Having 2nd thoughts about my choice of video card.

I recently built my son a new gaming PC:

AMD 64 3400+
1 Gig Dual Channel memory
Audigy 2

I built this system using a BFG 6600 GT OC that I purchased from Best Buy (hold the boos please). This card's fan isnt turning so I have to return it for something else.

Now, I paid $250 for this card and I realise this was too much to give for it. My question is with his system specs would I be better off getting a 6800 NU like this:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-130-202&depa=0

And look into unlocking the pipes and maybe doing a little OC or just stick with the 6600 GT.

Just curious on what would be the better solution for the long haul.

 

Well the 6600GT and 6800NU are about the same preformance wise, but if you unlock the card it whoops the GT's A$$. Specs look good for both cards, maybe a slight bottle neck if you unlock 6800 from your CPU.

 

On an AMD 64 3400+?? I don't think so...

 

lol.... 3400 bottlenecking a 6800nu!!!

 

I appreciate the responses. I am going with the 6800nu and going to unlock the pipes and OC it a bit.

My next question would be is the NV5 the better cooling solution since I plan on pushing this card?

http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...=2052&osCsid=78322ff25c80a7adf1c2078a43b17bd4

 

I'd get the 6800nu over the 6600 gt anyday-even if u dont plan on unlocking the pipes or oc'ing it. I'm not saying the 6600 is a bad card by any means, but the 6800nu has a bit more power, and IF you do decide to unlock those pipes, forget about it, u have a nice boost over the 6600gt and actually start crawling closer to the 6800 gt in performance. ( Please dont read this and think I said it willl be as fast as a 6800 gt, it wont, but it will be closer to a 6800 gt in speed than a 6600 gt with those unlocked pipes)

EDIT: And let me just say, I wish I had a dad who built me an aweome system. Keep it up pops, your alright in my book.

 

def. grab a nv5 if u plan on ocing and unlocking those pipes!

 

Heh, thanks. He is 15 and getting very close to driving so had to figure out some way to keep him home more often

 

All parts ordered, should be here near end of week.

I wanna thank everyone for the help, you guys are a wealth of info

 

just be aware that sometimes the pipes don't unlock. I still rate the 6800 better than the 6600 though, sepecially if AA and AF are applied

 

good gpu + heatsink

Get urself a 6800nu(better even a 6800GT) and a nv5 if u plan to oc and unlock the pipe'z

 

I went with the EVGA 6800 :

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-130-202&depa=0

And the NV5 cooler and hope the pipes unlock and can push it a little

 

Good luck. I've been lovin my 6800 and I guarantee no regrets.

 

Do you adopt?


... and there's 5 of us ; )


Happy gaming with your son dad.

Lex (dad of 3)

 

i say the 6800nu is the best choice. wasn't desappointed with mine even though i couldn't unlock the pipes, but now i switched to a pci-e 6800nu that doesn't have the extra pipes or vertex shaders kicking the a$$ out of the agp 6800nu and even some 6800GTs