To upgrade or not to upgrade

[geokilla]

So I'm looking to upgrade my GPU for around $80 and I'm deciding whether I should go NVIDIA or ATI. I'm leaning to NVIDIA due to their superior folding over ATI, but ATI offers better bang for buck, especially with the recent 4850 that's going on sale at NCIX. What would you guys do in this situation? Keep in mind I'm a casual gamer so I only game occasionally.

I don't need to upgrade as I'm doing fine with my 9600GT. Heck I don't even use my 9600GT except for the time it spends running Folding@Home. I can honestly say that the time I'll spend gaming over the summer won't be much either. I need to think about whether I'd make good use of that new GPU if I was to upgrade, and the fact that I don't own many games legit doesn't help either.

P.S. I found some 8800GT for $80 CAD, and one for around $70 CAD. They're used, but they're from forum members over at HWC.

[DL13]

Hi, why not go with a 9800gt, you all ready have the 9 series drivers and you wont have to wherry about changing drivers.

[stopthekilling77]

Hi, why not go with a 9800gt, you all ready have the 9 series drivers and you wont have to wherry about changing drivers.

Semi-good idea but ehh.. i'm not a fan of "stepping-stone" upgrades. The money spent versus performance gained usually isn't worth it. BUT if you can find a good upgrade like a 9800 GTX+ at a used price that whole "no driver upgrade" thing might be worth it

[Major_A]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814127414
HD 4850 $89.99 after a $20 mail in rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814102822
HD 4830 $79.99 after a $10 mail in rebate.

[hercules71185]

If you brought your limit to $100 you can usually find 4870s in there, if not at LEAST always a 4850 before MIR if you open box or re certify.

[geokilla]

If you brought your limit to $100 you can usually find 4870s in there, if not at LEAST always a 4850 before MIR if you open box or re certify.

You can't find 4870s for $100 in Canada. You can find 4850 for $100 in Canada though.

I'm going to update the drivers later, so whether I get a 8800GT or not doesn't matter. What matters is am I going to need and make good use of this upgrade. At the moment, my 9600GT is serving me VERY well as it spends most of its time folding instead of playing what little games I play.

[Major_A]

You just said it, the card you have now is serving you well.
Also...
http://i2.techpowerup.com/reviews/Sapph ... olding.gif

[DL13]

my 9600GT is serving me VERY well as it spends most of its time folding instead of playing what little games I play.

don't bother upgrading than. The BFG you have is a good card and like Major said you just said it your self.
Use the money for something else.

[geokilla]

my 9600GT is serving me VERY well as it spends most of its time folding instead of playing what little games I play.

don't bother upgrading than. The BFG you have is a good card and like Major said you just said it your self.
Use the money for something else.

I guess I'll stick with my 9600GT for now till I actually game more or need the extra power that the 8800GT provides. It's such a waste to upgrade just for folding.