Upgrading from ATI Radeon 9800 PLEASE HELP

[Madhatter4]

About two years ago I purchased a Dell computer. It came with a ATI Radeon 9800 video card. This card has performed very well but I now feel it is time for an upgrade.... Could someone please suggest what video card I should purchase???? Keep in mind I prefer ATI cards but an Nvidia card would not be out of the question... As far as price goes I can spend between $200 - $300
Thanks

 

[pickxx]

Well for you i would go for an AGP X850XT you can find them online from different vendors for ~$350. With the X1800 launch you may be able to catch some deals on it. I think the lowest i have seen for this card was $309.

A 6800GT would be a good choice, they are dropping to just under $300. Maybe a great price would be like $250-260

The X850XT is better then a 6800GT....by quite a bit.

What cpu do you have? RAM? I wonder if your power supply could habndle a X850XT.

But in your situation i would get a 850XT, no messy driver problems, and it dominates the 6800GT.

but if you are extrememly limted on funds you should get the 6800GT.
List what you have for the rest of your computer and it will be easier to say for sure.

__________________________________________
Chaintech VNF3-250/A64 2800+/1GB(512x2) OCZ VX GOLD 2-2-2-5/BFG 6800GT/Thermaltake 420W/WD 200GB/Maxtor 300GB

 

[Madhatter4]

My system stats are as follows CPU - Intel Pentium 4 Processorat 2.80GHz, RAM - 1024MB DDR SDRAM at 400MHz, HARD DRIVE - 120GB Ultra ATA/100 Hard Drive (7200RPM), CD-ROM DRIVE - 48X Max Variable CD-ROM Drive, SOUND CARD - Sound Blaster Audigy 2 THX Certified Sound card hmmmm, - looks like the only thing I cant figure out is the specs on my power supply

 

[pickxx]

Yeah i totally spaced that till just now, i knew i was missing something
The X800XL and 6800GT are pretty much equals

If you have that setup i dont think you should have a problem with a 6800GT or X800XL...you would have to double check with someone else about the 850XT because they draw more power.

__________________________________________
Chaintech VNF3-250/A64 2800+/1GB(512x2) OCZ VX GOLD 2-2-2-5/BFG 6800GT/Thermaltake 420W/WD 200GB/Maxtor 300GB

 

[Madhatter4]

Might be a stupid question but HOW do I find out how powerful my powersupply is ........short of opening the entire case

 

[jwhitakr]

My recommendation would be a 6800GT. I upgraded from a 9800Pro to the 6800GT and am really happy with the results. I base my recommendation partly on the fact that the prices are dropping dramatically with the recent launches of the new line of cards from Nvidia and ATI...you can find some really good deals on 6800GT's now.

My review of my PNY 6800GT 256MB:
www.epinions.com/content_194243694212

Your power supply should have the ratings on the outside...you should be able to find this out by opening your case and looking at it.

Hope this is helpful.
Justin

 

[Rugger]

If the PSU ratings are not listed in your manual, then you will have to open your case or call the PC mfr and ask them. If you can see the PSU model number on the rear of the case, then you might be able to Google it.

If you open the case, the PSU will be in the upper rear portion of the case and it will be labeled with the PSU mfr, model, amp listings for the +3.3V, 5V and 12V lines and maximum wattage.

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[cleeve]

If you're sticking with your AGP setup, a 6800 GT is the obvious choice.

If you're getting a new PCI-e platform to go with that card, Ati's options become much more compelling...

________________
<b>Geforce <font color=red>6800 Ultra</b></font color=red>
<b>AthlonXP <font color=red>~3300+</b></font color=red> <i>(Barton 2500+ o/c 412 FSB @ 2266 Mhz)</i>
<b>3dMark05: <font color=red>5,275</b>

 

[pauldh]

Here in the States Cleeve, I've seen AGP X800XL's for much cheaper than 6800GT AGP's. I'd say go for the cheaper of the two. Currently I don't see any $225 AGP X800XL's though so it's pretty close pricewise today. But for months the X800XL was a better deal in AGP for your neighbors to the south, offering about the same performance for $40-50 less. It's odd that with so many better PCI-e cards and no rialto chip, the PCI-e versions have been priced higher than the AGP's.


<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=658042" target="_new">3DMark05</A> <A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k3=3781954" target="_new">3DMark03</A>

 

[cleeve]

I stand corrected sir.

Well, in that case I'd recommend the 6800GT or X800 XL, whichever is significantly cheaper.

Given price parity, I'd go 6800GT though, just for the increased HDR capability. The X800's have temporal AA though, which is also nice. So pick your preference.

