Worth it?

[Totto]

I've got a P4 1,4 GHz, with 512 MB of Rambus memory and the original GeForce 3 64 MB card. The system has a 230 watt power supply. My question is twofold. First, is it worth it for me(will I see a significant performance increase in new games) to switch to a GeForce FX 5600 or a 9600 Pro(don't know which to choose)? Second, can the system handle it? Is the 230 Watt power supply enough? I imagine it isn't enough for the 9700 Pro or other high-end cards?

 

[TKS]

Not a 5600 non ultra....that card sux donkey bizallz. I would simply upgrade that P/S PERIOD. There isn't an excuse nowadays to running anything beneath 300Watts. I mean, I have been running a Generic P/S (400w) in one of my boxes for a year with no problems and I spent less than 40 bucks for it. I'd go with a 400W for your needs as well.

Of the two cards you listed...I'd go with the 9600 Pro 128MB. The 256 doesn't make any difference at all...if you want it, get it...it doesn't matter for performance...and you'll spend about 20 bucks more. But I recommend that card. You're correct when you say it isn't enough to run the 9700 Pro and other high end cards...which is why I would upgrade now. When the 'high end cards' become available at 'low end prices' you will be able to just PLUG AND PLAY

Hope this helps

<font color=blue>I've got a better idea. Let's go play "swallow the stuff under the sink." </font color=blue>
<font color=green>Stewie Griffin</font color=green> from <i>The Family Guy</i>

TKS

 

[Totto]

okay, so you recommend the 9600 Pro, which is faster in AA/anisotropic right?, hrmm, which is the quietest card then? and do you think there'll be a noticable difference in upcoming games such as Homeworld 2 etc? Also, do you think the current power supply will suffice?

 

[endyen]

If you dont mind TKS, I will answer for you. Right, 9600p, yes, and no.

 

[Totto]

Okay, so a 9600 it is then, can you recommend a good, quiet card? Also, are you really sure the 230 Watts won't be enough? Is there such a difference in power consumption between GeForce 3 and the 9600 pro?

 

[ufo_warviper]

If it helps I have a system with a 230 watt power supply and it seems to hold up my Ti 4200 okay.

My OS features preemptive multitasking, a fully interactive command line, & support for 640K of RAM!

 

[RRAMJET]

If you get a 5600 or 9600 you will need at least a 300 watt power supply or you may get snowing and weird stuff happening. Also dont look past the fx5600 range as many will state on these forums. Here in Aust. prices for the fx 5600 range from $220 - $400 and the 9600 range from $190 - $400, so you can see their is quite a difference in clock speeds and memory used in both models. The overall difference in the two is very minimal at similar prices. Do some good research find the best card at your price range range. Also these forums are full of people who have ATI tatooed on their forheads, take no notice of them they prob only use their computer to vivit this forum anyways.

If he doesn't die, he'll get help!!!<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by rramjet on 08/28/03 04:43 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[ufo_warviper]

I disagree, many of us weren't really complaining until this week with exception of mentionings of Nvida's cheating o a couple benchmarks, the latest is the worst news yet about Nvidia. I was reccomending Nvidia cards until THIS WEEK, when I saw how crappy they performed at DirectX 9 stuff.

My OS features preemptive multitasking, a fully interactive command line, & support for 640K of RAM!

 

[Totto]

Hmm, if I don't want to switch the power supply, could I go with a GeForce 4 4800 instead? or isn't the performance increase worth it? Maybe I won't even notice it I mean?

 

[cleeve]

No matter what you do, getting a better power supply should be a top priority.

a 230 watter can cause instability and crashing with your current setup, nevermind with a new video card.

------------------
Radeon 9500 (modded to PRO w/8 pixel pipelines)
AMD AthlonXP 2000+
3dMark03: 3529

 

[Gastrian]

The performance increase for a Ti4800 isn't there to warrant an upgrade. Unless you've got a MicroATX case (if you do I recommend buying a new case) it's fairly easy to buy a better PSU About 6 months ago I was selling 550watt Low Noise PSUs for £50 (we were making 200%+ profit on those things). It's not just GC's though, if you wish to upgrade your CPU that will require a more powerful PSU. And they are fairly easy to fit...just don't touch the red switch.

 

[cleeve]

I have to disagree strongly here.

A Geforce4 Ti will offer a VERY noticable performance increase over a Geforce3.

------------------
Radeon 9500 (modded to PRO w/8 pixel pipelines)
AMD AthlonXP 2000+
3dMark03: 3529

 

[Totto]

Okay, thanks for all the input guys! I think I will switch to a 400 Watt PSU, A Radeon 9600 Pro(maybe even a 9800 Pro), an MSI MS-865PE-NEO2-FIS2R mobo and a 2,4 GHz Northwood and 512 Megs of PC3200 memory, that ought to speed things up a bit...

 

[mrface]

if ya get the new psu go with the R9600p,

if not GF ti4200.

plain and simple

-={Cowardly, Big Time.}=-
-={Before marriage, a man yearns for the woman he loves. After marriage, the "y" becomes silent.}=-

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

Personally I don't think a new PSU is required for the R9600P (at least no more so than a GF4ti). However he R9800Po definitely needs good clean power. At that point I'd suggest te R9800 non-pro or the R9700non-pro, depending on price and avail.


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