10 games!kutty12000

[QUOTE="george_hopkins"][QUOTE="Saddam_Hussain"]So the 8800GTS is worth it, even at the expense of some of the other parts? In other words, the best course is to work the budget around the other components but maintain the 8800GTS? Cheers.Saddam_Hussain

[QUOTE="Cyborg-21"]Your'e welcome. If you are getting the 8800GTS, also consider getting Windows Vista.Saddam_Hussain

The only problem I've had is with my soundcard so far. It's worth getting imo...it's just plain sexy and fun :)

[QUOTE="Cyborg-21"]Your'e welcome. If you are getting the 8800GTS, also consider getting Windows Vista.Saddam_Hussain

 Of course, you could wait until there are more DirectX 10 games before upgrading. And by then there will be better driver support. 

1800GTO is a horrible card. Dont get itTheDarthvader

Is it? On the gamespot video card roundup they got good benchmarks and got nothing bad said about them.

Theres not much difference so i would go for the 7900gs. Although, if you can find a x1800gto for cheaper, they are slightly better than the 7900gs.george_hopkins

x1800gto? I thought the 7900GS/x1950 pro are better...

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Also the 7900GS is a good overclocker.kutty12000

Heard so... unfortunately I dont OC... 

Cheers.  

[QUOTE="Saddam_Hussain"][QUOTE="Cyborg-21"]Your'e welcome. If you are getting the 8800GTS, also consider getting Windows Vista.Staryoshi87

The only problem I've had is with my soundcard so far. It's worth getting imo...it's just plain sexy and fun :)

 Valid point :D Maybe when I get my system up and running I may think of it. Or if I can afford the headache, I'd make my system dual boot. 

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Of course, you could wait until there are more DirectX 10 games before upgrading. And by then there will be better driver support. 

Cyborg-21

Well, nothing is set in stone and what I said in response to Cyborg-21 could very well happen.

 Cheers. 

[QUOTE="TheDarthvader"]1800GTO is a horrible card. Dont get itgeorge_hopkins

Is it? On the gamespot video card roundup they got good benchmarks and got nothing bad said about them.

Yes, its very loud, almost unbearable, and slow, and power hungry. Dont know why anyone would want it.