upgrading from ati x850 xt

[Skaramush]

im perfectly happy with the card but the fact that it doesnt support 3.0 shader is really restricting me from playing things like bioshock new gfx in eve online and all the new games. Im kinda strapped for cash atm so i was wondering whats the cheapest 3.0 card thats worth upgrading to from x850 xt . Hopefully one that can support dx10 as well.

[AdamAnubis]

How much is 'strapped for cash' ? The 8600GT Will play those games, and can be had for about £40. If you can afford, look for either a 9600GT or a 8800GT, they are dropping in price around the £100 mark.

Really depends on your budget. What resolution do you play at?

[Mithrandir]

You missed out on an excellent bargain earlier this week 8800gs for £45. Novatech has an 8600gts for around 40 notes.

Although it might be worth having a look on ebay for some last minute bargains.

[Mithrandir]

If you can stretch your budget to £65 then you can get a 3850 (512mb) or even a 7600gt for £25 (not dx10 though)

[Skaramush]

i can spend around 50£ i think more or less. Links are welcome. Im not really keen on buying a card of ebay tbh.

[Skaramush]

If you can stretch your budget to £65 then you can get a 3850 (512mb) or even a 7600gt for £25 (not dx10 though)

Only if thats with VAT and delivery included. 7600 i think isnt worth upgrading from 850 xt.

[Mithrandir]

Only if thats with VAT and delivery included. 7600 i think isnt worth upgrading from 850 xt.

Yes, the 3850 is £65 delivered.

Powercolor model from HERE

I didn't think the 7600 is worth it but at tthe time I posted, wasn't sure of OPs budget so I included it just in case it was under £30.

[Skaramush]

hm im a bit of a newb when it comes to hardware is there going to be significant difference between the 6800 GTS and the 3850?

also linkie to 3850 plx?

[Mithrandir]

hm im a bit of a newb when it comes to hardware is there going to be significant difference between the 6800 GTS and the 3850?

also linkie to 3850 plx?

lol.. not 6800 that's going baackwards from your card (if there ever was a gts model)

but yes the 3850 is probably double or more power than the 8600gts.

I've updated the above post with link now.

[Mithrandir]

btw, what other parts do you have in your system?

[Skaramush]

thanks a lot i think ill save a bit and get 3850 at the end of the month then. A sec will post my system : Dual core 6300 at 1.86 2 gig of ram on gigabyte 6 quad s series
motherboard lg flatron 19 inch monitor and ati x850 xt plat ed obviously.

[shadowmaster]

Mithrandir is spot on, for around £50 the ati 3850 is your best bet.

Also if you are in no rush, have a look at the 'for sale' section of these forums and on ebay. Once in while you do find some great bargains on them.

[ackrite26]

If your happy to wait and save a little im sure the 8800gt will be had for around £70ish soon. Was £85 on ebuyer not long ago.

http://forums.hexus.net/current-barg...99-ebuyer.html

I upgraded from an X800XT to 8800GT and the difference is amazing.

[Skaramush]

Well i thought about it i dont want to spend too much tbh.
i was wondering is there anything better than
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135098...specifications
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/140617...roduct_reviews


Those both support pixel shader 3.0 and dx 10 i believe and are 35 and 40 pounds respectively? is there anything better for 40 quid? And are those a good upgrade from x850xt? Also will either let me have dx10 on win xp?

Ideally i want to get something today if there is any deals going do tell.
also whats the difference between ddr2 and ddr3 cards?

[Skaramush]

i went with the 8600 gt
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135098
i mean im perfectly happy with the x850 xt but i just want to play 3.0 games which x850 cant and have directx 10 compatible card in case i buy vista so i reckon it ll do.