Latest Generation Graphics Cards

[Allen]

It's been a long time since I've been reading mags or the net about computer hardware and I've come very out of touch with everything. There's new duel core processors, SATA-II HDD's, no more Slot A motherboards and loads of other stuff that I've missed reading up on. So I've managed to catch up on quite a bit these past few weeks, but I'm still at a loss on the new graphics cards.

I know about the hierachy of the ATi 9### and GeForce 5### series of cards, but these new ones are confusing me. Since that generation of cards, I believe there's been two new generations, including one that I currently have (a 6800GT which is currently being RMA'd) and the latest batch, but I don't know what's what.

Can anyone here give me a low down on the performance levels of each card of the 2 new generations, ATi and nVidia, and a comparable chart showing the power of each card compared to the others. For instance 9600 -> 9700 -> 9800 and the different flavours of each card?

The reason I ask is because very soon I will be updating my old PC and going A64 which means I'll be upgrading my motherboard, my RAM to DDR2, my GPU to PCI-Express my HDD's to SATA-II and lots of other upgrades to fit into the new motherboard and make a nice, new shiny PC for me.

Alternatively, any links to sites which explain the differences and compares the performance etc would also be helpful.

[RECOiL™]

http://www.google.co.uk/

[Allen]

I suppose you think that was funny?

[htid]

The reason I ask is because very soon I will be updating my old PC and going A64 which means I'll be upgrading my motherboard, my RAM to DDR2, my GPU to PCI-Express my HDD's to SATA-II and lots of other upgrades to fit into the new motherboard and make a nice, new shiny PC for me.

Maybe im talking crap, but from what ive read on here, A64 doesnt support DDR2 does it? Isnt that what AM2 is going to rectify?

[Stoo]

http://www.google.co.uk/

Ya, nice useful advice there.

In case you hadn't noticed this is a discussion forum, you know, where people can ask for advice?

How about we close the CS:S forum down and point you all in the direction of google to find everything?

Exactly.. Use your brain next time..

[Allen]

Maybe im talking crap, but from what ive read on here, A64 doesnt support DDR2 does it? Isnt that what AM2 is going to rectify?

Ahh, I wasn't aware of that. I'm pretty sure I must have seen a socket 939 motherboard which supported DDR2 and just assumed it would all work, and since DDR2 is faster than normal DDR, it's therefore an upgrade I could do. If that's the case that A64 doesn't support DDR2 then I'll just stick with my DDR for now.

[Allen]

Ya, nice useful advice there.

In case you hadn't noticed this is a discussion forum, you know, where people can ask for advice?

How about we close the CS:S forum down and point you all in the direction of google to find everything?

Exactly.. Use your brain next time..

Heh, exactly what I was thinking, but just couldn't be bothered to write since he obviously didn't bother when he replied...

[RECOiL™]

Ya, nice useful advice there.

In case you hadn't noticed this is a discussion forum, you know, where people can ask for advice?

How about we close the CS:S forum down and point you all in the direction of google to find everything?

Exactly.. Use your brain next time..

For the love of God man, just don't do it (i was j/k)
But seriously, it is such a wide question with many answers and opinions, i think he would be better of checking the revision history from both nvidia and ati first, the actual cards dont vary that much from manufacuter as they all seem to stick close to the stock design/reference.

In general tho both manufacuters release 1 - 2 power cards per year, and then after 2 months of release, they release a cut down version. Usually sacrificing pipes and lower clock speed.

As for dd2, well tbh there is'nt much *noticable* gain from using ddr and ddr2. And its not the speed of ram, but the quantity that counts in my opinion. The less pagin the hdd has to do, the faster yr system will seem.

I hope my input avoids getting the cs:s forum closed down
btw, pimp slap JARsmith for me pwease.

[kalniel]

I'm also of the same generation (6800gt) but I'll try and help:

Nvidia (roughly best to worst):

7900GTX 512
7900GT 256 / 7800GTX 512
7800GTX 256
7800GS 20 pipes 512mb (gainward bliss AGP)
7800GT
7600GT/6800Ultra
7800GS (not very sure about this one!)
6800GT
6800GS (very very close to GT, can overclock better)
6600GT
6800
6600
7300GS

ATI:
1900XTX
1900XT
1800XT
1800XL
1800GTO
1600XT
1600pro
1300pro