Author Topic: CPU or Video Card? (Read 538 times)

aknimitz · « **on:** March 17, 2005, 09:09:17 AM »

Ok, I've decided to upgrade my computer, and was wondering what you all recommend. I do not want to spend more than $300.

I am currently running a P4 2.4 with 1GB DDR Ram and Geforce Ti4400 video card. I can either move upto a 3.2 processor, or replace the video card, but with what? Surely I would want a 256MB AGP card, but those are tough to find for less than $300, they are all PCI-E or 128MB. I think the card I currently have is 128MB.

Anyhow, any advice would be appreciated. I spend most of my time these days playing World of Warcraft for those that want to know what the system will be used for.

Thanks a ton for any guidance, I sure appreciate it.

Nim

indy007 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2005, 09:26:26 AM »

Sapphire Radeon X800 SE, 256MB, AGP - $320

Powercolor Radeon 9800 SE, 256MB, AGP - $155

Sandman · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2005, 09:28:30 AM »

I'd go with the video card.

My current setup is similar... I run an AMD 2400+ (2ghz) with 512MB of ram and the same vid card.

Engine · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2005, 09:28:57 AM »

I just picked up a 6600 GT for $200, and it's frickin badass. I'd say 2.4 GHz is good enough, upgrade the vid card to something you can keep a while. If you don't mind spending extra, take a look at the 6800 series. I couldn't afford it, so didn't research them, so can't give advice on them.

aknimitz · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2005, 09:42:58 AM »

Thanks guys. Engine I've looked at that card and am leaning towards it, but dont I want a 256MB card? In buying a 128MB card, am I limiting myself on future games?

Nim

Makarov9 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2005, 10:06:47 AM »

Yep, video card will make a huge difference. You're CPU is good enough for now.

I recently picked up a 6600 GT 128MB card, which replaced my 9800XT 256MB card. Mainly I wanted it to speed up Doom 3, which it did alot. As for other games the difference in RAM has made no diff yet.
It's the best price/performance card out there right now.

Engine · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2005, 10:22:14 AM »

I dunno, I'm not really sure the extra 128 would be a huge difference, especially if you've got a gig of system RAM.

Check out this review of the 6600 GT. It beats the 9800 Pro. Badly. hehe

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2277

In this HL2 review is a chart showing performance of different card:
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2278&p=3

Buying Guide article about different 6600 GTs:
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2295

Oh, and here's a vid card buying guide from last month. Useful.
http://www.anandtech.com/guides/showdoc.aspx?i=2352

Anyway, for $200, I think it's one of the best deals you can get, considering performance.

Goth · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2005, 10:28:38 AM »

Nim......I don't know what problems specific you are having, but here is my advice.

I was having frame rate issues. The big maps made me lose 20-30 FR....so when you are only running 40FR to begin with it was sucking big. First thing I tried was GT 6600vid card. Made the game look prettier, but no appreciable FR improvement. Tried a Radeon 9800 pro, again, pretty but no FR improvement.

I too have a 2.4 P4, so I went and talked with the local comp builders around here. Upgraded mobo and ram type keeping my processor. Went from 1024 SDRam to PC2700 DDRam. Frame rates jumped up 20. Now, on big maps I only drop to about 30 FR...sometimes in highly congested areas I get a 21FR for a split second.

I think AH2 terrain is buggy. Them big maps hit my system hard and the funny thing is I can run Doom 3 at 1280x1024 with medium to high quallity graphics no problem.

zmeg · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2005, 12:14:08 PM »

Your current vidio card is slightly faster than your current processor if it's a C core P4, if not then the card is a lot faster. All a faster vidio card will do for you is allow you to run higher AA settings. A better processor will get you more FPS but not a lot because the two are very nearly equal. Go for the 3.2!!!

eagl · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2005, 12:24:40 PM »

If you get the vid card, you're probably going to throw it out during your next major upgrade. Depending on how much memory and what type it is (mobo dependent), your best bet might actually be to try to get both a cpu and vid card soon, and then hold that as long as possible because your current system is pretty much a dead end and the "next generation" of hardware won't work with it. Newer cpus won't fit, newer vid cards will be pci-e.

I'd say get the cpu now and see if you're happy with the results. If not, get a 6600GT or wait another few months and get whatever AGP card you can afford at the time. Then wait as long as possible and upgrade everything.

IMHO.

wombatt · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2005, 01:24:18 PM »

Go with ATI 9800pro.
I have been using one and It works great with AH2 and IL2 forgotten battles.

TheDudeDVant · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2005, 01:26:50 PM »

The cpu is good.. I figure you could prolly clock that chip to 3ghz without much problem.. Is it a norwood chip or a 2.4c?? Whats the FSB on it??

kappa

Sikboy · « **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2005, 01:44:34 PM »

With that CPU, this probably isn't a problem, but make sure that you have an 8x AGP card on your Motherboard. Otherwise you'll be missing out on a lot of the benefit of a new Vid Card, bottlenecked at 4x AGP. (as is my feeble understanding anyhow).

-Sik

aknimitz · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2005, 01:46:09 PM »

This is my what my mboard supports, can you tell what type of chip it is from this?:

- Socket 478 for Intel Pentium 4/Celeron up to 3.2GHz+
- Intel Hyper-Threading Technology ready
- New power design supports Intel next generation Prescott CPU
Chipset    Intel 865PE MCH
Intel ICH5R
Front Side Bus    800 / 533 / 400 MHz
Memory    - 4 x 184-pin DIMM Sockets support max. 4GB PCPC3200/2700/2100 non-ECC DDR SDRAM memory
- Dual Channel Memory Architecture

Thanks everyone, appreciate the input!

Nim

Sikboy · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2005, 01:56:26 PM »

I can't but I'm only a 2l, and thus, retarded.

Do you have the Make/model?

-Sik