I'll be building a PC for somebody pretty soon, with around $800 budget without monitor:
2500+
512mb CH-5 pc3200
Nf7-s 2.0
80gb WD SE
Antec 3700 w/ 350watt
And i'm not sure about the video card, he wants to play HL2 alot, since that is what i'll be playing mostly when it comes out, so he wants to be able to play w/ me. He also likes Call of Duty, so that would bring the 5900 SE in.
9600 XT for $150-175 depending on deals, w/ HL2
Or EVGA 5900SE w/ Call Of duty for $188.
Is there any way to tell if the current Nvidia cards will do well in HL2/anything with PS 2.0?? I've read all the articles and about how terrible the 5600-5900 series cards did in HL2. I know the 9600XT would give solid performance in HL2, but all around isn't as fast as the 5900, nor quite as overclockable.
Pretty frustrating, but if he can extend his budget, i'd get him a 9700Pro or Non Pro and take advantage of ATI's deal where any card you buy will come w/ HL2, but you gotta go through their website to get the deal, not sure how though.
Thanks,
Max
2500+
512mb CH-5 pc3200
Nf7-s 2.0
80gb WD SE
Antec 3700 w/ 350watt
And i'm not sure about the video card, he wants to play HL2 alot, since that is what i'll be playing mostly when it comes out, so he wants to be able to play w/ me. He also likes Call of Duty, so that would bring the 5900 SE in.
9600 XT for $150-175 depending on deals, w/ HL2
Or EVGA 5900SE w/ Call Of duty for $188.
Is there any way to tell if the current Nvidia cards will do well in HL2/anything with PS 2.0?? I've read all the articles and about how terrible the 5600-5900 series cards did in HL2. I know the 9600XT would give solid performance in HL2, but all around isn't as fast as the 5900, nor quite as overclockable.
Pretty frustrating, but if he can extend his budget, i'd get him a 9700Pro or Non Pro and take advantage of ATI's deal where any card you buy will come w/ HL2, but you gotta go through their website to get the deal, not sure how though.
Thanks,
Max