________________
<b>Geforce <font color=red>6800 Ultra</b></font color=red>
<b>AthlonXP <font color=red>~3300+</b></font color=red> <i>(Barton 2500+ o/c 412 FSB @ 2266 Mhz)</i>
<b>3dMark05: <font color=red>5,275</b>

 

[mofofosho]

"Keep in mind I prefer ATI cards"


cant say i blame ya!!! go go go atyt!!!

 

[pauldh]

Well, it wasn't intended to be a correction. Is the X800XL more money up there? Either card would do depending on the price he finds. I'd have no problem someone buying the 6800GT over X800XL. To me it depends on the game. Obviously D3 he'd be better off with the 6800GT.

<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=658042" target="_new">3DMark05</A> <A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k3=3781954" target="_new">3DMark03</A>
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Pauldh on 10/06/05 06:02 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[pauldh]

Go with a X850XT, X800XT or X800XL then. Whichever you can afford. If for some reason you find a 6800GT for cheaper than the X800XL, then it would be worth your while to consider NV this round.

If you suddenly feel the need to save money, then <A HREF="http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=2700726" target="_new">this refurb X800 pro with 3 year warranty for $180</A> wouldn't be a bad deal. It is not quite up to 6800GT or X800XL performance, but not a bad buy if the others are $80+ more. I wouldn't go lower than this though for an upgrade. Considering this will probably be your last AGP card you may want to go all out on a higher end card.


<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=658042" target="_new">3DMark05</A> <A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k3=3781954" target="_new">3DMark03</A>

 

[Robc1880]

If you go with the recommendation from Paul then you would have a great card. I've seen a lot of those cards getting softmodded into X800XT's and that wouldn't cost you a dime to softmod and then you would have more performance than the 6800GT.

 

[mofofosho]

thanx paulh, but for what its worth,(and o boy has it been worth!), never was i really banging on the products per se(but im sure its all good without anyone having to mindlessly/tediously regurgitate whats been said/discussed), rather the sentiment backing it thats captivated me all along...as how companies make products, its still the product that re ally makes the company, that, which, is worth the splurging for even without anything tangible to tinker with.

 

[magneezo]

850XT For Sure.
If you gotta have the Best.
Make sure your PSU can handle it.

AMD 64 3400+
MSI RS480-2
WD 200bb
TSST DVD/r
LTR 16x DVD
RealTek 5.1
PowerColor x700/256mb (3.0ns)
400/266 @ 450/300 per ATi Tool

 

[Madhatter4]

Wow!!!! I really appreciate everyone taking the time to help me out with this Thanks

 

[Madhatter4]

Could someone please give me a direct link to a good X800XL with AGP 4x/8x compatibility......seems like there are so many different brands but whats the real difference???

 

[pauldh]

ooops, kinda missed the quote there and replied to the wrong m_______ didn't I.

<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=658042" target="_new">3DMark05</A> <A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k3=3781954" target="_new">3DMark03</A>

 

[pauldh]

Use this link to get $15 off at Buy.com <A HREF="http://www.buy.com/retail/coupon.asp?prid=88301879&adid=17662" target="_new">http://www.buy.com/retail/coupon.asp?prid=88301879&adid=17662</A>

Then search for ATI RADEON® X800XL - 256mb AGP - 100-435508 to find this card below.

<A HREF="http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10403569&SearchEngine=Shopper&SearchTerm=10403569&Type=PE&Category=Comp&Gad=0&dcaid=15889" target="_new">http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10403569&SearchEngine=Shopper&SearchTerm=10403569&Type=PE&Category=Comp&Gad=0&dcaid=15889</A>


You'll get $15 off, free shipping, and if your lucky like me no tax in your state. That's $264 for a Built By ATI card. Not a great price, but about as good as I've seen right now. Best prices for this card have been in the $220's. At $264 for an XL, I'd consider going <A HREF="http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=AT-AIW800X&c=pw" target="_new">$320 for a AIW X800XT</A>.




<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=658042" target="_new">3DMark05</A> <A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k3=3781954" target="_new">3DMark03</A>

 

[Madhatter4]

Ok I just found out my power supply is only a 250 ......is this going to be enough for the high end Radeon cards??? It says on the ATI website that you should be using a 300 power supply ....it also says you have to connect the card directly to the power supply ...WTF Ive never done that before ....hell I dont even know if my power supply has that kind of connection .....PLEASE HELP + Suggest your favorite AGP compatible ATI card

 

[Weaves]

Madhatter,

I have almosty the identical system. Here is what I did to upgrade my Dell Power Supply. Mine was a Dimension 8300, so it had a proprietary power supply. I got the following unit from Pcpower and Cooling:

http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=T425D

They have a PSU finder on their site, if your's is not a Dimension 8300.

Good Luck