Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > Video Card Recommendation
Ask the community Add a reply
Word :    Username :           
 
GabeGT   11-22-2007 at 09:36:34 PM

I have a pentium 4 3.2
with a PCIexpress slot
its a Dell purchased in 2004

looking to play RTS type of games

Thanks.

Add a reply
Sponsored Links
Register or log in to remove.
Cleeve   11-22-2007 at 09:39:06 PM
- 0 +

How much do you have to spend?

If you have about $100 I'd go for a radeon 2600 XT. If you have a few bucks more, an X1950 PRO can be had in the $130 range, and it's alot better.

I wouldn't spend more than that on your platform, your CPU will limit you a bit. Indeed, if you want to play an RTS like Supreme Commander, you're really going to want a dual-core processor...

------------------------------ Cleeve
Hardware Editor, Tom's Hardware Guide
 Reply to Cleeve
GabeGT   11-22-2007 at 10:12:25 PM
- 0 +

Thanks for the information, 150.00 or less I would be willing to spend.. Yeah I know Supreme Commander is out of the question...

Reply to GabeGT
Cleeve   11-22-2007 at 10:15:59 PM
- 0 +

X1950 would be the best for your cash, however your Dell PSU might have a bit of trouble pushing something with that much draw.

The 2600 XT would be a safe bet as far as power goes.

------------------------------ Cleeve
Hardware Editor, Tom's Hardware Guide
 Reply to Cleeve
Cleeve   11-22-2007 at 10:40:07 PM
- 0 +

itotallybelieveyou wrote :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102094



I'd probably spend the extra $7 for the higher clockspeeds of the PRO instead of the GT:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102061

------------------------------ Cleeve
Hardware Editor, Tom's Hardware Guide
 Reply to Cleeve
GabeGT   11-22-2007 at 10:49:51 PM
- 0 +

Thanks I think I will go with the 1950pro....

Reply to GabeGT
Cleeve   11-22-2007 at 11:01:19 PM
- 0 +

Are you sure your power supply will handle it? I'm guessing you're not sure...

------------------------------ Cleeve
Hardware Editor, Tom's Hardware Guide
 Reply to Cleeve
nurn   11-22-2007 at 11:07:45 PM
- 0 +

If Power Supply is an issue, spend a few more bucks on a 3850, it hardly sucks any juice at all, and performs mightily.

Reply to nurn
Cleeve   11-22-2007 at 11:16:41 PM
- 0 +

I don't know if I'd bother pairing up a 3850 with a Pentium 4 3.2.
Then again, a 3850 would be a better card if he upgrades his platform...

------------------------------ Cleeve
Hardware Editor, Tom's Hardware Guide
 Reply to Cleeve
GabeGT   11-23-2007 at 12:05:47 AM
- 0 +

I read on another forum someone with a similar dell and it ran fine... Right now I do not intend on upgrading, my only other question I have is, is it worth it to get the 512mb version?

Reply to GabeGT
Cleeve   11-23-2007 at 12:09:00 AM
- 0 +

The 512MB version will let you use higher-detailed texture settings in games that support it, but it won't give you higher framerates in general.

If that's worth it, it's up to you.

------------------------------ Cleeve
Hardware Editor, Tom's Hardware Guide
 Reply to Cleeve
nurn   11-23-2007 at 12:16:02 AM
- 0 +

I think 512MB would only make a noticeable difference if you played at resolutions greater than 1600 x 1200.

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to nurn
Evilonigiri   11-23-2007 at 12:35:01 AM
- 0 +

nurn wrote :

I think 512MB would only make a noticeable difference if you played at resolutions greater than 1600 x 1200.


True, but when games like stalker and COD4 requires a ton of memory, even at low res. A 8800GTS 320mb loses to the 640mb at 1280x1024 because of it's halved memory.

------------------------------ "Nvidia, the Way It's Meant to be PAID Played! - Corrado
*Lesbian Lover Club* - founder Assman
 Reply to Evilonigiri
Silver Graphics badge TheGreatGrapeApe   11-23-2007 at 02:45:54 AM
- 0 +

The main thing is the things that benefit more memory (hgiher resolutions, larger textures) don't really play well to this level of card. If it's no cost as in price or memory speed, then hey bigger will help a tiny bit. However I'd rather have faster 256MB memory at this level of card than slower 512MB.

------------------------------ You need a license to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp (or internet account) - RED GREEN. GA to SK
HD Freedom: 45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
 Reply to TheGreatGrapeApe
GabeGT   11-23-2007 at 10:47:41 PM
- 0 +

Thanks for the great info 256mb it is then and it will save me some money too

Reply to GabeGT
Ask the community Add a reply
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > Video Card Recommendation
Go to:

There are 1300 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Forum map
Bestofmedia Forum ©
2000-2009 Bestofmedia Group
Page generated in 0.982 seconds
Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
Sponsored links
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them
How do I win badges?