GFX card to run new gen games [Archive]

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Ace Modder

16-08-2006, 11:04

Hi

I'm looking to upgrade my AGP 6600GT 512MB I currently have a mobo with AGP and PCI-E.

NOTE : I have a 19inch Samsung LCD 4ms monitor

The mobo I bought last month was so I could choose to upgrade my GFX card to PCI-E but I went for a mobo with both as I could not afford a new mobo and a new GFX card at once.

I have decided to upgrade my GFX now.

I want something which should run games like Oblivion at full settings with HDR enabled.
My budget is around £180 what would you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Fireblade

16-08-2006, 11:29

You're looking at a 7900GT (http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_5352.html) at that sorta price range (sub £200).

If you want an ATI card, maybe an X1800GTO (£165ish)?
An X1900GT would be my choice though. It's nearer the £200 mark, but it's worth the extra IMO ;)

Ace Modder

16-08-2006, 11:37

I've found this
http://i4.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/f2/66/1e_1.JPG

For £121 from Canada Plus £15 delivery...BRAND NEW!

What do you reckon! Cannot say where form as it's not allowed.

Would there be any problems being from Canada, as they use a different Power type?

Archaon

16-08-2006, 11:38

I'd go for a 7900GT like the one Fireblade linked to.

Remember things like import taxes and delivery times; be careful because it may not be as cheap as you think. But I suppose it is still cheaper. I'd go for one sold in the UK for safety though...

Bursar

16-08-2006, 11:45

You will have to pay import duty on it, which IIRC is VAT, so add 17.5% onto the price.

If you want all the spangly bits plus HDR in Oblivion, then you have to go ATI with the Chuck patch.

If you can live without absolutely all of the graphical goodies, then you can look at Nvidia cards as well.

RazzleUltra

16-08-2006, 11:49

I wouldn't get your hopes up RE: Oblivion too much though...

I've got a X1900XTX + Conroe and on max detail settings in Oblivion (HDR but not AA) I still get jerky frame rates in outdoor fights.

I'm also guessing you'll be running at 1280x1024 as the native resolution...

Zozart

16-08-2006, 12:06

If you look around some UK store websites I know for a fact that one of them has an X1800 XT for £150.

However, for about £80 more you could find an X1900 XT, which would proof you against future games more so than an X1800 XT would.

Ace Modder

16-08-2006, 13:04

Fat Jez

16-08-2006, 13:21

Gifts still cary import duty. The only time something like that would carry no import duty is if it were an RMA for a faulty part. And quite frankly, if you are buying something like that from Ebay, with no support if it goes wrong and then facing going to court in the buyers country to get it resolved, then good luck to you.

I'd rather pay the extra and buy it from the UK where I am protected by consumer laws and rights.

Cheers,
Stephen

Archaon

16-08-2006, 21:10

I really do agree with Jez. You can buy the 256mb version (albeit made by Sapphire) you showed for about £143 here, pay postage and let's say £150 as it's a nice number. Or you could buy it in Canada for £121, plus £15 delivery and chances are have to pay about £21 in VAT. Do the maths. And you're also taking a greater risk.

Your choice...

Fat Jez

16-08-2006, 21:19

(albeit made by Sapphire)

Who make most if not all of ATi's own brand of cards...

Tom

17-08-2006, 19:48

Gifts still cary import duty.
I was going to mention that, items marked as gifts are have a slightly higher threshhold before the C&E duty is slapped-on, but it's a lot less than £121. More like £35, if I remember rightly.

I had a dig around on the HM Customs (http://customs.gov.uk) website, but my eyes crossed from all the spin/bull.

I remember importing a hoody, and some jeans, that I couldn't get in the UK. Was about £90 worth of stuff, but I was charged £39 in VAT, and Customs fees :mad:

Ace Modder

21-08-2006, 08:57

Right guys

I have bought a Connect 3D X1800XT for £147 inc VAT.

This should do the job imo