Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question

6100 vs GF3 vs GF5200

Tags:
  • Graphics Cards
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
Share
May 8, 2006 5:45:11 AM

I would like everyone to please share their expertise on the following:

I have a computer that is mainly used for Office-type apps and photo editing. I want to upgrade the CPU and motherboard for $200. I am planning to go with a Skt939 A64 3000+, which I will overclock.

Now here's my dilemma. I also like to use this computer for some older LAN games like UT and UT2004. The spare video cards that I have are a GeForce3 AGP and a GF FX 5200 AGP. The Biostar TForce4U is an nForce4 Ultra chipset with an XGP slot that should take my AGP cards. So, these are the options I am looking at:

1. Biostar TForce4U w/ GeForce3
2. Biostar TForce4U w/ GF FX 5200
3. A motherboard w/ GeForce 6100 onboard (what brand do you recommend for best overclocking?)
4. A motherboard w/ GeForce 6150 onboard (what brand for best oc?)

So basically it comes down to - how will these graphics solutions compare to each other? If the onboards are the way to go, please give your recommendations for brands and models. I have set of 2x512MB PQI Turbo ram that I will be using.

Thanks, everyone, for your input.

More about : 6100 gf3 gf5200

May 8, 2006 6:56:57 AM

I would suggest a 6150+430 southbridge from a good manufacturer or a decent nF4 or nF4U motherboard and a $30-$40 PCI-E VGA to hold you over until you can upgrade.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&ty...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E1681...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E1681...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E1681...

The FX 5200 is not very good, plain PCI-E is the way to go and the 6150 is as close to an nForce4 motherboard as you can get.

The Biostar TForce4U Socket 939 seems nice but there are too many reports of problems with the onboard LAN, USB ports and the XGP slot is not compatible with all AGP cards.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E1681...
May 8, 2006 7:17:19 AM

The GF3 is faster than the FX
Related resources
a b U Graphics card
May 8, 2006 7:50:51 AM

to put it bluntly

Onboard - onboard takes up system ram and ram bandwidth so graphics, but less overall system performance etc (no great loss) but dont expect miracles in performance.

GF3 Ti - Great, fast performance, NO DX9 so BattleField 2 wont work at all and newer games wont look as good.

GF FX5200 - Games (especially newer games) will look better and perform slower, but can run DX9 games, so more support and no adverse effects on ram etc.

Id sadly pick the FX5200 (i do BTW own a Ti4200 and its still quicker then my FX5600 in games like Earth2160), but if it was me id wait, not get AGP based and save up some more cash for atleast a 6600GT and PCIe based board.
May 8, 2006 7:59:09 AM

Interesting suggestions :-D

I would actually reluctantly recommend:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E1681... $65.00
+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E1681... $38.00 ($28.00 after rebate)
+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E1681... $114

total $217+S&H before rebate

$207+S&H after rebate


The 6200TC actually beats the FX 5900 is some benchmarks or scores slightly lower.

It's performance is terrible but it will hold you over until you have save up for a 6600GT or something similar from ATI.


If you can wait a little while AM2 which launches on the 23rd of this month should push 939 prices a little bit lower so you should be able to get these parts a little bit cheaper.
!