Author Topic: Video Cards (Read 406 times)

Sloehand · « **on:** March 17, 2006, 05:41:16 PM »

Since, I can't make hide nor hair of all the available video cards, and I have specific requirements, I thought I'd bring this to the experts again.
My card is definitely futzing up and needs to be replaced. I had some heat issues during the summer that I failed to properly alleviate and my video occasionaly (like 2 or 3 times a day) freezes up or black screens completely. If I'm needing a new card, then I figure to upgrade. When everything is running right. The MAX fps I've ever gotten is 59, but it can run in the high 40's to mid-50's some of the time.

Mission: Replace and upgrade video card.

Current specs
Computer: Monarch Hornet Pro
Motherboard: Asus P4P800-VM (AGP)
Power: 265W
CPU: P4-3.0Ghz
RAM: 1GB (2x512) Crucial
HD: 2 Western Digital 36GB Raptors
Sound: Creative SB Audigy Platinum Pro ZS
CD/DVD: Plextor PS-708A
Video: Asus Radeon 9600 XT 128MB
Monitor: 17" NEC CRT @ 1024x768

OK, so here is the situation. I need an AGP video card, not PCI-E. I'm not ready to upgrade the motherboard or CPU. If its really a hold back, I might consider going to 2GB RAM.
In looking for AGP cards, I discovered that most newer cards are actually PCI-E and use an AGP adapter bridge component and marketed as AGP. This is OK.
I don't want to spend more than $400 and really would prefer to stay in the $200-300 range, but I need to quantify the performance inprovement over my current 9600XT so I know what I'm buying. I don't know if maybe an x800 might give me a 15-20% boost for a lot less money. Or do I want to go for as much as I can afford with an ATI x850 or x1600, or go Nvidia for one of their 7800 series. While I might prefer to stay with ATI-based cards, I have nothing against Nvidia. And which reseller company is a good buy over the OEM? Asus has been good in most everything so far, but there might be others.
I've been reading reviews when I can find them on the ATI x850s, x1600s, x1800s, x1900s, Nvidia 7600s, 7800s, etc. And , the result is, I'm confused. It's actually hard to pull the info together to do any comparison.
Whatever I look into seriously has to be AGP, and has to fit my motherboard (of course), but also fit the power supply in the SFX box by Monarch that I have, and my screen resolution. I will call their tech support once I've determined my first and second choices and verify compatibility.
So, what card, by what company, will give me a significant boost in performance over my 9600XT without killing Piggy The Bank.
And by the way, I'm also thinking of going to a LCD monitor in a much larger size, say 20"+. Anyone have a recommendation for one that has a high response time and contrast suitable for ghostless gaming?

Masherbrum · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2006, 05:44:36 PM »

Plan on getting a larger Power Supply to be safe and cause less strain on the current one.

I'm looking at the X850XT. All Pixel pipelines, around $180

Karaya

Brooke · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2006, 08:51:18 PM »

I can recommend the nVidia 6800GS based on my use of it. Cost is under $200. You will need at least a 350W power supply, although if you are going through the trouble to buy a new power supply, you might as well get a larger one than that (500W, say). I've got an XFX branded nVidia 6800GS, which I like.

38ruk · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2006, 09:33:11 PM »

You definetly need a power supply . If you want the best AGP card , its the 7800GS , but for the prices ive seen on the X850XT , thats what i would go with . The XT isnt too far off the GS , yes it alittle slower , but you can get a good PS and the XT for about the same price . When looking at power supplies look for AMP ratings . Get atleast a 20A 12v rail or better .

Schutt · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2006, 05:00:30 AM »

Get a 200$ graphics card and a power supply which cost more than 50$ and has good rating on 12V as all guys already said.

No need for a more expensive graphic card.

Actually if you only want to get rid of the freezes see if you can clean the heatsink on your current graphic card and clean all the dust out of your powersupply.

Open comp and blow in cool air with a big office fan... if it runs good then maybe you only have a cooling problem.

Ghosth · « **Reply #5 on:** March 18, 2006, 07:30:54 AM »

Schutts probably right. Turn your computer off, pull the card out.

Check heatsink & fan. My old system with the radeon 9000 pro fan was so plugged with cat hair I don't see how it could have been turning.

Cleaned, and dropped back into the case my heat issues evaporated.

GunnerCAF · « **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2006, 09:50:45 AM »

Don't forget to blow the dust out of your processor heat sink. Your processor also heats up when playing sims and can cause crashes.

Gunner

Sloehand · « **Reply #7 on:** March 18, 2006, 01:38:36 PM »

Heat is no longer a problem as I opened the case up and put a big office fan to blow in it. Did that months ago, but I'm afraid before I did that, the heat may have caused some permanent damage, or set up the conditions for my current problems. However, since the case has been open for quite away, there is most certainly dust, etc. throughout the system. In fact, my house is particularly dust due to being near a major 4 lane arterial. I get an extraordinary amoung of dust in the house all year long. I will get some canned air and blow the beast out and see if that helps, but I figure I'm still going to commit to a newer, faster card in any event.
I think you're all convinced me either the x850 XT or the 7800GS is the way to go. Unfortunately, I'm seeing way higher prices for the ATI than the Nvidia on the Intardnet.

GunnerCAF · « **Reply #8 on:** March 18, 2006, 05:55:15 PM »

Asus has a utility called Probe. You can run this and monitor heat and voltages. If you log your recordings, you may be able to see if there are any voltage or heat problems when things lock up.

If your getting new parts, I would pick up more case fans. A new video card will put out more heat in your case. Fans are standard sizes and are easy to install. In most cases you can put one or two in the front (blowing in) and one or two in the back (blowing out).

It is possible heat caused some damage. I would be more concerned about the power supply if you are having problems. A 265W power supply sounds a bit small for a P4. If you go with a newer graphics card, it may just push your power supply over the edge. If your power supply goes out, it could damage other things.

Gunner

eagl · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2006, 04:54:40 AM »

Hard to beat the 7800GS at under $300 right now...

Roscoroo · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2006, 05:04:05 AM »

a good powersupply and "Clean all the fans/heatsinks" and check its temps .