Hi everyone long time reader first time poster
At this point in time I'm thinking of upgrading my video card
I currently have an x1900xtx and looking for an upgrade under $200
I play games at 1280x1024. Currently I'm looking forward to playing Crysis Warhead and Fallout 3
My psu is a OCZ OCZ600ADJSLI 600W, motherboard is an ASUS P5WD2 Premium,
and my cpu is an intel d950 3.4ghz
I'm open to suggestions obviously whether it is ati or nvdia

X1900 should run at up to medium settings at low resolution with playable fps. But if you want more, you'll have to upgrade. The psu is enough for any single card, single or dual gpu, and some older cf/sli setups, such as 8800gt sli. At the $200 range, there's 4850, 9800gtx, or 9800gtx+.

Performance:
http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] =3341&p=13
http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] =3341&p=14
http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] =3341&p=15
http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] =3341&p=16
http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] =3341&p=17
http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] =3341&p=18
http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] =3341&p=19

Thanks for the quick reply dagger. I see in some games there's a good difference between cards
and then at others there's no notable difference.
So does that mean the purchase comes down to price or is there something else I'm missing?

Personally I'd go with the 4850 for about $150!! Nice upgrade and still have change left over for other upgrades or games later
$170 - $30 MIR = $140!!!
ASUS EAH4850/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

There is some difference, especially if you add another card to the mix later. AMD's crossfire (nVidia SLI) currently is doing well with Intel motherboards. There is more support and Intel isn't pissed at AMD (they are at nVidia) over the licensing of the technology. So I'd stick with AMD GPU's and later when you upgrade your mobo (if you do) to a p45/x38/x48 based motherboard, you'll be able to just add another 4850 and run them in crossfire. Of coarse if your upgrading in a year or so, you'll probably be upgrading to a different chipset, so the point that I'm making now could be moot! Don't know if things will change in the crossfire chipset situation or not, so that is why I'm stating that.

Thanks for the responses. I have another question regarding high temp problems I have been reading about.
My case does provide good airflow as I do not have a problem with my x1900 temp
Will I have to mod the catlyst files to up the fan percentage or should I use some other software
if I do experience too much heat?

At the res you're playing at, temps should never be a problem if you're set on the 4850.

Ok thanks for your help everyone. I'm going to order the asus 4850 from newegg once I get a chance
If anyone has anything else to add I'll be happy to listen(or read)

The x1900xtx that you currently have consumes about 130w max at peak load and the 4850 your getting should be about 110w max at peak load, so your going to use less watts!!! This is good for an aging PSU, since PSU's over time lose their peak output slowly over time.

On the egg today I noticed two different types of coolers on the asus and sapphire versions.
Would one be beneficial over another or are they basically the same?

bump