7900GT... is it enough?

[scarface3412]

Ok, I'm building a new system, and I've decided on everything but the GPU. I've got an AMD X2 3800, 2gb ddr400 ram, and either a 7900GT, 2X 7600GT's or an x1800xt. This will be for BF2, CSS, and mainly Oblivion, at least for right now. Which one of those cards will play Oblivion on high- ultra high settings at a solid FPS? Thanks

 

[pauldh]

The 7900GT and X1800XT are fairly close overall, but as soon as you put the emphasis on Oblivion, the X1800XT is far superior. No question, X1800XT is your card as either can handle BF2 and CSS with ease, but the 7900GT will not be able to handle max details nearly as well as the X1800XT in Oblivion.

Just have a look at one of the few Oblivion benchies we know about: http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/oblivion_high-end_performance/page5.asp

 

[cleeve]

Ditto that. If you're an Oblivion player, the X1800 is the way to go.

The 7900 GT may beat it in other games, they trade blows here and there, but neither really trumps each other to the same extent the X1800 does in Oblivion.

 

[scarface3412]

Ok, thanks guys, I know these threads get irritating, but I was lost as to which to choose.

 

[pauldh]

You could always buy my 7800GT so I can get the X1800XT for Oblivion. 😀

 

[raven_87]

You could always buy my 7800GT so I can get the X1800XT for Oblivion. 😀

lol....smooth Pauldh

 

[pauldh]

Sapphire X1800XT(700/835)
DFI NF4 Ultra-D --SLI mod

8O



:idea: I feel a trade coming on. You got's to have SLI!

 

[raven_87]

Interesting, never did think about that....

But I'm almost getting 11k on 3dmark 05 with a single GPU, which is in the same area as dual 7800GT's get.

If I go SLI, I'll have to then again work on balancing out the power needs
for my machine and have to do some working with my dual 12v lines.
Then actually purchase an SLI bridge as one didnt come with my motherboard.... ............this would require alot of thought....idk, I really need sleep though.

 

[pauldh]

Bummer, sounds like no trade. I just gotta get me one of them Radeon Oblivionators.

 

[chuckshissle]

With your cpu (X2 3800) and 2Gb of ram, your system should run the most demanding games right now like FEAR and BF2. 😀

 

[raven_87]

Pssst, he could buy a X1800 CF Master card and put it in Crossfire instead. :twisted:

Yeah, but then I'd want to buy a Crossfire motherboard.....*look at the current board in my sig** :lol: :lol:

Bummer, sounds like no trade. I just gotta get me one of them Radeon Oblivionators.

I'm sure you could find somebody in your area thats, how should we say, technically "challenged" then round up a few bucks for your 7800GT.
Newegg now has the X1800XT @ $299...so its really not impossible for you to get your hands on one.

 

[pauldh]

Someone will want the card in a build, but until then I keep putting Oblivion time in at less than the settings I wish for. Only thing keeping me from getting a $300 512MB X1800XT is waiting for this guy and his big brother to hit newegg. OC's UK has them in stock already, but are not available in the USA yet. They look to be fairly evenly priced with normal reference versions in the UK, so we shall see if Newegg gouges them or not.

 

[raven_87]

Most likely that card will wiegh in around $450....

Like I've been saying recently. No point in going high end if your jumping into DX10 games in the Fall (you'll never get your money's worth in time out of the GPU) Just nab that X1800XT now, sell it for a little less when November comes around, then take that coin and put it towards a DX10 compliant card.

I must say, sweet card though. I've always loved how effective and quiet the IceQ and silencer designs are. I had one on my X800pro and loved it.

 

[pauldh]

I've been toying with the Sapphire 256MB X1800XT for $260 AR idea for that reason. That's about what I paid for the 7800GT and I think I'll get that much back out of it. Not much of an overall upgrade, but for Oblivion it sure is. And I can easily see 90 out of my next 100 hours of gaming going into Oblivion. Kinda torn as I do not need a new card, but shoot, the game I want to play could look much better.

 

[raven_87]

OEM, but still carries the same manufactorers warranty, just skimps on the vendors hold.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102629

Not much of an overall upgrade

7800GT-->X1800Xt, I can comfortably say your going to be very suprised
how wrong your are (in a good way :lol: )

 

[pauldh]

I am considering that one too, but the $40 difference after rebate makes me lean toward the 256MB. Hope you are right about being pleasantly surpised by the upgrade in more than just Oblivion. I really want to keep both cards for comparison sake, but my stash is too large already.

 

[Heyyou27]

Only go with the 7900GT if you plan on a volt mod and overclocking, if not go with the X1800 XT.

 

[raven_87]

Hope you are right about being pleasantly surpised by the upgrade in more than just Oblivion.

My Fear preformance @ 1280x1024 max settings 2AA 4af (all details, volumetric lights, SS etc on) with my 7800GT was maximum of 102FPS
and averaged around 34-37. With the X1800XT 4AA 8AF maximum (before Overclocking) was 197 average 53...... Yes there is a difference,
becuase I can still up the resolution and achieve very playable frame rates now.

You've seen me speak on about my Oblivion gameplay as well compared to my 7800GT.

Then my 3Dmarks. (Oc) went from 7900-- past 11k in 05. I feel I still have more headroom though, I just want to up the voltage, but wont do so on the stock cooler.

I wont lie, unless your case is quite insulated (such as mine) your going to hear your GPU fan above 75% speed.... Although it wont be intolerable, it will be noticable to a certain extent. My tower(s) sit a comfortable distance away, so sound isnt really my largest gripe.

 

[specter]

I play Oblivion @ 1280x1024 with medium settings and HDR enabled but without AA with my current specs. I can say it's playable but I want to know how can I see the FPS?

 

[Heyyou27]

My Fear preformance @ 1280x1024 max settings 2AA 4af (all details, volumetric lights, SS etc on) with my 7800GT was maximum of 102FPS
and averaged around 34-37.

You're trying to play with softshadows and antialiasing on? Too bad you can't use them together correctly anyways.

 

[pauldh]

I play Oblivion @ 1280x1024 with medium settings and HDR enabled but without AA with my current specs. I can say it's playable but I want to know how can I see the FPS?

You can easily see your framrates within Oblivion by hitting ~ then typing TDT (then hit enter) and then ~ again to exit.

If you want to benchmark a portion of gameplay logging the min, max, and ave fps, then dowload and use free Fraps.

 

[dmantech]

For $50 more why not get the X1900XT you'll have more shader processors 48 compared to the X1800XT which would boost performance tremendously.
It in it self outpaces the 7900 GTX.

 

[specter]

Thanks for the reply Pauldh.

I have around 30fps at 1280x1024 with medium settings. I am thinking to upgrade my video card, but anyway, I guess it's a good frame rate for my video card, or not? :roll:

 

[uber_g]

You could always buy my 7800GT so I can get the X1800XT for Oblivion. 😀

8O








i didnt think of that

 

[raven_87]

No you don't. Your board can run CF perfectly. [/no joke]

Its theoretically (and yes physically) possible, but I'd 'Prefer' a Crossfire board.

@Heyyou

FSAA and SS correctly? Perhaps I'm out of the loop on this one....elaborate.