Should I get this cheap Quadro FX 3700?

[manyee]

I am planning to build my first desktop on November 2008 this year but currently I got a chance to buy an Nvidia Quadro FX 3700 now for ($450) half of retail price (it's an OEM pulled out from a new Dell Precision workstation).

 

My purpose for this desktop is to use it for AutoCAD 2009 3D, Sketch Up, Revit Architecture and maybe some casual games like Warhammer or maybe Crysis if I have time .

Well mostly I'll be using it for work at home so let's put gaming as second option.

 

So my question is, do I really need this High End card for my work or is it overkill? Should I just get a cheaper card like Nvidia 8800 instead and save my money for something else?

Or should I just wait until November to buy all of my parts at once in case there will be a price drop?

 

I want to build a system that can last for at least 3 years and upgradable in the future.

 

Can anyone please help me with this?

Thanks a lot.

[tzframpton]

If you can afford it, then I would grab it. Forget the games though...

 

Here are some reviews on NewEgg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133218

[manyee]

Well, my main concern is whether I really need it or not.

So I'm thinking if this is a good investment or not for the next 3 years.

I'm not so advanced in 3D yet but moving there.

If I will need this, then yes I can afford it but if not necessary, I might just stay with cheaper option.

[tzframpton]

No you don't "need" it. You will still be able to do plenty in 3D without it, the only thing you will lack is the higher framerates, real time shadows, real time mapping, etc. Any good gaming card will offer enough punch to get the job done.

[manyee]

Thanks, StykFaCe

 

So what would be your best suggestion for a good desktop graphic card that will give the best bang for the buck?

 

Thanks again.

[tzframpton]

Depends on your budget. What's the exact dollar you want to spend? Then I'll do a little Newegg'ing for ya.

[manyee]

I'm trying to stay under $1000 for the desktop only (can stretch a little bit if it's worth it)

I will set aside another budget for monitor, keyboard, etc.

Thinking to use Intel Quad Core. I notice that Intel E6600 is a good deal right now. Or is there a better option?

 

 

Thanks a lot

[tzframpton]

Well, I don't want to piece out your entire computer for you. Pick all the rest of the parts, and let me know exactly what dollar amount (or a range of min & max) you want to spend for your video card. They start at $30 and go up to $2,500 - all in between. You have got to give me a number.

 

If not, go with an nVidia chipset with the 8000 series GPU or higher. for ATI get a 3000/4000 series for the price.

[manyee]

I'm hoping somewhere around $250 for graphic card.

Is it better to get a low end Nvidia Quadro FX or something like GeForce 8800GT / 9800GT?