Solve : Nvida or ATI ??

1.	Solve : Nvida or ATI ??
Answer» Hello folks, Im toying with the idea of building a computer, and would like to know what people think about video cards. I would be using the computer for gaming, but Im by no means a sit in chair all day and play games guy...I like to go online and play "Shooter" games like FEAR from time to time and generally ( ok, always) get my censored kicked soundly ( still fun tho ), Anyway, I would like to know if theres any real difference between ATI and Nvida cards. I have a friend who says Nvida cards tend to die in a short time, while the ATI cards last and last... Another question would be, is it better to get a good 1 gig video card, or two mid range 512mb cards? Im sorta planning on buying an EVGA 780i motherboard with a core2 duo 3.0 ghz processor ( which means a nvida card ), but nothing is set in stone.... Any advice would be nice. Thank you, EOD what is your budget? i personally would go with ati a 4870 to be exact to beats all nvidia cards besideds the gtx280 which the 4870 still beats in a test or 2 plus crossfire (to ati cards together) scale better then sli(2 nvidia cards together) Ati or Nvidia doesn't really matter, in my opinion. It goes down to your budget, price and what cards provide the best performance in that price range that your computer has the power to handle. If you absolutely want the best, get the ATI 4870 like ocmputeruler said only because it's got the fastest memory and speed and yes, crossfire is more scalable because you can use any mix and match of ATI graphics cards from same series. Nvidia's SLI requires exact same model cards. 2 8500GT's from BFG ok but 1 MSI 8500GT and 1 BFG 8500GT won't work and neither does 1 8500GT and 1 8600GT regardless of brand.mcxeb52! I'm afraid you're wrong in some points. Nvidia's SLI does not require the same manufacturer, just the same model. You are correct however that Crossfire does tend to scale performance better, and that the brand and manufacturer is irrelevant, insofar as there's no reason to specifically favour either manufacturer rather than choose the card that fits your needs and budget. EOD, having an Nvidia-based motherboard doesn't restrict you to Nvidia cards. As computeruler said, we would need to know your budget and what you plan to do with the card before recommending you a video card - if you like, post your budget for the whole build and we'll help you pick all your parts, but it's up to you.i honestly wouldnt get a nvidia based motherboar either they have problumsMy newer HP 4600 came with Nvidia fx 1700 on board - I was appalled to see the price tag on that card!! Mind you I got the machine as ''scratch and dent'' so saved a bunch. My last machine ran an ATI Readion 9600 and I was pleased with that and the "Catalyst" control panel gave many options, plus it had provision for vid input Thus far my Nvidia runs two mons fine (wide screen LCDs on 1680x1050) - using the DVI hook-up. It seems that lower end G-force cards are good prices but when it comes to top end then ATI perhaps has better prices... just an impression. Quote from: computeruler on August 18, 2008, 02:01:40 PM i honestly wouldnt get a nvidia based motherboar either they have problums Source? And prices are always changing, what's right to buy today today is wrong tomorrow.people have told me they have tons of bsods and all kinds of other things ive just herd they are terrible boards Quote from: Calum on August 18, 2008, 01:46:21 PM mcxeb52! I'm afraid you're wrong in some points. Nvidia's SLI does not require the same manufacturer, just the same model. Sorry I typed slower than what my brain was telling me. I should have typed "Nvidia's SLI requires exact same model cards from perhaps the same brand ." instead. ---------- Also, I guess since physX already in the nvidia GPU's series 8 and up, nVidia has an edge if you play some physX capable games. Age of Empires 3 looked better and was smoother on 1024*768 resolution with all else turned to highest possible settings and I'm running an 8500GT card. Outstanding! Thank you all for input. I guess I should follow Calums idea and tell you guys what Im SHOOTING for... Ok, first, Im 43, so Im probably not going to be playing games online all day.. few hours on a Sat. morning or something like that...Im also probably going to use it to watch movies/ TV thru my projector. This is what I am thinking of building.. Pentium Dual core 3.0 Ghz, Nvida 780i Mobo, 4 gigs of 800mhz RAM ( Corsair or OCZ?) 650 watt power supply Vista 64 and a HD tv tuner card ... I want to use my old hard drive(s) and CD and DVD burners..I would really like to get a solid state hard drive, but Im going to wait till the price comes down. Ill only be loading