As I’ve mentioned before, I’m getting a new system to support the next generation (and hopefully beyond) of computer games.
Well, the video card I had originally ordered (the nVidia GeForce 6800 Ultra Express, 256MB DDR3) is hopelessly backordered, so in the interest of getting my computer before Half-Life 2 comes out (not to mention actually enjoying my copy of Doom 3), I’ve jumped ships.
Yes, that’s right folks, I have gone over to “the dark side”. (Perhaps I should have mentioned ATI vs. nVidia in the geek debates I wrote about earlier today.)
I had originally selected the nVidia card because of its more robust support for OpenGL-based games and a preference (familiarity?) with the Detonator/ForceWare driver line. I knew the ATI card would have a slight performance advantage for most DirectX games, but I figured that the OpenGL-based Doom 3, Quake 4, and games from iD licensees would likely be the games I’d be more into. Plus, I have heard horror stories about some of my favorite games that I’ve played effortlessly on my nVidia hardware being, to use a polite euphemism, less than 100% compatible with the Catalyst drivers for ATI cards.
However, Desiree’s (admittedly old-ish) nVidia 4600Ti recently conked out on her, causing random intermittent reboots. (Driver problems were ruled out and the problem stopped when the card was replaced with an older one.) Plus, while Doom 3 is by all accounts impressive as a technology display (I wouldn’t know - I use a 4600Ti currently as well), most reviewers have not given it high marks for gameplay.
My decision was made easier by the fact that I’ve found fun in some unexpected places - I have really been playing a lot of Joint Ops - and I realized that a good game can come from anywhere, not just an iD licensee. Most developers are going to opt to use DirectX due to the low barriers to entry. While OpenGL is technically superior (never doubt the Carmack when it comes to 3D programming), Microsoft is continually making it more and more compelling (and easy) to use DirectX - especially when you’re not trying to crank out the extreme performance of an FPS because you’re making games in other genres I like just as much, like RTSs and MMORPGs.
And, oh yeah, Half-Life 2.
So my new baby will be sporting an ATI Radeon x800 XT PCI-Express, 256MB DDR3. I guess it was time for a change!