Widescreen Gaming Forum

read my post lol

the only game that won't run well is crysis / gta4 since they require more than 1gb video ram at good settings

fear 2 i get 30-40 fps max everything without aa on my 9800gt + q6600

I am now considering either the GTX280 or the 9800GX2. What do you guys think? Which will be a better choice? I noticed that in all the benchmarks in the research of WSGF, that they tested with a 9800GX2 but they don't have research on the 5040x1050 res according to the FAQ's about Triplehead2go. They only tested at 3840x1024.

I don't want to sacrifice AA at all. I did read your post thanks. I just don't think the 9800gt will cut it for me.

Unless you get the 9800GX2 for half nothing, the non-SLI based card (ie the GTX280) is a much better buy. Other than cost, there is no reason to want old tech.

2x GTX260s (even the original core 192 versions) is an even better choice if you get a good deal. Im thinking buying used cards from someone updating to the latest nV refresh is a good idea.

_________________
[GTX1080 - 4.48GHz 4690k - planning projector mayhem]

Apologies for sounding like a noob, so the 9800gx2 is still using the old tech? The GTX280 is the card I should go for then? But according to the reviews on Toms hardware, the 9800GX2 really kicks a55...

What benefits will I get besides cost, if I buy the GTX280?

It does kick ass, but its still a bit of a mixed bag. Its an SLI based card (its like 2 cards in one PCIe slot). SLI is great, but not all games work well with it (be it driver or game design issues) and some people see "micro stuttering" with SLI cards:
http://www.google.ie/search?q=9800gx2+micro+stuttering&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:unofficial&client=firefox-a

The 9800GX2 uses two G92 chips while the GTX280/260 and newer are all GTX200 based cards, faster and more efficient (better power consumption, better HD Video support) while being the current driver target for optimisation. You can always add another GTX280 later for SLI on the newer tech, adding a second 9800GX2 is moving from SLI to QuadSLI, cool but also adds to any and all SLI shortcomings.

Note the "new" GTS250 is a rehashed 9800GTX+ (or some old G92) card and not a GTX200 based card at all. If you are buying new new (ie not used cards), then look at

GTX260 55nm - refreshed GTX260, lower power consumption and faster than old 260s, should be called a GTX265 but isnt.. SP216 based.
The GTX285 - a refreshed GTX280, about the same price but faster
or
The modern version of the 9800GX2, the GTX295. Its 2 "cards" in one but based on the new chip. Its expensive but very fast (assuming no SLI issues).

_________________
[GTX1080 - 4.48GHz 4690k - planning projector mayhem]

Thats a great reply :) Very informative. Thank you...

But I have a question, If I get a GTX200 series card, should I get a GTX280 or 285? and also, will it handle WoW at 5040x1050 at full graphics with the view distance pumped up?

I appreciate your responses matt, seems like you are very well informed about this stuff.

Thats a great reply :) Very informative. Thank you...

But I have a question, If I get a GTX200 series card, should I get a GTX280 or 285? and also, will it handle WoW at 5040x1050 at full graphics with the view distance pumped up?

I appreciate your responses matt, seems like you are very well informed about this stuff.

Get the GTX285 if you can if buying new assuming they are nearly the same price. You can buy either 280 or 285 and SLI them later, they will play nice together. I only re-played WoW on a 10day trial recently (gave it up just before WOTLK!) and I would honestly say you can put the GFX quite high on the 280, but not everything cranked. I doubt the 285 will allow that either. However the difference between 3/4 View Distance and Full isnt much at all.

They changed the sliders and effects in WoW afaik 3/4 in WOTLK is the same as Full in earlier (BC) WoW builds, so dont feel you are loosing too much eye candy.


Im informed, but not as much as I used to be, the GFX market is in hibernation for ages now, will take Windows 7 and DX11 to wake it up!

_________________
[GTX1080 - 4.48GHz 4690k - planning projector mayhem]

In our country the 285 is considerably more expensive than the 280. So I will check it out and make a decision.

Thansk for all your responses. It is much appreciated.