an OS and games on it anyway. As for the video card or cards, well, thats why Im here... I like games like FEAR and C.O.D... that type of thing ( Im a little behind on new games, as Im in Iraq...) Im also looking at 24 " moniters for this thing. I can pick up all of this stuff at Tigerdirect for like $1500, and have it waiting at my house. I really dont want to invest this amount in something that will be terminally outdated in 6 months, or wouldnt be upgradeable, or was a tempermental beast ( no OVERCLOCKING or tweaking here!) I have a buddy here thats way into the computer gaming thing and hes telling me that I should go with AMD and ATI stuff, but then he admits that his knowledge is out of date...Im starting to think its like the "Ford or Chevy" debate . Anyway, Ill listen to what you guys are saying, and hopefully learn something. Main goal is to have a RELIABLE mid range computer, with good graphics that I can play some games on, then throw a dvd in and play a movie through my projector ( NEC LT265). Ability to upgrade is also pretty important. Thanks, EODDo you want a 24" monitor included in the $1500 price, or not? I would say your buddy's knowledge isn't too far off the mark, AMD CPUs and ATI cards are becoming competitive again against Intel and Nvidia recently. My advice would be to wait for homer's advice as he does tend to put together GREAT systems. I would give a preliminary build but I'm a little short on time - if I have the time later on, and homer's not dropped by, I'll give you a parts list of my own. mxceb, nice info on the PhysX, I've not grabbed the new drivers yet as I wasn't sure if it would make any difference. When they get out of beta I'll give them a shot. computeruler, everyone will have DIFFERENT experiences. I would bet that for every dissatisfied user of an Nvidia chipset, there's one for Intel, AMD, Via, SiS, and anyone else you can think of. Give the same hardware to 100 different people and you'll get at least 10 different opinions. I've used an Nvidia based board and I was very satisfied, I switched to my Intel setup purely because the Nvidia board developed a fault (nothing to do with the chipset) and I needed a board right there and then so I couldn't wait for the Nvidia board to come back into stock. I'm considering selling my Intel board and moving back to the same Nvidia one I ditched because I liked it so much.Calum, the nvidia drivers for physX is already out of beta. It was released on Auguest 12th! http://www.nvidia.com/content/forcewithin/us/index.html is the official nvidia site for the latest drivers featuring the physX addon for your geforce 8 and newer cards. You can download the drivers and some other physX demo products nvidia released here. NVidia hasn't added the download to their nvidia.com site yet. -------------- EOD, if you're getting a Nvidia graphics card, 8800GTS might do you good if you want to turn the games to highest resolutions and highest graphics settings. Series 9 cards, are heavy power guzzlers (at least that's what I've been reading!) and I think you are not playing the heavy games like Crysis that are so graphic intense that the average user doesn't even meet the minimum recommended requirements. But I don't know how much $$ you have on hand to spend on your graphics card so I can't say. What is your budget? Hmm, seems I have been misinformed elsewhere. Thanks for the link, downloading now!Considering nVidia's recent woes price points may not always be the main concern when choosing... ArticleHey all, price matters to me , but not at the cost of function. I dont want to drop $600 on the newest fastest bestest uber video card, because I probably wouldnt use it to its potential. But then again, maybe it would be best for me to spend the money. I want something that will work well on a 24 " moniter... I have heard of the Crysis game and will be buying it when I get Stateside.. Is it really that video intensive??? Like I said, reliable and functional are my main goals. One good card or 2 mid range cards? Thats a really good question! What exactly would 2 cards do for me? Would it make the video quality that much better? Would it help in any way for online play? The ATI or Nvida question is apparently all a matter of choice and experience with the products... The way you guys are talking , and the article "Patio" turned me on to Im thinking maybe get 2 of the ATI 4850 cards, their only like 185 apiece, or one 4870.. basicly the same price. What say ye all? Thanx, EOD. PS Could someone explain the benefit of 1 gig of video ram over 512? Im thinking it has something to do with the size of the display you can use...Are 2x 512 cards equal to 1 gig? Im pretty ignorant on this subject... Thanx again, EOD

Answer»

