Looking into buying the EVGA GeForce GT 430 1 GB DDR3 graphics card, a good idea?

Hello. I have a question with a sincere honest answer or opinion.

If I am going from my EVGA GeForce 512 MB DDR3 PCI-E 9600GT Overclocking video card (already 3 years old now since the release of the processor) to the newer EVGA GeForce GT 430 1 GB DDR3 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card (01G-P3-1430-LR) (released in October 2010) result in better graphics than what I have now???

I know the graphics card is more of EVGA 430 series's 'economy' line, but I hear that it is really not bad for the low price. I need to know if it will be a good fit? Will I actual be ahead?

Okay, my video graphics habit implications I know your asking yourself...

A. I have Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. I have 8 GB of RAM.
B. Basically, I am not a true blood gamer. To be honest, I rarely play games with the inherent downloaded Microsoft Games in Windows 7 at times.
C. I am using the DVI connection cable for an (1) older 19 inch Samsung SyncMaster 930B LCD Monitor.
D. I do alot of photo and video editing with the latest Corel and Adobe professional products plus other like-products.
E. I use the "highest screen" resolution AT ALL TIMES (1280 x 1024). I never switch out to a lower resolution.

Okay, any issues you see here I may have with my habits?

Based on the EVGA GeForce 430 GT line compared to the GeForce 9600 GT line, where am I ahead? ...where am I regressing?

Please reply.

Thank you!

 

Hmm, based on your screen resolution and PC usage, I'm not sure you'd actually notice much of an improvement.

Why don't you set GPU-Z to run for a few days set to logging and switch to it to check the current and max usage of the various readouts whenever you have a few minutes? Check through the logs every few days to gain an overall feel for how it's coping.

I don't see much point in upgrading for performance reasons if your current card is being stressed less than say 65% under a normal working load.

If you feel the need for a newer card, why don't you look for one based on lower power consumption or lower noise output? Or search out a workstation card that's better optimised for the type of usage you've given.

Or if it's just money you need to spend I think extra real estate in the form of a second monitor might increase your productivity.

 

Hello satrow!

Thanks for your input. So you do not see a real difference then? Yes, maybe in terms of system performance? They may be close, don't specifically know that. However about about any differences in technological advancements? I would think the newer card I mentioned would be able to support more of the driver technoloiges that mine may have a difficult time trying to use?

Your thoughts?

Please reply.

Thanks!

 

Well, I've done a little more looking around and I see that the 9600 has 2x the memory bandwidth and pixel fill rate compared to the 430. The 430 will draw less power and should be significantly quieter. They're really the biggest Pro's for each card that I can see.

I don't know anything about newer driver technologies that you've mentioned DX and OpenGL are a step up on the 430 though - would they make any real difference to you?

Basically, the 9600 is (was) a fine mainstream gaming card, whereas the 430 seems like a mainstream HTPC (Home Theatre) card. Neither of them are real workstaion cards (mhm, could you replace the firmware of the 9600 and install Quadro drivers?), which presumably, are way too expensive for you.

Comparison page and links to reviews. I looked at the comparisons but not read any reviews.

 

I think Satrow is spot on, buying a card just because it has new "technological advancments" isn't really the best idea.

I'm not sure about their media performance but in games the 9600 is faster than the 430. http://www.guruht.com/2010/10/geforce-gt-430-vs-radeon-hd-5570-vs.html

If you're going to upgrade then save up a bit and get something that will last you.

You've made 7 threads in the last month, with similar themes, if it ain't broke then don't fix it!