• Competitor rules

    Please remember that any mention of competitors, hinting at competitors or offering to provide details of competitors will result in an account suspension. The full rules can be found under the 'Terms and Rules' link in the bottom right corner of your screen. Just don't mention competitors in any way, shape or form and you'll be OK.

Is it worth upgrading my graphics card?

Zanna

Zanna

Zanna

Associate
Joined
14 Nov 2008
Posts
114
Ok well i built my current socket 939 system a while ago now so i know the thing is showing it's age. However at the moment i can't afford to build myself a shiny new system (as much as i'd like to) so i was hoping to squeeze as much life out of what i have for as long as possible.

Here's the main bit of info if anything else is needed just ask.
Athlon X2 4200 @ 2.7
EPOX EP-9NPA+SLI
2gib Corsair 3200C2 PRO
BFG 7800GTX OC

Now it's my first overclock so i'm quite happy with what i've squeezed outta my processor, i know i could get a bit more out of it but i'm happy with where it is right now. However i'm beginning to think that my graphics card is the major thing holding back my system at the minute. So i was wondering what your advice on this is? do you think my card is the major problem or do you think i should just forget it until i sort out a new system? I mainly use my pc for gaming and with my current card have to run things at 1024x768 usually but if that will change with a new card then i'll start to up it.
 
At the minute i'd say my budget is maybe 100 pound, could probably spend a bit more but not much. Was not sure if it would be worth waiting until things "hopefully" come down a price a bit and get one of the newer cards or maybe grab a budget or 2nd hand card for now and stay with that for a while. Ram wise i have an extra 1gb (2x512mb) lying around here somewhere but won't they cause some conflicts with the 2x1gb i have installed? (different timings) I think my mobo only uses DDR so i've had a little trouble finding some matching ram to go with what is currently installed.
 
Hmm i've never used ATI before so not had any experience with them. I've been looking at a used 8800 gtx, they usually sell for around 50quid. Would one of those be a better performance choice or would i still be better with that 4670 for now? Sorry i'm just used to nvidia but if the better performace for money is still the ATI then i'll gladly get one lol
 
I reckon you buy the 8800gtx to be honest, not personally seen a 4670 in action but from various benchmarks the 8800gtx seems the best, mind you it does use 2x 6 pin connectors so you might need a new psu in which case the 4670 would be the better option.
 
unfortunately i'm at work so can't check the exact model etc but i know it's an enermax 650 watt psu if that helps. Sorry should have checked that out when i originally posted.
 
'GT' The 512mb model, its nearly the same as the GTX in performance for a fraction of the cost, you could probably pick a 2nd hand 1 up for £50 or so.
 
Ya what sipha said, a certain retailer has brand new ones at close to that price, although i cant mention site here. But if you are buying second hand just lookout for an ultra cheap 8800gtx as sometimes they are only £5 more than the gt and in my opinion worth a fiver.
 
ok well after a little looking and shopping around i have been unable to aquire either an 8800 or 9800 card for anything unless i start going £70-£80+. Now i have found an ATI 4850 for about the same price and was wondering if i should just bite the bullet and grab that as it seems that it shall keep me going for quite some time if i do? Thanks for all the help you've given me so far btw.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom