Author Topic: Confused about upgrading my FX5200 video card. (Read 230 times)

SloStick · « **on:** January 09, 2006, 02:27:20 PM »

I want to upgrade my FX5200 video card and have looked at recommendations here on the forum. I would like to stick with an Invidia card and have been looking at the 6600 and 6800 series. I am confused though because it seems as you upgrade from the 6600 to 6600 GT or 6800 you go from 256 memory to 128. My current card is 128 and I want to make sure that I will be upgrading if I go to a 6800 that is still 128. Or should I go with the 6600 which is 256? If it helps to know my system here it is:

Dell 8300
Pentium 4/HT 3.0G
1 gig memory
FX5200 Video
XP Pro

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Grits · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2006, 02:38:17 PM »

The best deal in AGP cards right now is the new nVidia 6800 GS. Its as fast as the old 6800GT, has 256m video ram and is only $249 retail, some places have it for as low as $210-$220.

eagl · « **Reply #2 on:** January 09, 2006, 03:21:29 PM »

Check your system specs to make sure you have an AGP or pci-e slot... Some dell computers are crippled by not having an agp or pci-e slot. The card you get has to have the right interface or it won't fit.

If it's pci only (not pci-e), then you're probably out of luck since nobody makes fast pci video cards.

SloStick · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2006, 03:37:50 PM »

I guess I forgot to mention that the current card (FX5200) is AGP. I don't think the board supports PCI-e .

eagl · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2006, 03:52:55 PM »

If it's AGP, then one of the best you can get is an nvidia 6800GS. No matter what you get, check the specs carefully. There are both 128 meg and 256 meg 6600s, 128 and 256 meg 6800s, and there was even a weird 6800GT that had 256 meg of slower than normal memory.

Your cpu is fast enough to benefit from a good fast video card, so a 6800GS for around $230 is probably a decent match for your system. Newegg.com has one on sale for under $230 so shop around.