As far as graphics cards go, the "state of the art" ones, as far as I can tell, are Nvidia and G-Force. I noticed several specs that affected the price... one being MB of memory (from 256 to 512) and the other a seemingly random number, like 8500, 7200, one even as low as like 1550... could someone explain these numbers to me or perhaps just recommend a good graphics card? Thanks.
2007-08-11 11:48:47 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
Nvidia numbers:
GF 4xxx= obsolete
FX 5xxx= outdated and slow
GF 6xxx= getting old, not good HD video
GF 7xxx= DX9, good for games and HD video
GF 8xxx= DX10, good for games and best for HD video
Memory or videoram: Higher number means bigger size but not necessarily faster.
ddr= slow
ddr2= faster than ddr
ddr3= faster than ddr2 but more expensive
ddr4= very fast and very expensive.
Take note that 256Mb ddr3 would usually beat 512Mb ddr2.
Suggestions:
Cheap= 7300GT ddr3 or 8500GT ddr3
Better= 8600 GT (especially the OC versions)
Awesome= 8800 GTS, GTX or Ultra
2007-08-11 14:07:57 · answer #1 · answered by Karz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually Force is the current name of Nvidia cards. There are GeForce and nForce cards. The numbers like 8500 7200 5500 are series numbers and typically the higher the number the more the features the card has. Currently the 8 (ex. 8800) series is the top of the line but read a few magazines like PCmagazine, Computer Shopper and others to see their reviews. You will sometimes see that some of the lower series cards are better at certain tasks and even a better value. Sure its a bit confusing but keep researching and visit the web sites of the mags I noted here plus the manufacturer's web sites too. Don't forget that ATI is the other big player in the video card biz. Good Luck
2007-08-11 12:08:42 · answer #2 · answered by Brad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
memory is important but the reality is u cant tell a good card by the memory ... u tell by the gpu type and speed and thats how theyre priced .. and u cant tell by series either ... a 7900gtx will tear the backside out of an 8600gt in performance ... once again ... its gpu speed .. a great card would be a 8800gt or gts .. probably the best bang for the buck .. a 7950 wouldnt be bad either .. going to the in-between cards like 8600, 8500 is going to net u a ho-hum performer ... nothing special but will at least play most games ..
2007-08-11 11:55:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. 8*** are better than the lower ones. But you have to have a card that will fit in your slot too. So look for whatever kind you need, and get a good one. Good Luck!!!
2007-08-11 11:56:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With nvidia, thats there series numbers 8***, will be better than 7***,
2007-08-11 11:54:23 · answer #5 · answered by dev12342002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