So i decided.

[Maitai]

My specs:

CPU Type Intel Pentium 4E, 3000 MHz (15 x 200)
>>
>> Motherboard Name Intel La Crosse D865GLC
>>
>> 1024MB ddr400 SDRAM
>>
>> An encer 300w psu
>>
>> ATI Radeon 9600Pro 256MB card

I decide to maybe go for an asus 7600gs 256mb silencer.

I just started playing call of duty 2, but my ati struggles realy, realy hard on even average settings.

So: Just how far advanced is the 7600 gs from my radeon 9600 pro?Will this make a very big difference at all for games like this and medieval 2: Total war?

I don't have the xtra $200 for a proper pci-e mobo and ne memory. Otherwise i could get a 8600 gts for $20 more than the 7600 gs. So will this gs make a huge difference and make my gaming a lot more enjoyable in terms of frame rates for combat flight sims and also detail levels in gaming in general. But i mean that it should be something very noticable.

 

[blade85]

ummm....cod2 is really quite demanding in dx9 mode....and walk over in dx7 mode.

the 7600gs may not be a big upgrade, though it will be a upgrade non the less. Perhaps you should have tried the 7600GT??

have you checked the reviews on those cards? cause i havnt so i dont know how good they will be on cod2.

 

[djcoolmasterx]

7600GT is great for COD2. I can max out quality settings fairly easily.

 

[lfranklin]

Still on AGP I see. I was in the situation of needing to buy a better AGP card about two months ago. I saw the AGP prices compared to PCI-E prices and said screw AGP and upgraded everything. Although it was a little easier for me at the time to move on because I only had an Athlon 64 3000+.

Anyways, I think 9600 Pro to 7600 gs or gt would be noticeable. I went from a 9550 AGP to a 7900 PCI-E and it felt like I met the love of my life!

But double check the power specs for whichever 7600 you get and make sure your PSU can push it. Also, I noticed you may be dwelling in a Micro-ATX case (as lead by your MB). If so, some 7600s may not fit inside your case.

 

[Shadow703793]

Better yet if you can upgrade the Motherboard and the CPU especially after the price cuts in July.

 

[Rabidpeanut]

You should go for something better than the 7600. You will be able to run COD on high but without nice bells and whistles like AA or good res. So WAIT and then upgrade properly. Plus with dx 10 looming don't get a 7 series...

 

[kaotao]

The 7600GS is a lot better than the 9600pro. You won't be able to go any higher than that with your current PSU. The 7600GS requires less power than it's ATI rival (X1650pro), but IMO your going to be pushing it with your current PSU.

 

[Rabidpeanut]

You might make an x1900pro instead of the 7600.... and it is a lot better.

 

[f61]

Yup, you're at that point where you have to toss the 350 Power Supply.
Upgrades aren't what they used to be.

f61

 

[Maitai]

What does higer resulution really do?
Ok, this is what i'm doing:

My whole upgrade is going to cost me about $300.
I'm upgrading to a 430w cooler master psu, i'm getting a 160gb external hard drive (because i don't have space left on my 80gb hdd), onto wich i am installing all my games.
And then there's the card.

I can get an 8600gt for only $50 more than the 7600, but i don't have the +- $150 on top of 300 to upgrade my mobo. And from my experience with things, u change one, u have to change a lot more, like one said : the cpu.
And who knows what next.

My psu has 12amps on the +12v rail. If the 7600 gt will run on that, i'll take the psu money and add it to the card to buy the gt, If the gt will make an even more huge difference.Better yet, i should take some of my leave pay and stick it into the gt and upgrade the psu, now that i come to think of it.

My only real very big upgrade will be probably in 18/24 months building a whole new system for $200-$2500.

So I just need this 7600 gs to run my games better, mainly pacific fighters, IL-2, m2tw,cod2 and lock on.

I take my leave very soon and i plan to play, and play....
Higher than 1024x768 i don't really go,except for the flight sims, as it's only there that i see a real difference regarding objects in the distance.

I can get the 7600gt for $40 more, depending on how i get out this month, then i'll do it, otherwise the 7600 gs. But if it's going to be a waste,i'd rather leave it.