1st Build - Mobo Decision Help

[markkleb]

The 8800GT is a definately "Top End" card. If you can afford it you will be treated to an amazing gaming experience.

As to brand I usually use XFX (more a personal preference) My new 8800GTs are ECS with passive cooling (silent and work really well)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134035

If you get it through a good retailer you should be safe as if there is a prob they will return it for you.

 

[kyle_d]

How about this? It's alot cheaper and seems to have good reviews:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-161-SP

You said the ATI 3850 but they're all DDR3, this one seems really good tell me what you think.

 

[Hatman]

2600pro is extremely poor compared to 3850.

Basically in my opinion the 3850 is the cheapest video card anyone should consider buying atm if they plan to game.. the price/performance is really as good as it is ever going to get, it's great.

3850 is what.. 3 - 4x as powerful as the 2600pro, at least. Idk for sure but it is MUCH more powerful.

Definitely worth shelling out for. 8800GT for more serious gamers or people with more cash but thats more of a luxury over the 3850, not necessary

 

[kyle_d]

Thanks for that, if i have an Abit IP35 Pro mobo which takes DDR2 memory will i be able to use the 3850 as its DDR3.. that's what's confusing me.

 

[Hatman]

Yep of coarse.

It'll work awesomely

Memory DDR2 and the GDDR3 on graphics cards arent related as far as compatibility goes.

 

[kyle_d]

Whaaat i never knew that, thats quality.

So you think the 3850 is the one for me, markkleb said the same if i dont get an 8800?

Any brand recommendations? Or links to some decent ones as theres sh*t loads. I'd want to be paying about £100ish maybe a little over if it was worth it. The Sapphire ones seem to be pretty good.

 

[Hatman]

For me a 512mb model would be recommended.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-085-OK&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=416

For example.

 

[kyle_d]

Abit IP35 Pro Mobo has been bought and paid for! Woooo

Got it for £90 delivered brand new!