upgrade ponderings - should I or not?

[Gogeta4832]

Okay, here's the system specs:

AMD XP2500+ (Barton) @200fsb = 2.0ghz
Infineon PC3200 2 x 256mb
Shuttle AN35N ultra
Mad Dog FX5200 (250core/500mem)


so far I haven't been into gaming that much, but the wife and I are starting to see more free time on our hands and so I'm thinking of grabbing some games and having some fun.

my question is this.
my card is a 128bit card, and has 8gb bandwidth.
should I go with another card or would this be alright?

also, if you're going to suggest that I get another card - realize that I'm not going to be going after the TOP dawg stuff, but something withing a $50-$100 price range (IF I was to get a new one)

please post away and hope everyone is having a great day

 

[kylebisme]

your videocard is by far the weakest link in the system, but for under 100$ you are not going to be able to get much better.

 

[The Green Bean]

get a Ti4200 for $70

I upgraded to a 4400 from the same fx5200 and noticed a huge differnce. If you are lucky, you will be able to get $40-50 for ur fx from Ebay

 

[Gogeta4832]

thanks for the input so far.
what about ATI video cards - would I have better luck with something from them instead of Nvidia for my price range?

 

[GeneralGrievous]

You can get a used 9500 Pro or even a 9700 for around the $100 price point.

 

[Delorian]

Originally posted by: GeneralGrievous
You can get a used 9500 Pro or even a 9700 for around the $100 price point.

Or a little less performing NEW 9600 for a little under 100 from newegg

 

[Marsumane]

All the posts above are good ideas

 

[Corporate Thug]

9500 pro would be a huge upgrade

or better yet, sell the 5200 and put that money towards a used 9700 pro

 

[Concillian]

I bought a used 9700 non-pro from eBay for $103. With the stock HSF it was stable at 355 core and 340 memory = greater than 9700 Pro speeds.

If you can get something like that it's DEFINITELY worth the $100. Even running at stock speeds the 9700 is a MAJOR upgrade for you.

 

[Gogeta4832]

thanks for all the input guys.
I used to have a 9500np that softmodded to a 9700 and was stable at pro speeds - should have never sold it

I think I will put my 5200 up for sale

again, thanks for all the input people

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: Delorian

Originally posted by: GeneralGrievous
You can get a used 9500 Pro or even a 9700 for around the $100 price point.

Or a little less performing NEW 9600 for a little under 100 from newegg

A little less performing? a 9700 non-pro is gonna be 100% faster than 9600...that's not "little less performing." A 9600 is even slower than a geforce 4 considering a 9600pro is just as fast as geforce 4 series without AA/AF enabled.

 

[Marsumane]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation

Originally posted by: Delorian

Originally posted by: GeneralGrievous
You can get a used 9500 Pro or even a 9700 for around the $100 price point.

Or a little less performing NEW 9600 for a little under 100 from newegg

A little less performing? a 9700 non-pro is gonna be 100% faster than 9600...that's not "little less performing." A 9600 is even slower than a geforce 4 considering a 9600pro is just as fast as geforce 4 series without AA/AF enabled.

Idk about 100%, but its definatly a decent amount.

 

[Gogeta4832]

okay
a revisal to this question in point.

would a FX5600 card be better than what I've got now - or should I go after a 9500?

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: Gogeta4832
okay
a revisal to this question in point.

would a FX5600 card be better than what I've got now - or should I go after a 9500?

9500

 

[Zebo]

AMD XP2500+ (Barton) @200fsb = 2.0ghz
---------------------------------------

Last time I checked thats 2.2ghz unless it's a mobile?

Just get a 9600 non-pro for $90. I play farcry (by far the most demanding game out) in my office with it.

 

[Gogeta4832]

Zebo - it would be 2.2ghz but right now I'm running "conservative" with 200fsb x 10
mine's multiplier unlocked

 

[Gamingphreek]

Originally posted by: Gogeta4832
okay
a revisal to this question in point.

would a FX5600 card be better than what I've got now - or should I go after a 9500?

Dont even mention 5600. There are HORRIBLE!!! 9500, 9700 either of those, although the 5700's are decent too.

-Kevin

 

[GeneralGrievous]

Any 9xxx card is superior to its 5xxx counterpart. And if you are playing HL2 a 9700 or 9800 is mandatory really.

 

[Gamingphreek]

That is an extremely biased statement. So unless you have something to contribute thats factual please shut the hell up!!

 

[DarkKnight]

9500pro would be a HUGE boost for u, it's faster than the 9600p and 9600xt

9500p 8 pipe card vs 9600p and 9600xt 4 pipe