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2006-06-11 13:45:16
{FRG}-SwissToni
Member
+0|6893
Right, here's the problem:

First off, I've got a wife and kids, so therefore a limited budget.

I currently run a socket 478 3.4Ghz HT CPU with 1Gb (2 X 512) of DDR 3200. This is on a mATX mobo with AGP only. My GPU is a 9600XT, slightly overclocked. I also have a 19" TFT.

I want to keep the CPU and RAM and get the best graphics for max of £180. Do I get a socket 478 mobo (done the research, Asus do one with PCIe x16 for £30) and spend £150 on a GPU (maybe a 7600GT) which leaves me with a slight upgrade path, barring SLI. Or do I spend the full whack on the 7800GS AGP?

I know I should just bite the bullet and build a wicked rig but don't have the dosh. Mind you, I just spent £500 of my 50yr old brother's money on this today:

P4 805 D (overclockable to 3.6Ghz with Zahlman fan-See Tom's Hardware)
Asus P5WD2-E
2 X 512 DDR667
Hiper 580W PSU
Zahlman cooler
7600GT PCIe

And he only plays Unreal. The original Unreal at that....bastard....
2006-06-11 13:47:45
SargeJp
Member
+87|7042|Canada
What kind of games will you run with your PC? and are the kind of people who likes to run everything with max graphics?

Jp
2006-06-11 14:15:50
{FRG}-SwissToni
Member
+0|6893
Well, BF2 of course, Doom 3, Half Life 2 etc.

I don't mind playing single player games without all the eye candy but I find I'm at a real disadvantage in BF2 when I can't see half the map (I have viewing distance set at 100%). It's bad if you're sniping and flying a jet is a nightmare. Helis are better but even then I can't see a jet in the distance until he's put a missile up my arse.

I've just been researching the performance of the 7800GS AGP and it's within a whisker of the 7600GT PCIe.
2006-06-11 17:57:18
SargeJp
Member
+87|7042|Canada
Ok well, If i was you , I would wait for a new video card.( yes I post this in a lot of threads) Because when Windows Vista will comes out, directX10 will make his apparition with it. I currently have a MSI Radeon 9800 pro 128 MB AGP and I can run those game very well. I heard from a computer technician that 9800 pro is twice better than the 9600. But if you say that you cannot see a thing in BF2... well maybe you would get a new mobo and a new video card. But like I said, When Windows Vista will come out with directX10. Everybody will have to buy a new video card that support directX10. That's why I'm waiting.

I hope it helped you.
2006-06-11 18:54:55
unnamednewbie13
Moderator
+2,058|7064|PNW

As OP stated limited budget, I would install 2x1GB RAM before considering a video card upgrade. It will only set you back around the same amount as a small television set. As the price difference between Valuram and the next step up is only about USD$30-$50, I'd have to recommend the next step up. I recommend these modules, if you can get them in your area. The nice thing about memory too, is if you later decide to get a new computer, say in a year, plain old DDR mainboards may be selling for very cheap...which means you can recycle your RAM into a somewhat newer system.

All you really want to do if you're on a budget is to be able to run on full draw distance with little lag. The memory is the best investment. Please be sure your memory is compatible with your mainboard before purchasing.

Last edited by unnamednewbie13 (2006-06-11 18:55:26)

2006-06-11 19:40:48
SargeJp
Member
+87|7042|Canada
unnamed, do you know what you're talking about? RAM won't help for his problem. 1 Go is well enough and that's what I'm using for gaming. I'm happy with it. The only thing I see with his problem is that he needs a new video card problem or he has software problem or spyware etc..
2006-06-12 08:59:22
{FRG}-SwissToni
Member
+0|6893

SargeJp wrote:

I heard from a computer technician that 9800 pro is twice better than the 9600.
Well, I'm afraid he's wrong. It is better, but not a lot and certainly not by twice as much.


SargeJp wrote:

But like I said, When Windows Vista will come out with directX10. Everybody will have to buy a new video card that support directX10. That's why I'm waiting.

I hope it helped you.
Mmmmm. Vista? I loaded that yesterday and it ate 1/2 my CPU and RAM at idle and that was with Vista and nothing else. Scary.
2006-06-12 09:03:31
Cybargs
Moderated
+2,285|7008
wait until conroe, u wont regret
https://cache.www.gametracker.com/server_info/203.46.105.23:21300/b_350_20_692108_381007_FFFFFF_000000.png
2006-06-12 09:25:58
FirePhoenix
Member
+18|6931|hamilton, scotland
on a limited budget id say get yourself some 2gb of value ram, since u dont overclock it wont matter if its branded or value as long as there is 2gb itl be fine for you. Then maybe get yourself a cheapish graphics card. The  x800xt's will run your resolution fine.

cyborg_ninja-117 wrote:

wait until conroe, u wont regret
while i personally will be getting a conroe, i dont think this guy wants to do a system overhaul so not a choice unfortunately.

Last edited by FirePhoenix (2006-06-12 09:27:03)

2006-06-12 09:31:09
Cybargs
Moderated
+2,285|7008

FirePhoenix wrote:

on a limited budget id say get yourself some 2gb of value ram, since u dont overclock it wont matter if its branded or value as long as there is 2gb itl be fine for you. Then maybe get yourself a cheapish graphics card. The  x800xt's will run your resolution fine.

cyborg_ninja-117 wrote:

wait until conroe, u wont regret
while i personally will be getting a conroe, i dont think this guy wants to do a system overhaul so not a choice unfortunately.
cheapest conroe i mean 186 bucks on par w/ 500 bucks amd cpu..
https://cache.www.gametracker.com/server_info/203.46.105.23:21300/b_350_20_692108_381007_FFFFFF_000000.png
2006-06-12 09:33:41
SargeJp
Member
+87|7042|Canada
Mmmmm. Vista? I loaded that yesterday and it ate 1/2 my CPU and RAM at idle and that was with Vista and nothing else. Scary.
You loaded Vista yesterday? Yes probably but it's the beta version so we will have to wait for new features...

 

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