Video Card Opinion

I'm working on upgrading the video card in my girlfriend's computer. Her computer has a good motherboard, but it doesn't support PCI-e, only AGP 8X. Given that, which of these two videocards would give the most performance for 3D gaming (off-site links go to Newegg.com):

GeForce 7800GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143046

GeForce 7600GS 512MB 128-bit GDDR2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143069

The 7800GS has only half the onboard RAM as the 7600GS, however the RAM is GDDR3, which is faster and cooler than the GDDR2. It also runs in 256-bit, versus 128. The 7600GS is less expensive.

So which do you think would be better - the faster one, or the one with more RAM, in regards to 3D gaming? I appreciate (as always) any advice from the TechNet forum members.

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Comments

sthomas

I would go with the 512MB video card, but that is just me.

Philippatos

The 7600 GS also comes fanless. I'm using a PCI-E version made by XFX.
http://4crito.com/screenshots/fc6_jan3.png

But if strictly for games more FPS are always better.

I use my computer for audio/video too so loud whirring fans are out of the question.

tony0101

Go with the 7800. How many pixel pipelines does each one have? I think it is the 7800. More pipelines and shaders=better graphics.

endersftd

Tony,

That was the opinion I got from the forums on www.GameFAQs.com. They all said to forget the onboard RAM numbers and go for the one that was faster.

I appreciate all the advice guys.

The people on Techexams are the best!

tony0101

Don't totally forget the onboard ram, it is just 256mb with GGR3 256 bits is more sufficient than 512mb with half the speed and graphics. If it was only 128mb, I would go with the other, but 256mb of ram is more than sufficient. I am only telling you this for future reference. Go with my first choice for sure.

endersftd

I understand. I knew there was a tipping point at which a card with lesser onboard RAM would still perform the same or as better as one that had more because of other factors, I just wasn't sure at which point. Thanks again!!

Now I just need to get a PSU that supports 20amps on the 12v rail.