7900GT CO versus 8600 gts superclocked?

[signmeuptoo]

how do they compare for gaming and specs, guys?

[burebista]

About equal in DX9, 7900GT no DX10 and 8600GTS ~disaster in DX10.

[clsA]

yeah i just made that choice about 3 weeks ago..i went 7900GS
theirs the x1950 too think about also

[LC_STiK]

A little extra $ for a 320mb 8800 would be very worthwhile.

[signmeuptoo]

Well, here's the thing: A guy sold me an EVGA 7900GT CO that he thought was fine so he says (I am inclined to believe him) but the serial number series of the one he sold me had a massive "recall" sort of (EVGA actually started telling people to send them in for replacement but I don't know how they went about it, just that the one I bought was part of a series that were bad). I started seeing BAD artifacting in games such as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and even anomolies in some screen savers.

Anyways, the fellow who sold it to me is working with me to get it swapped out but the reply email he got was that he won't know what they are replacing it with until he/I get it. Now: I see that EVGA has at least two models of the 8600, a standard, cheaply priced model selling for about $140 and a "superclocked" (SIC) selling for around $200. The question is, should I accept either of them or demand better, if that is what they send out? I don't want sucky performance in the above game and other games.

Also, how much difference is there between the models AND how much of a factor is the

[LC_STiK]

I don't know how they'd respond to it, but if you could get ANY kind of an 8800, go for it. Everything I've heard and seen (benchmark wise) shows the 8800 killing the 8600, especially in DX10, which is why I assume anyone would want to buy an 8600 in any shape or form.

[signmeuptoo]

At first the guy at the company said I would get an 8600 gts, but yesterday I was told it will be a 7950. Either way I will be happy I guess, but the 7950 is a more powerful card according to some guys I have asked. I see on newegg guys are overclocking them to at least 615...

[LC_STiK]

A 7950 isn't too bad of a card, I haven't seen benchmarks b/w it and an 8600, but I've heard that they were better in all aspects than the 8600 except for DX10 which the 7950 doesn't have of course.

BTW, I bet nVidia or ATI could make a killing by making one or two series of DX10 cards for AGP.

[signmeuptoo]

Yuppers, if one of them cornerned the market that is. But the cards might be slightly hampered by the AGP bus capacity I suppose.

[signmeuptoo]

GUYS I HAVE A QUESTION:

This 7950GT card I am getting: Will it use more than the 7900GT CO I was using, because my current supply is only a 430 watt True Power Trio and I read that the manufacturer requires a minimum supply of 450 watts. I figure I am fine and that they are basing that on cheaper supplies, but what do you think?

I am running 2 HDs (hope to run 3 HDs soon), 1 Optical, 2 Sticks RAM, DFI board, 4800 Toledo, SB Audigy w/front bay box, 10 usb devices, 4 fans.

[LC_STiK]

I think you should be fine with that. Don't know much about the 7900 or the 7950, but have you tried OCing the 7900 and unlocking pipes on it? If you haven't and if it has pipes that can be unlocked then that's where your upgrade should be probably.

[Hostile]

I RMA'd one of my evga 7900GTs today and they made no mention of me receiving anything other then a replacement 7900GT.

[signmeuptoo]

I lucked out, except, well, if this video card is somehow defective and is why my supply blew, maybe I didn't luck out, heh... I'll see when I get the Enermax. Man, I've been without my PC like at least 3 weeks now, its a drag not having it, I sure hope the new supply and card work just fine, I will be happy as all get out!

I think the 7950GT does use more amps than the 7900GT CO, so that might be what pushed the possibly defective Antec over the line. Since this is the second Antec to die I think I will be trying to avoid their products a little bit. I know that isn't necessarily rational, but twice burned, thrice shy...

[JEDIYoda]

I RMA'd one of my evga 7900GTs today and they made no mention of me receiving anything other then a replacement 7900GT.

why would they??

[signmeuptoo]

They evidently don't know what they are sending a person until the very time of exchange out. Their supplies are evidently always changing as to what they have available to send. Some are getting 8600 GTs and some 7950 GTs and it used to be some got updated 7900GTs/GT COs. I sort of lucked out getting a 7950GT according to performance, what everyone seems to tell me.

I won't know how it does until I get the new supply installed and I am full of anticipation. One month without a PC is too long.

[LC_STiK]

I feel your pain, mine was gone a full month and a half before I got everything fixed. One thing would die, and then another right when I got a replacement in. It was a huge drag.

[Per Hansson]

7950 is just a 7900 with higher clocks, you will be fine, it only draws a few watts more...

[signmeuptoo]

Actually, the very moment I popped the 7950GT into the system and hit the switch the Antec blew up!

I am using Jonny's tested Infiniti and it works fine, so I know it isn't the brand new card. I am taking a break from Antec for a while, when I send in this supply and get the replacement, I'm selling it for a fair price, and I'll tell the buyer why I am selling it (I believe in full disclosure).

I know the Trios are supposed to be good, what, tier 3, right? Well, mine sure wasn't, so I don't know, but two bad supplies in a row, I mean, gee wiz.

[Per Hansson]

Heh, sorry, didn't see this page of replies too :o

But anyways, must have been a defective Antec, no reason to blow up if the load is too high, the OCP should just kick in and power it off safely...

Caps leaking maybe?

[signmeuptoo]

Yeah, maybe. I'll ask them. I'd open it, but I need the replacement to sell!