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View Full Version : Novatech 7900GS 512Mb vs. 7900GT 256Mb?


RobinH
22-02-2007, 06:12 AM
I am looking to build a new Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 system very shortly (i.e. when they're back in stock!) and will probably base it on the ASUS P5N32 SLI Premium board with 2Gb RAM running XP then eventually Vista Ultimate.

I have set a budget of £150 for the graphics card and am looking at the Novatech 7900GS 512Mb card vs. the 7900GT with 256Mb. This needs to drive a BenQ FP241W 24" monitor @ 1920x1200 for desktop work as well as turn in a good performance with games like F.E.A.R. and other hi-res shooters. My gut feeling is that the 7900GT card with just 256Mb will do a better job than the 7900GS with more memory - but is that true, or will there really be little difference between the two? Maybe I've set the budget for the graphics card too low considering the rest of the system and the monitor I'll be using?

I'm hoping that heat won't be a problem as I'm aiming to go for the Nexus Breeze case, which while beautifully made and very quiet, only sports a single 120mm intake fan plus the PSU exhaust fan. (Perhaps the Antec P180 would be a better bet although not sure if it's as quiet as the Nexus).

Any thoughts much appreciated.
JDowdall
22-02-2007, 10:07 AM
For £150 you could get a x1950 xt which is better than both those cards, http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/119729 and if you could stretch a little further you could get the 320mb nvidia 8800 gts for about £165 http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-054-OK&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat= which is very good and will last you for aobut 4 years
RobinH
23-02-2007, 06:35 AM
You're probably right, an extra £50 for an 8800GTS card is probably the wiser choice given the rest of the system as you get a lot more bangs per buck. It does kick the Nexus case into touch as that only comes with a 500W PSU and I see they recommend a 600W PSU when using an 8800GTS, but then the Antec looks like a good case anyway.

My only other thoughts are about this idea that 8800GTS cards are based on chips that have flaws and thus don't make the grade for going on 8800GTX cards. But then I guess if this did hint at long term reliability issues, they wouldn't be selling them.
Taxation
23-02-2007, 09:53 AM
the 8800gts cards dont have flaws in them.It is probably just easier to make 1 chip and then disable certain parts of them rather than making 2 chips, this is probably more cost effective aswell
teknokid
28-02-2007, 09:28 PM
and its dx10 so will last for vista gaming...
Jonny2Bad
05-03-2007, 06:23 PM
I have this card at the moment and I find it a very good card runs bf2142 perfectly, and all the other games also so for the money it's an excellent card I will get a 8800 gtx but am quite happy with what I have now!!
Jonny2Bad
05-03-2007, 06:24 PM
I have this card at the moment and I find it a very good card runs bf2142 perfectly, and all the other games also so for the money it's an excellent card I will get a 8800 gtx but am quite happy with what I have now!!
teknokid
05-03-2007, 07:44 PM
8800gtx rocks :)