Nvidia 8600GT 512Mb ????

[TSR2]

No Tony! (Your going in circles matey )

DX9 and DX10 don't conflict they are different and your on XP so forget about DX10. DX is an opperating system component. DX9 with WinXP DX10 with Vista.

DX10 will run DX10 or earlier, so if someone has Vista, all of there old DX stuff still works, if you have a game in Vista that is DX10 enabled, it will be able to make use of those enhancements in DX10. If not, it runs in DX9 mode, no conflicts.

Forget DX10... you can't download it or install it, the only way you can get it is if you change to Vista, its part of the OS.

Yes in will run in XP... just download the drivers from http://www.nvidia.com.

[airboatr]

running XPsp2 here and it runs nicley Tony
DX9
FS9
8600gt

[tonymadge]

thanx guys I was getting dizzy in that circle Ok I may jump for that board £67 which seems good price! Also looking at upping my memory to 2gb from 1gb just to give the systema boost, the cpu is a AMD 3800 so thats ok for now, just means opening the beast up and changing the setting board from a SLI to single card but it looks easy enough!

[Charlie Bravo]

Hold fire Tony!

I've just read a few reviews on the 8600GT and I wouldn't upgrade to it from a 7600GT. There just isn't enough of a performance increase.

Just read another 8600GT review on Anandtech and they say the following:
For users who own 7600 GT, 7900 GS, or X1950 Pro hardware, we can't recommend an upgrade to one of these new parts. Even though new features and higher performance in a few applications is better, there's not enough of a difference to justify the upgrade.

Also you say you are looking at buying a 512mb card. Most of the 512mb 8600GT cards use slower 800Mhz DDR2 RAM compared to the superior 1400Mhz DDR3 RAM the 256mb cards have. More RAM isn't always better if it's slower.

If you really want an 8600 based card, spend an extra £9 and get this one.

[tonymadge]

Oh bugga///// I have a GT6600 128Mb card.. I am hoping to see a big jump as its the same DDR ram. so will it be woth it?? airboatr seems to think so? he has a similar or had a similar card.

[Charlie Bravo]

Oops, my fault, i didn't read your message properly and I've been comparing the 8600GT to the 7600GT. Just had a quick look at 6600GT/8600GT comparisons and I still wouldn't get an 8600GT, especially a 512mb model. Go for the one I posted above. For an extra £9 it's worth it mate.

With regards to the RAM speed issue.... 256mb of 1400Mhz DDR3 is going to have better bandwidth than 512mb 800Mhz DDR2 so the extra RAM is a waste of time in my opinion.

[tonymadge]

where is the one you mentioned for sale? Been looking on ebay at 7800GTX's as well

[airboatr]

go with the fastest numbers you can get

as for my answer to the question you asked is.
i like mine I'm very happy with my system
performance per dollar
kind of a thrust to weight ratio
...................... how long do you need that string to be mate?

the question from me is what was it about the 8600 that was interesting
enough for you to ask about it here....

you do have to take into consideration the other hardware in your case
to fit the best upgrade Tony ,
and if you stick a real big card into it you may have to up the power supply

balance
speed that satisfies
and the cost for it.

[Charlie Bravo]

It's on OcUK here

Just been looking at 7800GTX info. They are quicker than both the 8600GT/GTS cards but they are also much larger and require more power.

Be aware that the 8600GTS cards require a PCI Express power connector from the PSU whereas the 8600GT doesn't. If you just want an 8600GT and an easy life go for this one priced at £56.

Off to bed now as my alarm is going off in 3.5 hours for work |-)

[tonymadge]

Cheers guys for the replies.
Ok I am after replacing the twin GT6600GT 128mb cards I have in SLI, I only use the system in non-SLI mode hence one card is wasted. I have in mind the 8600 card simply as it looks agood replacement for the one I have with DDR3 memory and 256Mb it should run ok, I assume CB that the GTX power supply issue and this extra plug... is that already on my powersupply or do I need an adapter??
airboatr I am grateful for your input its nice tyo speak to someone who has a similar card and replaced it to this type. I guess if your happy then I shall be