Graphics - Where to Go?

[WLC-1989]

Hey Guys,
Just ordered the components for my new PC, listed under 'My System'. I had ordered a HIS X1900XT with the ICEQ3 cooler for £229, but having read about the X1950XTX, I've cancelled that order, and am looking at what to buy instead.

The X1950XTX does look appealing from the results I have seen (which have now been taken down ), but with the Nvidia G80 and ATi R600 being released in the very near future (anyone sure of which month?), I'm debating whether I should buy the X1950XTX when it's released, or the X1900XT when its price falls as a consequence of this release. It's either that, or wait for the DirectX cards... Any suggestions?

[Azza]

What monitor are you going to be using?

[WLC-1989]

A CRT one, using a DVI to VGA converter. It'll be running at 1600x1200 and above.

[Smokey21]

Good question. Im seriously thinking of a GX2 now myself. Ignore the X1950 numbers you saw, or at least what they did compared to the GX2, as they were fubar. The benchmarks have been taken down cause they were screwed up.

I was going to get a R600 when they came out, but really, is there much point? Vista isn't out till next year, and i can see it being March or later, and only Crysis is a true DX10 game. Ive sorta had a change of heart myself.

I can't see the X1950 beating the GX2 at all. We shall see i suppose, but then it's gonna be expensive, and it's another month away.

[WLC-1989]

Do you think it's unlikely that it'll be marketed at the £215 to £245 price range that site suggested? If so, I think I might re-order that X1900XT

[Smokey21]

Do you think it's unlikely that it'll be marketed at the £215 to £245 price range that site suggested? If so, I think I might re-order that X1900XT

Well ive seen what OCUK reckon the prices will be, and they say just under 300quid, not including VAT, and it's normally more than what they say, so..........

[WLC-1989]

Oh right, that's not as economical as that article made out. I can't afford that kind of pricing.

You seem knowledgable about this Smokey, so may I ask one more question: In your opinion (or personal experience), how much do you feel the X1900XT will be reduced after the X1950's release? After all, this is not a whole new generation, rather an interim release, so there will not be a full range of X1950s to accomodate the budget sector etc; I'm wondering whether we're looking at 30 quid reduction, in which case I may as well buy now.

[Smokey21]

I have no idea, i cannot see the X1900 dropping in price much more. A X1900XT for 205quid at OCUK, is a pretty sweet deal.

It might turn out like the X1800, and they will drop in price to around 150-175, but that will take a few months.

Id buy a X1900XT now.

[Hidden Hippo]

I decided to buy that exact same X1900XT and I'm thrilled with it. I'm running Oblivion with max settings on everything, no AA until a 6.7 chuck patch is released, HRD, 75% shadows, no self shadows. I'm also using CapnKill's LOD replacer and Qarls texture pack and my FPS don't drop below about 30 outside when I'm fighting. This is at 1280x1024 by the way. I'd say go with the X1900XT, you won't be disappointed.

[WLC-1989]

Right-o guys, I'll order asap.

Thanks a lot for your help.