Video card to pair with A64/3700+?

[MonsterMan]

OK, just got me a brand spanking new S754 Athlon 64 3700+. Now I need a video card. Main games: Far Cry (64-bit version!), Doom 3, Painkiller. Maybe BF2 soon.

PCI-E or AGP...doesn't matter (haven't got the mobo yet so can go nF3 or nF4).

I'm thinking a 6800GT ($284). It right around the price range I want and should be plenty fast. And fairly cheap thanks to the 7800GTX

At the same time, I don't want to be limited by the video card, either. I don't want to get a 7800GTX, since it's CPU-limited even with an FX-57

Just need a good match for my proc. I would consider a 6800 Ultra if the prices come down a bit more, or a 7800GT if they hurry up and arrive. Can't wait too much longer, though (hey, this 300MHz K6-2 is getting, um, "annoying." Shouldn't have sold my old P4).

Oh: as for ATI, I'd consider one...but kinda want HDR for Far Cry...and current ATI cards can't do that. Otherwise the X800XL would be a good choice.

[Bhairav]

S754 PCI-E? Very few mobos supporting that technology.. go for the 6800GT. Wise choice.

[hoxlund]

why did you get a s754 cpu anyways?

best bet is to go with SLI setup, 2 6600gt or 1x6800gt

and maybe add another 6800gt later

but if you go sli you'll have to go s939

[MonsterMan]

Dual 6600GTs? Nah. A single 6800GT/Ultra would be faster.

As for why 754? Cost/performance ratio. That 3700+ chip cost about the same as the 939 3500+. And the S754 3400+ will spank said 3500+. Yes, the 3400+ is a better overall deal - but this was only $50 more plus I got a free printer. This will be basically the same overall speed as the 3800+, for about $100 less. Remember, dual channel DDR only nets you about 5% more performance. So basically I'm about 5% below the 4000+ for a hell of a lot less money. Yeah, I can dig that!

Upgradability? The last time I upgraded just the CPU was from a 50MHz 486 -> 75MHz 486, and then only because it was free. Long term upgradability is a joke; even on 939, AMD will basically only be releasing 1 or two more chips, at best. Then, M2 & DDR2.

I will get dual core...when it's cheap and can play the games as fast as this single core will.

Besides: how many things will an Athlon 64/3700+ really be "slow" at? Not very freaking many!

[hoxlund]

dual 6600gts outperform 6800gt

for those games that utilize sli

but with sli optimizer program, everything can run SLI

[MonsterMan]

Well, the single 6800GT card is $284; the 6600's are $150-160 a pop. Right now, the 6800GT just makes more sense.

But it is nice that ALL apps can use SLI now. 'bout time!

[LoneWolf]

I'm using a Radeon X800XL PCIe and have found it to be a good choice. It's around the same price as the 6800GT, but is better at video playback, and since I don't just game with my machine, that was a big deal. It replaced my 6800 AGP, and the performance increase is evident.
AGP and All-In-Wonder versions are also available if you need them.

[hoxlund]

your correct the x800xl is a very impressive card, especially for the money