would an ATI 4850 benefit improve this system

[tipsy]

I'm looking to improve this system as a quick fix as its been given to my nephew as I have decided to use my c2d pc instead. I want put an ATI 4850 in it as he wants to play newer games & is it worth it.

Spec

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+
ASUS A8N-SLI SE socket 939
2Gig pc3200 ddr 400
WD 320gb HD
current gfx card nvidia 7900gt 512mb pci-e
NZXT 500W PSU (will replace that if needed for a higher wattage)


thanx for the help

kev!

 

[MiNxYyY]

your memory and cpu will hold your graphics card back i think.

 

[joewm18]

Sorry to hijack, but I'd also be interested in doing something similar.

A64 4000+ at 2.9Ghz
2Gig DDR400
Current Gfx: Ati 2900GT

I'm now running a 32" 1080p screen as my display currently love playing L4D, and all other source games. Running at 1920x1080 with no AA is currently manageable, but i want more! Would slapping in an HD 4830 512mb be worthwhile and allow me to run at that res with everything maxed???

Thanks

 

[tipsy]

anyone else care to comment to help out with this?

thanx

Kev

BTW not a bump just need more info before I spend coins

 

[errata]

I'd suspect it would be fine for a dual core at 1280 ish resolutions even on 2gb memory and XP better than a 7900gt for most games (7000 series not nvidias finest) and the video decode acceleration would be handy if he watches any movies

for single core probably not worht it

We need a website reviewing stuff for updgraders of old stuff!

 

[joewm18]

Surely that would depend on the game?

I'd think, upgrading to a 4830 for £90 will bring much more performance for price (especially for games using source engine), than spending £180 on an E5200, mobo and 4Gb of RAM.

While the latter would prove beneficial for all other tasks, for games I'm thinking the 4830 at £90 would be a good quick fix?

 

[D13]

how big is your monitor?
I think that whilst you would see a huge difference in performance, as othewrs have mentioned your cpu would really hold you back

 

[tipsy]

19" viewsonic vx922 my nice 2ms lcd , I think paying for the substandard 4830 um not really appealing judging by most reviews and atleast the 4850 would have more life if he changes the board & cpu later.

 

[Dub Skylarkings]

I've just upgraded my GFX to a 4850 on a similar system....

3800 X2 (OC to 2.5ghz) in a A8N-SLI Skt 939
2Gb G Skill ddr 500
Corsair 520W psu
7600GT 256Mb

I run a resolution of 1280x1024. When i get time i play some Source games TF2, L4D and just started messing about on a few more taxing games, Far cry 2, crysis etc. Bottlenecked by my graphics so figured at this res a 4850 would be a reasonable price for a decent upgrade.

So i just got my 4850 today, i got a custom pcb palit card and im impressed with it so far, looks much better in person that the few pics lurking on the internet.

I've just played a bit of Farcry 2 and it's enabled me to jump from low-mediums up to high & very highs in the graphics options, with a bit of AA also. That runs at Fps in the 30's dropping into high 20's, i find that acceptable for me personally, especially on my rig of scrounged and second hand parts.

It's running fine on my PSU, recommended 450w for single and 550w for crossfire on the palit website.

I did look at a 4830 but for the price difference i could find them at i was happy to go for the 4850.

I'll let you know any more impressions when i get to thrash it some more over the weekend.

Dub

 

[Tenzen]

CPu would hold it back. You would get an increase but the CPu is a limiting factor I noticed a big difference switching a 1900xt into a e6600 from a 4400. difference was night and day. a 4850 would be even more so.