Graphics Upgrade or Trash PC

[g4mble]

Computer specs as follows:

FOXCONN ???? (I can't decifer what model it is, neither can Everest)
Athlon XP 2700+ Barton (333FSB)
1 gig Kingston
BFG GeForce FX 5200 256MB 128-bit on 8x AGP bus


I have been looking around at different video cards and am wondering if I should just go ahead and upgrade to a brand new computer with PCI-e and an Athlon 64 or can I squeeze a little bit more life out of my computer by upgrading the graphics. The card I have been looking at is an Apollo 6800 128MB 256-bit on 8x AGP bus. Will this produce enough of a difference in my framerates in fear, quake 4, and battlefield 2 to justify purchasing it?

More detailed specs on the video card HERE

 

[Reeper]

Definitely upgrade the graphics card - taking into account though that AGP will only go SO far as a bus architecture. I can't help but cast my mind back to the days of VESA Local Bus. But Hey - On the bright side, there's always e-bay when you need to get rid of your AGP stuff later.

There's a WORLD of difference between a 5200 & 6800 - especially at the higher resolutions. In my opinion, it'd be the most worthwhile upgrade you could do on a $180 budget. (5200 sucks at FEAR)

Speaking of budget - What would you be looking to spend on a brand new PCI-E system?

 

[g4mble]

Somewhere in the neighborhood of $500-600 is what I could spend right now, could probably go higher if the price permits a significant increase in performance and it is worth the wait.

 

[Reeper]

Unless you require the absolute tip-top frame rates, I wouldn't bother going for a brand new rig.

Go for the 6800 - buy it, install it, love it.

For the price bracket you're looking at, you could probably get away with upgrading to a 3200+ (O/C'ing to 3700-odd), a decent PCI-E motherboard, and maybe a 6800GT - or even a 7800GT if you're willing to shell out the bit of extra cash?

I'll put together some figures for you - gimme a bit.

 

[g4mble]

Sure thing, and thanks for your help so far.

 

[Reeper]

Athlon 64 - 3200+ Venice - $177.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103602


Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro SLI Motherboard - $103.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128301


Albatron 7800GT - $290 (After Rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814170090


Brings your total Cost to $570 - plus shipping & taxes, should see you through within the limits of your budget. Let me know what you think?

 

[g4mble]

Nice, will definately consider it but my budget is pretty tight and if I can get by on just the video card for a while I would rather do that. But if the video card will just be pretty outdated by the beginning of spring '06 then I might just get the new build.

 

[Reeper]

Guaranteed - the card will give you about a year quite easily.

Personally, in your position, I'd get the card & explore alternative cooling options to squeeze a bit more from the CPU - there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to O/C the CPU to over 3000 spec.

Maybe consider investing in a proper Zalman CPU cooler & some extra 120mm Fans if you want to push the O/C'ing envelope?

 

[pauldh]

XP2700+, 1GB ram, FX5200. The obvious weak link is the FX5200(they stink). I am totally for you just upgrading the video card. 6600GT, that 6800, or if high resolution gaming is desired, go all out for a $250-300 X850XT or AIW X800XT. Your cpu has life left in it, you have enough ram, but the FX5200 must go.

 

[cleeve]

Your CPU isn't really limiting you all that much, but the 5200 is for sure.

Your best quick & dirty bet is to buy an X800XT. You can pick them up for as little as $250 US.

You will see a MASSIVE increase in framerates. You will be able to play the newest games at nice settings.

But if you want to spend that cash you've gotten... a new A64 rig would get you maybe 5 to 10 frames per second in the newest most demanding titles. And offer you an easier upgrade path in the future.

It's up to you if that's worth it or not...

But a 2700+ and an X800XT would be NO SLOUCH.

 

[Coyote]

If $500-600 budget, then reepers suggestion is a good one. It would give you a gfx card upgrade path. I say that cuz I'm getting doubtful we'll see something new/more powerful in AGP.

OTOH, nothing wrong with your current CPU/rig now and a new gfx card will do it wonders. I keep hearing about the ATI x850xt going for around $250 with rebate. If I didn't already have a 6800GT I'd be all over that deal.

EDIT: I'd stay clear of the gfx card you mention in your OP. Get a high-end card with 256MB of DDR3 vid ram. The extra vid ram really helps with the newer titles. Cuts down on stuttering and pauses and alows for higher detail (eye candy )

 

[Reeper]

I'd have to agree with Coyote on that one...

In looking at the 6800GT, the X850 gives you huge kick in comparison... and the only 6800GT AGP available on the market is the Leadtek card - an extremely capable card, but also too expensive for what one's getting.

Now, where to find an X850XT card running an AGP interface???

If you've got the cash to spend, you could go for an X800 series card. (Even though I'll admit to being partial to nVidia, but we won't go there).

Found something that looks like an awesome card to have - so awesome that I'm seriously looking into getting my hands on one.

ATI All-In-Wonder X800XT VIVO
256MB RAM, 256-bit, full VIVO facilities, 16 Pixel Pipelines
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102492

It outclocks not only the 6800GT, but even the 6800 Ultra *gasp* :roll:

Well worth the after-rebate $265...

If you don't need the VIVO though, you'd probably want to spend the same kind of money on an 850XT - provided you can lay your hands on one.

Either which way - you'll get a good feel for the performance potential in the link below. I may just become an ATI convert again...

http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/07/05/vga_charts_vii/page6.html