I'm thinking about buying a new PC. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but an upgrade from my current laptop is becoming necessary.

The computer I'm thinking about buying, has a Nvidia graphics card, the 8600 GS. I tried to find useful information on it (performance, cost-quality,...), but I haven't succeeded in finding the info I need. Can somebody help me?

Also, what's up with this GDDR3? I read something about it, but don't quite know the deal. Everything on the computer is DDR2. Is that good enough?

That's the lowest end Nvidia DX 10 compatable card. Should be fine for most modern games but definatley not 'future-proof' if you demand graphics on max. Nvidia is a good chice, they tend to have fewer driver issues than their closest competitor ATI.

GDDR3 is graphics memory pretty much the standard for all modern cards. DDR2 is RAM which is marginally faster than DDR. You've failed to mention what processor the comp has.

That's the lowest end Nvidia DX 10 compatable card. Should be fine for most modern games but definatley not 'future-proof' if you demand graphics on max. Nvidia is a good chice, they tend to have fewer driver issues than their closest competitor ATI.

GDDR3 is graphics memory pretty much the standard for all modern cards. DDR2 is RAM which is marginally faster than DDR. You've failed to mention what processor the comp has.
Thanks for the answer.

The processor is an intel core duo with Viiv technology, 2,66 Ghz, 4mb L2 cache, 1333 Mhz FSB (E6750). Whatever that all may mean...

Sounds like a solid laptop.

I've got an 8600GT (not GS), which seemed to be the best in its price range in the UK when I bought it recently. I don't know how much the GS differs though.

It's not going to be top of the line (like the 8800), but I imagine it should be fine for most modern games, and ought to be fine unless you are running at the really high resolutions.

That's the lowest end Nvidia DX 10 compatable card.Surely that would be the 8300/8400/8500?

Sounds like a solid laptop.
Huh? E6750 is a desktop processor

Huh? E6750 is a desktop processor
Correct. I was talking about a desktop as a replacement for my old desktop.

The 8600 GS is "OK". If you can afford to pay a bit extra and get an 8800, you probably should.

Here (http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=854&model2=778&chart=298) is a page that provides some rough benchmarks where you can compare different cards.

When are the 9000s coming out? I suspect the price of the 8800 will drop then.

I dont think there's been any announcements on the 9000's so far, so not for a month or two at minimum ( nVidia tends to have a short announce to ship time)

I dont think there's been any announcements on the 9000's so far, so not for a month or two at minimum ( nVidia tends to have a short announce to ship time)

Feb kick off for the high end with a june launch for the mid range.

http://www.digitimes.com/mobos/a20071129PD216.html

I plan on getting an 8800 after the launch of the 9000s. Be a good replacement for my 7800GTX

Feb kick off for the high end with a june launch for the mid range.

http://www.digitimes.com/mobos/a20071129PD216.html

I plan on getting an 8800 after the launch of the 9000s. Be a good replacement for my 7800GTX

I was one day late....Had I said what I said just a day ago, it would be true..

Thanks for pointing out the article though