7600 GT or x850 XT

[yog]

I am currently looking at a new rig and here is what I have so far.

Epox EP9PA3 Ultra
A 64 3500+
Corsair TWINX2048-3200C2PT 2GB Kit
Antec Sonata II case

All on water. I will be getting a new video card too and not sure if I should go with the sapphire x850 xt or the evga 7600 GT

the x850 has 16 pipes, 256 bit memory interface, and runs at 520/1080.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16814102505

the 7600 GT has 12 pipes, 128 bit interface, but runs at 580/1500.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16814130283

Those are the only major differences I can see. Which would be a better card?

[Fronic]

I had the same decision to make, I chose the 7600GT. Benchmarks are higher, does better in games with eye candy (maxed out Farcry and it's smooth as silk), will last you longer...

If you're looking at Oblivion though nothing but SLI with dual 7900GTXs or GTs will do REALLY well in that game. Although at 1024x768 with most everything set to high, Bloom and AA set to 2 it runs at 35 to 45 fps. Sometimes it dips a little below 30, but after looking at the benchmark using Oblivion and top of the line cards (1900XTX) you're going to be experiencing the same thing with just about any card.

Also, make sure your PSU has at least 18A on the 12v+ rail, otherwise you will have to downclock your card. Mine has 16 (400w Fortron) and I'm running downclocked core but overclocked memory (550/850 vs 580/750 eVGA).

[openwheelracing]

7600GT. This comparison has been discussed over and over due to price similarities. At the end the 7600GT come out on top as a better buy.

[Internal]

The 7600GT has Shader Model 3 support.

The x850xt has more horse power though but onyl SM2 support which is starting to be a pain with the newest games.

[yog]

I went with the EVGA 7600GT KO. I went with it because it had great reviews and I got a deal on it and my RAM, plus a got a free game from newegg with it. I am very happy with it so far but I only have been using it for a couple of days and haven't played any games on it so far.

[Special7]

Good choice, the 7600GT is a better card. :)