Graphics Cards

AndyMinx · Post by **AndyMinx** » 09 Jul 2006, 10:59

Hello again everyone!

As well as the digital camera mentioned in another thread I think it's time to upgrade my PC again.

Now here's my system spec as it stands:

ABit KV8 Pro MotherBoard
Athlon 64 3700 Socket 754 CPU
ATi Radeon 9800 Pro 256Mb Graphics
Soundblaster 24Bit sound
120Gb HDD SATA
650W PSU
52X CD-ROM
48X16X8 DVD-RW

Now a while back someone said my Graphics card was the part of that setup which was dragging the rest of it down in performance.
Is that true?
If it is: then would this card be any better?

HIS Excalibur ATI Radeon X1600 Pro ICEQ 512MB DDR2 TV-Out/DVI (AGP) - Retail (GX-055-HT)
The HIS X1600 Series is designed to deliver unparalleled gaming and 3D graphics through 90-nanometer process GPU, its unique ultra-threaded core processing architecture. The new 3D architecture supports Shader Model 3.0, plus a 256-bit ring-bus memory controller and supports up to 512MB GDDR3 RAM. HIS X1600 Series delivers better gaming allowing for new high dynamic range visual effects, enhanced realism with adaptive anti-aliasing and lightening fast performance. The HIS X1600 Series is a perfect option for gaming and digital lifestyle enthusiasts.

- Powered by ATI Radeon X1600Pro - 500MHz
- 512MB-128bit 4 channel DDR2 memory - 800MHz
- 12 Pixel shader processor
- 5 Vertex shader processor
- 8 Geometry Pipelines
- Ultra-threaded SM 3.0 Engine
- 256-bit Ring-bus

Cheers,

Post by **DaveB** » 09 Jul 2006, 11:47

Hi Andy,

This thread wasn't really too out of place in E&S but I've moved it here as it will fall under the auspice of our resident Hardware Guru.. Charlie Bravo

ATB

DaveB :tab:

AndyMinx · Post by **AndyMinx** » 09 Jul 2006, 11:49

Ahh yes you're right there Dave, cheers for that!

jonesey2k · Post by **jonesey2k** » 09 Jul 2006, 16:23

You might want to look at the Radeon X1800XT. They can be had for quite reasonable prices these days.

AndyMinx · Post by **AndyMinx** » 09 Jul 2006, 16:31

Thanks Jonesey but i can only find PCI-E cards using the X1800XT. :sad:

I just can't afford to upgrade my mobo/CPU to that so i'm stuck with AGP8X im afriad.

Is the X1600XT the best I can go on AGP?

Cheers,

Charlie Bravo · Post by **Charlie Bravo** » 09 Jul 2006, 23:10

I was in this exact position only a few months ago.

First off, whats your budget?

You have the same CPU as me and at present and I see no reason to change it.
AMD & Intel both have dual core CPU's available and although I've read good things about them I just don't see them as a must have for the time being. The S754 3700 is a fast chip but your motherboard is holding you back with it's AGP slot.

There are several S754 boards available with PCI-E slots on them. Although you'll have the expense (around Â£40) of buying a new board, you will save money on a graphics card, as AGP cards are dearer than their PCI-E counterparts.

Coming back onto your message about the X1600Pro, these are faster than the 9800Pro but not much as they are crippled with a 128bit memory bus.

Motherboard wise, I would look at the Asrock K8NF4G-SATA2 (which I have) or the Asus K8N4-E priced at Â£32.42 and Â£42.55.

Graphics card wise, I wouldn't consider (on a budget) anything other than an ATI X1800GTO or an Nvidia 7600GT

If you can't afford either of these combo's then I'd save your money until you can.

AndyMinx · Post by **AndyMinx** » 09 Jul 2006, 23:22

I don't have a specific budget but as cheap as possible is best for me!

I sadly don't have alot of cash to play with anymore! :sad:

But thanks for your help yet again CB and I shall now be saving the pennies for a little while before I upgrade! Might wait until MS relese the specs for FSX then decide what exactly to do.

Cheers for your help!

Charlie Bravo · Post by **Charlie Bravo** » 09 Jul 2006, 23:26

No worries mate, anytime