x1950XTX or HD 3850

[Remedy]

Does anyone know how well a X1950XTX 512MB compares to a HD 3850? The reason why I ask is because I've seen some x1950XTX 512MB in the FS/FT forum going for $150 even. But, the HD 3850 is about $175 new with less VRAM (256MB).

I probably shouldn't be cross shopping the two, but the X1950XTX used to be a blockbuster card.

 

[John]

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3151&p=9

 

[bryanW1995]

what he said.

the 3850's closest competitor is the limited-edition 2900pro. Both are much better than x1950xtx. There's a reason that x1950xtx is available in fs/ft for significantly less than 3850. X1950xtx also puts out tons of heat and is much louder than 3850. If you're worried about vram there is a 512mb 3850 available, too. If you're gaming at 1920x1200 with AA then you'll be better off with the 512mb version, otherwise 256 will be fine for all modern titles (other than crysis of course).

 

[kylebisme]

Many games use more than 256MB for their highest quality settings alone. No matter what resolution and AA setting you use, you'll have to turn at least textures down to medium in games even as old as Fear and Oblivion to avoid the huge hit to your minimum framerates that is inherent to texture thrashing.

Having used a x1950xtx for a bit over a year, I was hesitant to purchase my 8800gt as I've already been battling to stay within 512MB of VRAM in a couple of games that otherwise ran respectably with max settings; first Stalker, and more recently ETQW. However, those games look and run great while keeping the resolution reasonable to stay within 512MB of VRAM, and I can live with that until EVGA has something with more VRAM worth steping up to.

 

[Remedy]

Originally posted by: John
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3151&p=9

Thanks. I should've searched in the first place. Thanks

 

[bryanW1995]

Originally posted by: TheSnowman
Many games use more than 256MB for their highest quality settings alone. No matter what resolution and AA setting you use, you'll have to turn at least textures down to medium in games even as old as Fear and Oblivion to avoid the huge hit to your minimum framerates that is inherent to texture thrashing.

Having used a x1950xtx for a bit over a year, I was hesitant to purchase my 8800gt as I've already been battling to stay within 512MB of VRAM in a couple of games that otherwise ran respectably with max settings; first Stalker, and more recently ETQW. However, those games look and run great while keeping the resolution reasonable to stay within 512MB of VRAM, and I can live with that until EVGA has something with more VRAM worth steping up to.

what res do you play at?