Looking for some advice to maximize my PC's gaming ability

[Minrott]

Current specs:

ABIT AN7 nForce
Athlon XP 3000+
1.25 gigs Kingston DDR400 RAM
200 gig WD 7200 8mb cache
and a craptastic GeForce 5600 256mb

The idea was get the computer built with a reasonably priced vid card, then in 6 months, upgrade. It's been 6 months, so I'm in the market.

What's going to run best for me? If I get a Radeon card, will it hinder performance whatever the fuck the nForce mobo does? Should I stick to nVidia chipset?

The AN7 supposedly makes it easy to OC, and my ram is running a little high, but processor is stock.

[Rotj]

I don't think the type of graphics card chipset would affect performance with a Nforce motherboard. Depending on your budget, I wouldn't go below a Radeon 9800 Pro or if you have the spare cash..the new X800's look very, very delicious.

[Harrison]

If youre in the market for an nvidia 6800.

Theyre at $270-400 atm.

And from what Im reading, theyre VERY overclockable (stable as well!)

Stock speed might be 350/700 and you can pump out 390/950+

[Minrott]

Sorry, didn't say how much I was willing to budget.

I'm willing to spend up to $500.

But I am not one to pay extra cash just to have it now or have it first.

I'm looking for value as well as performance. Now, if a 256mb 6800 is worth $450? I have no problem throwing down on it. I just don't know exactly what makes a video card worth it's salt, that's why I'm asking for opinions.

[Harrison]

http://www.techreport.com/etc/2004q3/doom3/index.x?pg=1

Comparisons between multiple graphics cards on doom3 alone.

Not a true test per se, but a measure if you want to check it out.

[Drem]

ATI > NVIDIA

just know that

[Minrott]

yes yes. And Athlon > Pentium.

Like rednecks arguing about how Chevy is > than Ford.

[Rotj]

With up to $500 to spend, I would go for either the Radeon X800 256MB or the Geforce 6800 256MB. But if you are looking for value.. purchasing them now would not be worth it. Maybe try holding out for a game you are looking for in the future (EQ II, WoW, HL2?) before getting it? I'm sure when either of those games comes out the price will drop to an acceptable value.

[Minrott]

Ok. Thanks!

[Harrison]

Yes ATI is great, if you like continuing issues with all of your favorite games!