What is the best single slot graphics card?

[Shmee150]

Hi,

I have been using my 7800GTX for over 2 years now and it's nearing time to buy a replacement.

It's very well and good looking at the very top end cards, but it has to be a single slot card, i.e. doesn't block neighbouring slots with a big cooler.

I'm preferably after an nvidia (perfer their control panel to catalyst) but if you know the best of both, let me know!

Thanks,

Tim

[n00dey]

Think you've got as good as you can get for a single slot card atm m8.

[Shmee150]

what about an 8600GT?

[Queelis]

8600 series is very weak, won't match the 7800. I suppose the only upgrade possible is a 7950GT. But you probably have an AGP version, don't you?

Oh, and by the way:
http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=113051

[Shmee150]

I am on PCIe, how much of an improvement do you reckon there is to a 7950GT? I feel very let down by these graphics card companies that there's nothing better for what I want after over 2 years!

Cheers

[jimbouk]

If you can go water cooling then that'll open a few doors to you...

[NightshadowUK]

The 7950GT and 7800GTX perform almost identically - check TH's VGA Chart out.

As n00dey said, you've already got the fastest single slot card.

[Biscuit]

Well if your card doesnt struggle with any games regardless of its age then why bother upgrading yet? Wait till dx10 has settled in and games are actually using it... maybe some better cooling systems or DECENT midrange cards will come out

[Shmee150]

Situation is that I am going to change my case to one of the newer Shuttle's with a Quad Extreme and a pair of graphics cards (I have 2 1920x1200 screens currently but am going to buy a new one running from the old card and the new card would run the main 2 assuming it is slightly better).

Sounds to me like the 2nd card will either be another identical or a 7950GT depending what the prices are.

[Biscuit]

if it is just so that you are able to run another monitor then i would suggest going for something simple like a 7300

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=442875
This would also keep noise down and save you a few quid

or if you really need performance then

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=368196
Which seems to be best bang for buck

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=575761
If you want dx10. these cards do not come with a big recomendation over thier heads though

If its SLI your after then it needs to be identical... which may be a struggle as the card is quite old

Bearing in mind i didnt bring ATI into it as your exsisting one is a nvidia and dont want to bring any awkward driver issues into it...

[Shmee150]

I'm thinking the 7900GT will be good. It's mainly just going to be used for running 1080p movies, but I might well run some games through it and then leave the old 7800GTX running the screens it is now.

Thanks for your recommendations, I will consider just going for a 7300GT for the sound/space benefits but we'll see.

Cheers for the advice guys!

[Mithrandir]

The 7900gt is the best option I think but how about a x1900 AIW as well?
It's a single slot and performance is probably on par with an x1800xt, probably just higher.

It's about £100 I think from retekDirect

[MrP]

send them an email before buying anything off the site, they do have more in stock