8600GT DDR2 vs 8600GT DDR3 vs Sapphire Hd 3850

[shoeseat]

If i have to choose betwen xpert vision 8600GT GDDR2 512MB,MSI 8600GT GDDR3 512MB and Sapphire Hd 3850 256MB for my computer which have 19" LCD.Which will be the best choice?The problem is that "xpert vision 8600GT DDR2 512MB" cost about $83,"MSI 8600GT DDR3 512MB" about $131 and a SECOND HAND "Sapphire Hd 3850" about $125.I really don't wanna buy the second hand "Sapphire Hd 3850" as it may have some problem and the price is suspicious as well.But i will consider if its superior than others.Also is GDDR3 worth extra $40 dollars?Will i be able to play games like crysis in medium setting with 8600GT DDR2 512MB?

 

[king21092]

DDR3, here's more info, stands for "double data rate."
Ok, here's how I see it, I may be wrong. Ok, DDR is the transfer of data correct, well DDR3 would transfer 3 times the data than the DDR(with the invisible 1 after).

Also about crysis, I'm not to sure about the performance of that card, but it will run HOT on medium... Try the very low or low setting or you better get some cooling ready.

EDIT: I've looked around on the web and found that crysis alone uses like 1 GB of memory on medium setting, that excludes other programs.

 

[nickc]

the Sapphire Hd 3850 would definably be better but as u noted second hand can be a problem. the 8600gt is not that good of a card. here is a new one for 99.99 + shipping and tax.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102715

and would be the choice I would make.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

The average price of a new HD 3850 is around $120-$130, so that's actually not low but quite expensive, unless it's been used for only a month or two.

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

You probably should go with a 3850 for about $100, new, as all of the Nvidia 8000 series sucks, except for the 8800's.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102715



this card is $80 and should perform much better than the 8600's:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130383

and the 9600gt at $109 which should be better than the 3850 on crysis.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130393

or the dual slot version:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130360


and of course, the 8800gt at 5 - 10 dollars more expensive. I can't seem to find the evga version right now though.

 

[shoeseat]

Thankx for the reply guys.But i don't live in USA.That's the problem otherwise i would have bought 8800GT without any problem.Here,the graphics cards are very expensive.So i just wanted to know that what will be the performance difference if i choose GDDR2 8600GT against GDDR3?Is GDDR3 worth like +$40 against GDDR2?If i say buy a second hand 3850 256MB RAM,will the 256MB RAM be enough for my 19" LCD.I mean will the difference in RAM impact my performance?

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Yep, GDDR3 will increase the memory bandwidth, so it's better to have.

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

Can you tell us some prices?

 

[MetalX]

The 3850 is probably the best choice even if it is second hand. It easily outperforms the two GTs. And 256 MB won't really be a problem for 1440x900, the resolution of a 19" LCD, or 1280x1024 if it's not widescreen.

 

[nickc]

256 MB will do wonders for any computer with that little mem.

 

[shoeseat]

@MetalX
yes I am using a wide screen monitor.Will it affect the performance if I play in 1440x900 resolution.
@nickc
is 256MB enough for my computer?What if a game requirement specifically says like "at least 512MB RAM".How long do you guys think game will not require higher video RAMs than 256MB?
@Rage_3K_Moiz
Do GDDR3 really worth extra $40?

Do my PSU need to be upgraded if I get any one of these cards?or it will handle it.I have a C2D E7200 2.53, G31 motherboard,160GB hard drive,2GBx1 RAM and a sony DVD-RW right now.

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

Your power supply looks good enough.

is 256MB enough for my computer?What if a game requirement specifically says like "at least 512MB RAM".How long do you guys think game will not require higher video RAMs than 256MB?

They tell you to have at least 512mb because generally, more memory will mean a better graphics card, so they just say 512mb to say a "good graphics card" because most people cannot tell if a card is good or not. Memory amount is a simple way to get a rough idea.
So yes, 256 is fine.

 

[shoeseat]

ok thanx hellokity.Any other thoughts?