Hello folks, Im toying with the idea of building a computer, and would like to know what people think about video cards. I would be using the computer for gaming, but Im by no means a sit in chair all day and play games guy...I like to go online and play "Shooter" games like FEAR from time to time and generally ( ok, always) get my *censored* kicked soundly ( still fun tho ), Anyway, I would like to know if theres any real difference between ATI and Nvida cards. I have a friend who says Nvida cards tend to die in a short time, while the ATI cards last and last...
Another question would be, is it better to get a good 1 gig video card, or two mid range 512mb cards? Im sorta planning on buying an EVGA 780i motherboard with a core2 duo 3.0 ghz processor ( which means a nvida card ), but nothing is set in stone.... Any advice would be nice. Thank you, EOD what is your budget? i personally would go with ati a 4870 to be exact to beats all nvidia cards besideds the gtx280 which the 4870 still beats in a test or 2 plus crossfire (to ati cards together) scale better then sli(2 nvidia cards together) Ati or Nvidia doesn't really matter, in my opinion. It goes down to your budget, price and what cards provide the best performance in that price range that your computer has the power to handle.

If you absolutely want the best, get the ATI 4870 like ocmputeruler said only because it's got the fastest memory and speed and yes, crossfire is more scalable because you can use any mix and match of ATI graphics cards from same series.

Nvidia's SLI requires exact same model cards. 2 8500GT's from BFG ok but 1 MSI 8500GT and 1 BFG 8500GT won't work and neither does 1 8500GT and 1 8600GT regardless of brand.mcxeb52! I'm afraid you're wrong in some points.
Nvidia's SLI does not require the same manufacturer, just the same model.
You are correct however that Crossfire does tend to scale performance better, and that the brand and manufacturer is irrelevant, insofar as there's no reason to specifically favour either manufacturer rather than choose the card that fits your needs and budget.

EOD, having an Nvidia-based motherboard doesn't restrict you to Nvidia cards.
As computeruler said, we would need to know your budget and what you plan to do with the card before recommending you a video card - if you like, post your budget for the whole build and we'll help you pick all your parts, but it's up to you.i honestly wouldnt get a nvidia based motherboar either they have problumsMy newer HP 4600 came with Nvidia fx 1700 on board - I was appalled to see the price tag on that card!! Mind you I got the machine as ''scratch and dent'' so saved a bunch.

My last machine ran an ATI Readion 9600 and I was pleased with that and the "Catalyst" control panel gave many options, plus it had provision for vid input

Thus far my Nvidia runs two mons fine (wide screen LCDs on 1680x1050) - using the DVI hook-up.

It seems that lower end G-force cards are good prices but when it comes to top end then ATI perhaps has better prices... just an impression. Quote from: computeruler on August 18, 2008, 02:01:40 PM

i honestly wouldnt get a nvidia based motherboar either they have problums

Source?

And prices are always changing, what's right to buy today today is wrong tomorrow.people have told me they have tons of bsods and all kinds of other things ive just herd they are terrible boards Quote from: Calum on August 18, 2008, 01:46:21 PM

mcxeb52! I'm afraid you're wrong in some points.
Nvidia's SLI does not require the same manufacturer, just the same model.

Sorry I typed slower than what my brain was telling me. I should have typed "Nvidia's SLI requires exact same model cards from perhaps the same brand ." instead.

