What video card to get

[airis2001]

I just ordered the parts for a new a64 3200+ system with 1.5 gigs of ddr400 on a MSI K8V neo platinum. Now I want to order a video card to go along with it and cant' make up my mind. should I go with a 6800 Gt, Ultra or a X800 family card. I currently have a AIW 9700pro and really like the tv tuner/recorder features and will probably get a TV tunner card to get these features back- probably the ATI TV wonder card, though if anyone ahve any sugestions for another brand I'm all ears. What video card would I be better off with?
Thanks

 

[Mik3y]

unless you can afford the ultra for a whole lot of $ more, stick with the gt. its faster and a better performer then the x800 pro. also, the 6800 series performs waaaay much better hten x800 line on doom 3 and the same thing is predicted to happen on half-life 2.

 

[airis2001]

I should add that this will be driving a dell 1800 lcd monitor on DVi.
I had heard that HL2 was expected to do much better on the x800 line since is it's a d3d game. But lets be realistic, it the differnance on doom 3 that great in terms of game play or are we talking 10-20 more fps above an alrady high (40+) level?

 

[Mik3y]

the difference is actually pretty high, as you can see here. so ya, its not just based on a few fps.

 

[Dman877]

Don't get an ati tuner if you ever plan to own a different brand video card. I could not get my ati tuner working with either a ti4200 or 6800GT no matter what I tried. I recommend the hauppage winTV2000 cards. I like the image better then the ati and the software is better too.

EDIT: Also, what games do you play? A 9700 still isn't a bad card, you could hold out a bit longer until the current gen cards drop in price and are actually available. If you want to buy now, the 6800GT is where it's at. Costs the same as a pro but out-performs it easily. Overclocking only widens the gap as the 6800GT has 16 pipes vs 12 on the pro. 6800 isn't a bad option either for over 100$ less. Run's doom3 well and will probably run most doom3-based games for the next few years also.

 

[Schadenfroh]

had heard that HL2 was expected to do much better on the x800 line

Half Life 2 is not out yet, no one knows what the game will perform like on what cards, the Half life 2 beta's benchmarks show nvidia wins half life 2, but that is a beta and does not represent the final game. Its anyone's guess on who wins half life 2. Doom 3, on the other hand, is sitting on allot of peoples desk and its benchmarks clearly show a win for nvidia. Dont buy cards based on performance of a game that is not out yet. The 6800 series of video cards offer solid performance in other games besides doom 3 also. i would highly reccomend getting a card from the 6800 series.

also, i have heard some bad things about discreet ati tv tuners, i would highly reccomend the leadtek tv tuner. ATI makes awesome all in wonder, but i hear their TV tuner cards are leave something to be desired.

TV tuner thread