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Upgrading an AM2 platform

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I am seeking opinions and advice. :D 

This is my old gaming rig:

AMD Athlon X2 5200+ (a dual core cpu running at 2,7ghz) cooled by AC Freezer 64 Pro
Asus M2N-MX (a basic mATX AM2 board supporting PCI-e and only AM2 cpu's)
3GB of DDR2 (running at 800mhz)
Asus 8800GS 384MB (slightly overclocked)
Two sata 160GB HDDs. One is Seagate Barracuda and the other one is Samsung F1
350W PSU, has about 29A on 12v rail
Coolermaster Elite 334

I just ordered a new 22" LCD monitor. And I don't know what to upgrade next. I am looking for a 100$ upgrade, so i can buy it for myself as a Christmas present. :D 

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Homebuilt system Master

8800gs to a 8800gt is not a worth wile upgrade neither is going to a GF gt240 or ATI HD4670 since both those cards perform on level with 8800GS/9600GSO/9600GT. The lowest worthwhile upgrade would be GF 250GTS or HD4850 but I would be looking at something like HD4870/90 HD5770 or GF 260GTX for some wow factor.
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rolli59 said:
The lowest worthwhile upgrade would be GF 250GTS or HD4850 but I would be looking at something like HD4870/90 HD5770 or GF 260GTX for some wow factor.
Yeah, i thought so too. :D 

Seems I'll have to find a used HD4870 card. People tend to sell them to buy the new HD5800 cards. ;) 
Homebuilt system Master

Quote:
Yeah but did you read his post? He has a 350w psu, which is why we suggested the mentioned cards.

You fail to mention he will need to purchase a new power supply for your suggestions.


You also fail to mention that anything faster than a 4770/4850 will be bottlenecked by his processor.


He states that it is 29 amps on the +12volt rail
If he goes with HD5770 for example 29 amps is plenty.
Although a HD5770 might be bottlenecked by his cpu it is still going to be faster than 4770/4850
Homebuilt system Master

Quote:
From a 8800Gs to a Gt would not be much of a upgrade.

A HD4670 might be a good option. Otherwise you will need to upgrade your power supply if you want something faster.

Also anything much faster will be bottlenecked by your cpu.


8800GT>8800gs=HD4670

The PSU is not really an issue. It worked just fine with 8800GTS.


But it seems like 8800GS is a decent card and it's not worth upgrading with anything less then a GTS250.


Thx everyone for replies. ;) 
Homebuilt system Master

Quote:
From a 8800Gs to a Gt would not be much of a upgrade.

A HD4670 might be a good option. Otherwise you will need to upgrade your power supply if you want something faster.

Also anything much faster will be bottlenecked by your cpu.


Speaks for it self. we all make mistakes.
8800gt is better than 8800GS which trades blows with HD4670

Quote:
So what exactly is your point? He needs a card that runs on a 300w psu, so that's his only choice without a new psu.

I don't know what's the problem with the psu? it works flawlessly with GTS/GTX/Ultra cards.. And i know that GTS250 isn't a power hungry card..
Homebuilt system Authority

Because it really isnt enough. If that PSU is running over spec (as it would be for any cards that need a power plug) it's because it's overworking and will likely go sooner rather than later.

That doesn't stop the fact that that CPU will limit your results with a new card. I don't think you'll see any great improvement just upgrading that.
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