Picking out a new graphics card and RAM

2005-12-26 21:26:30

#1

DriftX: Member; +0|7030

With all the new games coming out, graphic requirements are climbing higher and higher. Some of the night maps on Battlefield 2: SF are pretty choppy, and Doom 3 lighting is killing me. I need a solution.

So...

I've decided it's time for me to get a new graphics card and add on some more RAM. Here's my current setup:

-Shuttle AN35-N Ultra mobo
-AMD Athlon 2600+ XP
-Inno3D nVidia GeForce FX5700LE 128MB AGP8x
-512MB Dual-Channel RAM (256MB x2)
-And some other non-relevant stuff...

For my graphics card, I'm looking for something that is:

-AGP
-nVidia
-Easily overclockable
-Quiet
-Does not produce much heat
-Doesn't take a sh**load of power to run
-Budget: Around $150, I will push it, but no more than $200

For my RAM:

-At least 1GB
-Preferably Dual-Channel
-Nice speeds and latency
-Budget: No more than $120

If I had the money, I would switch to a PCI-E mobo, but now's not the time for me. I'll be replacing my processor soon with one from my brother, a 2500+ XP, but OC'd to 3200+.

Last edited by DriftX (2005-12-26 21:32:21)

2005-12-26 23:09:44

#2

Stoned_Smurfz: The Mushroom Man; +1|7090|Australia

why bother? if your not going to go pci-ex i wouldent get anything.... save some $$ and you can get a better card later

2005-12-26 23:41:24

#3

freebirdpat: Base Rapist; +5|6996

I agree with the Stoned Smurf thats high on mushrooms.

2005-12-27 00:29:04

#4

Maj.Do: Member; +85|6995|good old CA

i agree with the other 2 guys

2005-12-27 01:06:55

#5

Cybargs: Moderated; +2,285|6960

i think he should just upgrade his entire pc... better mobo= better upgrades

https://cache.www.gametracker.com/server_info/203.46.105.23:21300/b_350_20_692108_381007_FFFFFF_000000.png

2005-12-27 21:33:12

#6

DriftX: Member; +0|7030

[sarcasm]Wow, thanks for the help[/sarcasm]

Honestly, if you aren't going to help me with what I specifically asked, don't even bother posting.

PCI-E is better. So what? New top-end video cards like the 7800 are available only in PCI-E. So? I didn't ask for recommendations for the best and greatest cards out there, I asked for something that is AGP and at a budget of $150. That means 6600, 6600LE, 6600GT, and maybe some low-end 6800s. AGP isn't dead yet, and the slightly less-potent AGP counterparts of some cards can be easily balanced out by some overclocking.

2005-12-27 21:36:58

#7

Cybargs: Moderated; +2,285|6960

lol, well get 1gb of kingston ddr400 ram, geforce 6600gt would be the best, as smurf said, if ur not gonna get PCI-E, dont upgrade, save the cash

2005-12-28 02:29:26

#8

Maj.Do: Member; +85|6995|good old CA

exactly ^

2005-12-28 02:40:05

#9

.ACB|_Cutthroat1: No place like 127.0.0.1; +76|6939|Gold Coast,QLD,Australia

save cash and upgrade mobo and gfx card, itll be better in the long run

2006-01-02 05:27:51

#10

-_{MoW}_-Assasin: Member; +13|6972|Australia

if you WERE to, then get a 6600 GT

2006-01-02 05:35:00

#11

SAS-Lynx: Scottish Moderator!!!; +13|7019|Scotland!!!

6800GT, corsair RAM

2006-01-02 05:42:08

#12

gunnaboy: Member; +26|6961

You could pick up a 256mb Leadtek 6600GT for around 200 to 250, and Kingmax 1GB DDR400 for around 130 to 180.

2006-01-02 06:06:15

#13

man_unit: Member; +0|6936

I was in the same boat as you. I needed an AGP card because I don't want to upgrade the entire comp. yet. Besides I think you might also have to upgrade your processor too and that is just more $$$.

I don't know nothing about which RAM is better other than just make sure you match your sticks and configure them properly on the mobo. Most RAM is under $100 for a GB so buy at least 1 gig, you'll needed it.

I got the BFG geforce 6600 OC 256 MB( its factory over clocked 25MHz ). That will probably fit into your price range ( I paid $199 with a $30 mail in rebate at COMPUSA). I can't really say if it is more OC'able or quiet w/o a reference.

I am sure you can find a better deal on the web somewhere and maybe for the GT models. Just be aware that they might require a decent power supply. Mine came with a power cable and I needed to use it to get it to run. I have a 450W that runs 2 ROMs, 3 HDDs, floppy, 1 case fan, and one HUGE (120 mm) fan. I have some PCI cards in there too. I have yet to go outside my tolerences.

2006-01-02 06:22:26

#14

AirForce2076: Member; +1|6985|MN

yeah you gotta buy a new processor if you wanted to upgrade your mobo. there are no socket 478's with pci xpress mobos. Do you think it will be worth buying a 6800GT 256mb agp 8x for $350?

2006-01-02 07:07:52

#15

atlvolunteer: PKMMMMMMMMMM; +27|7015|Atlanta, GA USA

If you can find a 6800GS in AGP, that's what I'd get. I think they run ~$200. They may only come in PCIe though. If not, I would go with a 256MB 6600GT. I have a Leadtek, and I have been pleased with it.

2006-01-02 20:37:30

#16

-_{MoW}_-Assasin: Member; +13|6972|Australia

ya, 6800GS is good, but AGP version isnt officially out yet

2006-01-03 14:50:06

#17

atlvolunteer: PKMMMMMMMMMM; +27|7015|Atlanta, GA USA

I just saw in a Newegg email that AGP versions of the 6800GS will be out soon. I'd wait for that.

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