Q: i currently have a geforce 8600 gt graphics card ....i cant complain it works surprisingly well .....but i wanted to upgrade my graphics card now since im finally not in a budget, directx 11 just got announced and microsoft said that directx 11 will be compatible with cards that support directx 10 BUT there will be certain unannounced features the will required a new graphics card.... should i wait for directx 11 compatible graphics cards are released or should i upgrade now?
A: If you plan on playing games that need the power of a new video card now, and have the budget for it, than you should go out and get it. Waiting for newer technology is a never ending game in the computer world, so there's little point in playing it-when DX11 finally comes out, Microsoft will probably have DX12 ready to go not too long after, or DX11.1 etc. So, instead of waiting forever for the next best thing, you might as well buy something good now and enjoy it. The most advanced cards at the moment (in terms of DX compatability) are from ATI. If you have the cash, consider getting yourself the newly released ATI Radeon HD 4850. It will run circles and then some around your 8600 (and even beat the 9800GTX!), is compatible with DX10.1 and has other goodies onboard like tessellation (which might become part of the DX11 specs). You can find the card for around $165 after rebates if you shop around. Just remember when getting a high end card to make sure your power supply will be up to the task!