1950pro or 2600xt

Hi,

I would like to upgrade from an ATI 9600pro to another AGP card, before I upgrade the rest of the system.

I have read that the ATI 1950pro card is the best one for AGP, but it has no support for DX10.
With support for DX10, I like the ATI 2600xt, but I read its performance is far from 1950pro.

The prices I've found (in Spain):
- 1950pro: 147€
- 2600xt: 99€

I know the 1950pro is better and it's worth the price difference, but I dont know if its lack of DX10 support will shorten its life too much. What would you do?

Thanks in advance.
Rob.

yeah I like Frozen's idea.

I vote 1950pro as it is more powerful than the 2600XT. You will not use DX10 with that card on games since it is so demanding. I vote save your pennies and get a 3850 which would be a far better investment. What do they run in your area?

The X1950 pro is much better with FSAA. Without FSAA the 2600XT often keeps up with it. So while the X1950 pro > 2600XT, it is not worth 50% more IMO. Forget about DX10, just weigh out performance for the money. If you really like FSAA, get the X1950 pro or wait on the 3850. If you never use fsaa, then grab the cheaper 2600XT.

My system specs are:

• ABIT AI7
• P4 2.6GHz
• 2x1GB GEIL PC3200
• Sapphire Radeon 9600pro 128MB
• SB Audigy
• LG 20" M203WA
• PSU 300W
• Windows XP pro

The PSU has 300W, and 15A on the 12V rail.

Will this be enough for any of the cards we're talking about?

Thanks.

PS: Is the 3850 going out on AGP? I can't find it here in Spain.

The power supply should be replaced with any of these cards. And yes, the 3850 AGP should be out within weeks. Actually some people have already been able to buy them. Sapphire, Powercolor, GeCube, and Club 3D all have announced theirs already.

I still have an IS7 / P4 2.6C system. Best card I had in it was a 6800U. I agree with you this system will not let the 3850 shine. It may still beat out the 2600XT in some situations (high res and/or fsaa, or a GPU limited game like fear), others the CPU is well below the recommended for many newer games.

Ditto. I remember when my...Radeon8500 I think it was...or maybe it was my 9800PRO supported AA which was nice back in the day. The only problem is the card never had enough horsepower to use the feature so it was a bust. Kind of like a 2600XT in DX10. You'll be able to play DX10, but at probably an unacceptable level. Also DX10 is nothing amazing really or fully optimized so I would rather get more horsepower in DX9 with the 1950Pro.

From 2600xt to 1950 pro isn't that much of a difference especially modern games. Cost would be a factor. I wouldn't poor money into a old system. That is british money right? Pounds? 50 pound difference is like 100 American $$$... That is huge difference for 10-20% difference in frame rates. Not worth it.

Why doesn't AMD have drivers when they sell a 2600xt AGP cards? Doesn't make sense to me.

rob just make sure that 450 watt PSU is up to snuff, at least 25-30 amps on the 12v rails, good brand. Many ppl on here will say with both cards you will need a PSU upgrade, I'm not 100% convinced. If you put in your specifications into most PSU wattage claculators I find that your present system can handle the 2600xt, but the x1950pro is still a little too close for comfort. But still do able. I would regardless, not take the chance invest in a better quality PSU in the 45 watt range, as long as it is a high effeciency one, in the 80% league or higher you should be ok.

Thats what I think you should do, me, I would try it out, and see for myself, to confirm the wattage calculations wether or not it would work. BUT I do not recommend if you do not have a back up system. I ike to test things out, and in the process sometimes burning things up, lol. But I wouldn't recommend it if you Don't have a back up PSU to say the least.