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Posted: 05/15/2001 I've been considering upgrading my system with a speedy new 1ghz+ AMD Athlon machine from my current 770mhz P3. The decision is not an easy one to make at all since it would involve a new CPU (of course), a new motherboard and new case since my existing power supply is not AMD approved. The sum of the previous parts would set me back around $450 when all is said and done. The end result would only be a rough 500 point speed increase under 3DBench 2001 graphics benchmark which to me was a lot of money for such a small performance gain. For what I do with my computer - 3D graphics performance is everything so this is where I focus the performance marker for any new system that I would consider. On Sunday I happened to be in Best Buy and low and behold the first batch of GeForce3 video cards by Visiontek were on the shelves. Initially my reaction was "Wow the first batch of GeForce3 video cards are on the shelf already - pity they cost $400+". However, when I examined the tag, it listed the card for $50 off down to $350. Now you add a $100 gift certificate and the GeForce3 would run me $250 - now I was interested. Yes, folks I broke down and purchased the Visiontek GeForce3 for $250 and I must say I've very impressed. My 3DMark 2001 scores almost doubled from my previous GeForce2 GTS system and I only spent $250. I will post my 3DMark scores up on the web site as soon as get a chance. Let me reflect a little on the GeForce3: I've owned every single NVIDIA video processor (expect the GeForce2 Ultra) and by far the GeForce3 is the most impressive release yet. When I purchased the first GeForce video card the results were relatively impressive but it felt like a TNT2-Ultra with a much higher clock speed. Of course there was T&L (transformation and lighting) but it not used very often and it is not easy for developers to use. This is where I sound as if I'm on NVIDIA's payroll but you can be rest assured that I am not and have no affiliations to the company. The new graphics engine (called Infinite FX Engine) on the GeForce3 is simply breathe taking. The new graphics engine on the GeForce3 is fully programmable as if it were a separate CPU - the performance and visual quality has to be seen to be believed. Many of you may not remember when the original 3DFX Voodoo 1 was released for around $300 and will also remember how the first 3D accelerated graphics made your jaw drop. Well I can tell you with the demos that shipped with the GeForce3 will make your jaw drop likewise. If you are asking if new software titles would take advantage of the GeForce3 then let me reassure you by reminding you that Microsoft's upcoming XBOX gaming console sports a variant of the GeForce3. In a nutshell it has been (in my case) since the Voodoo1 that I have been left with such a strong impression and from my perspective it felt that we finally have made a leap in 3D graphics. If you are asking if you should go out and purchase a GeForce3 - the question is not easy to answer. It depends on what you do with your PC. If you enjoy fast 3D graphics and you are not impressed with your current performance/quality of the GeForce2 then you may want to seriously consider upgrading. The 2D quality of the GeForce3 is much crisper and brighter than my older GeForce2 so even users who do not rely heavily on 3D graphics will benefit from the card. Keep in mind the card is not cheap so the question you may want to consider is: "Can I afford it?". In my case it was worth every Dollar since it would have cost me at least $150 more to replace my entire machine and the performance would have only been marginal. If the price does scare you, remember that when the GeForce2 GTS shipped it was well over $300 and now you can find one for around $200. |
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