----------

Also, I guess since physX already in the nvidia GPU's series 8 and up, nVidia has an edge if you play some physX capable games. Age of Empires 3 looked better and was smoother on 1024*768 resolution with all else turned to highest possible settings and I'm running an 8500GT card.
Outstanding! Thank you all for input. I guess I should follow Calums idea and tell you guys what Im SHOOTING for...
Ok, first, Im 43, so Im probably not going to be playing games online all day.. few hours on a Sat. morning or something like that...Im also probably going to use it to watch movies/ TV thru my projector. This is what I am thinking of building..
Pentium Dual core 3.0 Ghz, Nvida 780i Mobo, 4 gigs of 800mhz RAM ( Corsair or OCZ?) 650 watt power supply Vista 64 and a HD tv tuner card ... I want to use my old hard drive(s) and CD and DVD burners..I would really like to get a solid state hard drive, but Im going to wait till the price comes down. Ill only be loading an OS and games on it anyway. As for the video card or cards, well, thats why Im here...
I like games like FEAR and C.O.D... that type of thing ( Im a little behind on new games, as Im in Iraq...)
Im also looking at 24 " moniters for this thing. I can pick up all of this stuff at Tigerdirect for like $1500, and have it waiting at my house.
I really dont want to invest this amount in something that will be terminally outdated in 6 months, or wouldnt be upgradeable, or was a tempermental beast ( no OVERCLOCKING or tweaking here!)
I have a buddy here thats way into the computer gaming thing and hes telling me that I should go with AMD and ATI stuff, but then he admits that his knowledge is out of date...Im starting to think its like the "Ford or Chevy" debate . Anyway, Ill listen to what you guys are saying, and hopefully learn something.
Main goal is to have a RELIABLE mid range computer, with good graphics that I can play some games on, then throw a dvd in and play a movie through my projector ( NEC LT265). Ability to upgrade is also pretty important. Thanks, EODDo you want a 24" monitor included in the $1500 price, or not?
I would say your buddy's knowledge isn't too far off the mark, AMD CPUs and ATI cards are becoming competitive again against Intel and Nvidia recently.
My advice would be to wait for homer's advice as he does tend to put together GREAT systems.
I would give a preliminary build but I'm a little short on time - if I have the time later on, and homer's not dropped by, I'll give you a parts list of my own.

mxceb, nice info on the PhysX, I've not grabbed the new drivers yet as I wasn't sure if it would make any difference. When they get out of beta I'll give them a shot.

computeruler, everyone will have DIFFERENT experiences. I would bet that for every dissatisfied user of an Nvidia chipset, there's one for Intel, AMD, Via, SiS, and anyone else you can think of. Give the same hardware to 100 different people and you'll get at least 10 different opinions. I've used an Nvidia based board and I was very satisfied, I switched to my Intel setup purely because the Nvidia board developed a fault (nothing to do with the chipset) and I needed a board right there and then so I couldn't wait for the Nvidia board to come back into stock. I'm considering selling my Intel board and moving back to the same Nvidia one I ditched because I liked it so much.Calum, the nvidia drivers for physX is already out of beta. It was released on Auguest 12th!

http://www.nvidia.com/content/forcewithin/us/index.html is the official nvidia site for the latest drivers featuring the physX addon for your geforce 8 and newer cards. You can download the drivers and some other physX demo products nvidia released here.

NVidia hasn't added the download to their nvidia.com site yet.

--------------

EOD, if you're getting a Nvidia graphics card, 8800GTS might do you good if you want to turn the games to highest resolutions and highest graphics settings. Series 9 cards, are heavy power guzzlers (at least that's what I've been reading!) and I think you are not playing the heavy games like Crysis that are so graphic intense that the average user doesn't even meet the minimum recommended requirements.

But I don't know how much $$ you have on hand to spend on your graphics card so I can't say. What is your budget?

Hmm, seems I have been misinformed elsewhere.
Thanks for the link, downloading now!Considering nVidia's recent woes price points may not always be the main concern when choosing...

ArticleHey all, price matters to me , but not at the cost of function. I dont want to drop $600 on the newest fastest bestest uber video card, because I probably wouldnt use it to its potential. But then again, maybe it would be best for me to spend the money. I want something that will work well on a 24 " moniter... I have heard of the Crysis game and will be buying it when I get Stateside.. Is it really that video intensive??? Like I said, reliable and functional are my main goals. One good card or 2 mid range cards? Thats a really good question! What exactly would 2 cards do for me? Would it make the video quality that much better? Would it help in any way for online play? The ATI or Nvida question is apparently all a matter of choice and experience with the products... The way you guys are talking , and the article "Patio" turned me on to Im thinking maybe get 2 of the ATI 4850 cards, their only like 185 apiece, or one 4870.. basicly the same price. What say ye all? Thanx, EOD.
PS Could someone explain the benefit of 1 gig of video ram over 512? Im thinking it has something to do with the size of the display you can use...Are 2x 512 cards equal to 1 gig? Im pretty ignorant on this subject... Thanx again, EOD

Solve : Nvida or ATI ??

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