One CPU, a 4X slot:: 3850 or 2600 XT

[costados]

Dear all,

Because my knowledge about PCs is practically nil; I have spent some time in this site looking for an answer for my dilemma which is how to upgrade my old PC. It has one processor and a 4x AGP slot. After reading some articles I found this:
1. A 8x card could work in a 4x slot
2. The Radeon 3850 is the best option for AGP
3. However if you have a 1 CPU it is better to go for Radeon 2600 XT

That said , I need please your help to confirm those points.

Sceneries
1. If point 1 y 2 are correct and 3 is not, I will buy the HIS Radeon HD 3850 Video Card - 512MB GDDR3, AGP 8x
2. If point 1 and 3 are correct I will consider HIS Radeon HD 2600 XT IceQ Turbo Video Card - 512MB GDDR3, AGP 4x/8x or HIS Radeon HD 2600 XT Video Card - 512MB GDDR3, AGP 8x, Dual DVI, HDTV, HDMI Support, Video Card

Could you please help to decide? I will appreciate your help.

Thanks in advance

 

[frozenlead]

If your processor is not dual core, i do not recommend the 3850.

The 2600XT is a very temperamental card. I own the AGP version you're considering buying. with a 4x bus, i'm not sure how well it'll do, but mine performs only as good, sometimes worse, than my older x1650xt AGP. I'm very, very disappointed with the 2600. But, you can't find the x1650xt anymore, so...yeah.

I'm using mine at 8x, with and overclocked athlon 2800+

 

[lasttarget]

Wow dudes cant you just get a 500$ computer during thanks giving sale with a 4850$ I got a really good deal on a comp at frys on 4th of july

50$ for case n power supply
145$ for 4850
170$ for mobo and cpu
2gb of ram for 25$ from a friend

Total of 390 Guys

 

[deardeath]

Don't bother upgrading AGP, seriously.

 

[costados]

Thanks for the answers folks. Now I am really having second thoughts about upgrading my PC. If I buy a 4850 (HIS Radeon HD 4850 Video Card - 512MB GDDR3, PCI Express 2.0) as Lasttarget recommended which motherboard is better for it?

thanks again

 

[frozenlead]

You're going to end up buying a new machine, it will cost you a good $600-800.

I don't live in california, so I don't have the luxury of store sales like frys. There are no computer enthusiast stores near me, within a good 100mi radius.

It depends on what is worth it to you. A new pc will perform better, but will cost a good 8 or 9 times more than just a new gpu.