4890 Good fit for my current setup?

[DNyholm]

I am currently running an e6400 overclocked to 3.2 Ghz with a 1950XT and was looking for a little performance boost. I currently play Everquest 2 which is processor intensive but am noticing a slowdown at times. I was thinking a 4890 would be a decent upgrade for under $200. I am also going to be adding 2 GB more ram to help out in that area as well. Can anyone recommend a video card for under $200 that would be a good fit? Also, if there is one that can be had with passive cooling (my 1950XT is passive cooled) that would a definite bonus as GPU fans always seem to be the loudest in the case.

I've read where people are stating to wait until the 5xxx series cards are available, but it seems i've waited long enough (built this computer in Feb. '07) and I think now would be a good time to go for it.

Thanks for the help!

 

[n7]

HD 4890 or 4870 1 GB would work well for you, though i don't know how much they'll improve EQ2 specifically.
For newer games, they'll be a huge improvement.

I'd suggest getting 2x2 GB for RAM, not 2x1 GB though.

That way you can either have 6 GB total if all four DIMMs work well together & you have a 64-bit OS, or you can sell the 2x1 GB.

Four DIMMs can add a bit more hassle with overclocking on your mobo.
Not likely it'll be an issue, but in case it is, you can just stick with the 2x2 GB then.

 

[DNyholm]

Going for the 2 x 2GB sticks, I might as well change for something better since memory is so cheap (I paid $250 for those sticks originally!), would it be worthwhile to get some PC8000 and going for a slightly higher OC? Think that'll make it easier to hit 425 or 450FSB? Any suggestions on a easily overclockable RAM for me?

I did look and my current passive cooler fits on a 4850, but they dont list a 4870 or 4890, are they completely different? IT would be ideal if I could re-use my cooler!

 

[n7]

P5B Deluxe's maximum manually set tRFC is 42.

What's that mean?

That means that for most 2 GB DIMMs, which need a pretty loose (50+) tRFC to reach good speeds, high speeds (anything 900-1000+), will be difficult to achieve.

If you set memory timings to SPD, sometimes the P5B-D will set the tRFC looser, for others, it seems to ignore SPD & leaves it @ 42.

Not sure why this is, but it's a known issue or at least concern to be aware of for your mobo when dealing with 2x2 or 4x2 GB configs (i've had fun with both) on my P5B-D.

So in short, i'd not spend much more on higher speed RAM as you might find it impossible to attain the advertised speeds.

Good news is, there are 1066 kits for cheap, so if you cannot get the 1066 speeds, who cares...it'll do your needed DDR2-800 to 900 just fine most likely.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231166

As for your cooler working with a newer cards...not sure on that; you'll need to check compatibility with newer ones.
Don't think it's gonna happen though AFAIK.

I personally find the 4890 fan silent at idle.
It kicks up a notch under load, but i don't mind it in a game as i'm either wearing headphones or have the speakers up.

 

[gizbug]

Go with the GTX 285 over the 4890

 

[DNyholm]

Originally posted by: gizbug
Go with the GTX 285 over the 4890

A little too $$ for my tastes, i'd like to stay below $200.

 

[netxzero64]

yeah, GTX 285 is way overkill to be used... (sorry for the NVidia folks out there) because win7 is coming and you may not know if you can really maximize ITS power...

Go for the 4890 or 4870... it would be really worth it...

 

[yh125d]

GTX285 performs on par with 4890 on average even at stock speeds...

 

[netxzero64]

well... good thing 4890 is a lot cheaper than GTX 285...

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: yh125d
GTX285 performs on par with 4890 on average even at stock speeds...

You mean GTX275.