should I do it? 2900XT for 8800GTS 640.

[quicksilverXP]

I think it's worth it ONLY IF you already have a 1KW PSU (room for another cheap X2900XT for INSANE performance) and if you have watercooling.

[Kaze06]

I think it's worth it ONLY IF you already have a 1KW PSU (room for another cheap X2900XT for INSANE performance) and if you have watercooling.

Stupidest thing I have heard all day .

[Shampoo]

Totally agree with the above post.

I would suggest you keep your 8800GTS 640MB.

I've never liked ATI's move to the Catalyst driver set which forces you to install Microsoft's .net framework that ends up slowing down your whole computer.

I just don't like it at all. Too bad you can't change GPUs in laptops (x700 in my notebook).

I couldn't see why you wouldn't be happy with the card you have now. Multiple monitor and scaling support is, in my opinion, much better with nVidia graphics cards over ATI's and like people have said above it draws less power.

This is important because of the environment and well, you might as well add the price of a new power supply to the cost of the 2900XT since the one you have now could possibly be insufficient for it.

SOLID card all around and nVidia's graphics cards also have yet to see mature driver sets.

I'm not all too familiar with ATI GPU vendors, but nVidia's vendors usually have great tech support and lifetime warranties.

I suggest just using your videocard for whatever games you are playing now and see if it's "enough".

If not then step up to a GTX, but don't change it up for an HD 2900XT.

Cheers,
Mike

[Soulburner]

I've never liked ATI's move to the Catalyst driver set which forces you to install Microsoft's .net framework that ends up slowing down your whole computer.

Do you have any proof of this?

[Heretic]

I've never liked ATI's move to the Catalyst driver set which forces you to install Microsoft's .net framework that ends up slowing down your whole computer.

CCC only gives you access to the more advanced features, something that ATI Tray Tools will do just fine. As far as I can tell, CCC has always been optional to install (I've used it once over the past 3-4+ years). While the CCC was slow as hell the last time I used it, CCC and the .NET framework didn't adversely effect my computer.

edit: Sorry for hijacking...I guess I can contribute to the thread too

I'd say if you want to take a gamble on the 2900 and play with 3dmark, go for it. As of now, the drivers are immature and as DilTech and others have pointed out, I wouldn't buy a card today that might outperform the competition at some undetermined time in the future, ESPECIALLY given the current climate in the graphics industry.

[Smoken Joe]

The crap people make up to slam ATI is awe inspiring. It is right up there with people making 'reviews' of cards they dont have.

First you dont need a god given PSU for an ATI card. I used a 450 watt FSP psu on my XFX for a good OC. Try that on a Nvidia card and see if it doesn't give you a "power cord not connected' message.

Second no you dont need Net framework except possibly for crossfire or simple convinence.

Sound ATI might be louder with a sound meter but to many they are far less annoying than the ATI air raid siren you get with many of the Nvidia heatsinks.

Sadly ATI is not as good at putting a good spin on ther products and often loose out to the marketing master even when they have a better product.



The average user most likly will not see much diffrence between the GTS and the HD but overclocked and with the more recent drivers the ATI is a clear winner.

Unfortunately many people seem only to do enough research to confirm their previous beliefs and therefore many only bothers with the most quickly released reviews that used older drivers.

Yes the established review sites can not be expected to work on the weekends but when their results do not reflect the product as shipped they start to become pointless. I am expecting any performance oriented user to download the latest drivers not simply settle with the shipped and out dated ones like the review sites used.

Do your self a favor and look at the posts of people that have the card and use the latest drivers it is a different world than the review site.

I am considering the 1gb card that is expected soon but the high BS level is not making the choice easy.