Author Topic: Wanted: Skuzzy/HiTech Recommendation (Read 398 times)

Sloehand · « **on:** March 24, 2006, 10:26:34 PM »

Because I'm forced to consider a video card upgrade to my beast anyway (going, going, almost gone), I thought I'd ask for any recomendation by the Aces High POWERS-THAT-BE

. Given my current config and assuming all background tweaks being equal, what components should I upgrade (and what kind of additional bang for the buck do I get for each) to significantly improve gaming performance on AH. Consider that when running properly, I have never achieved a frame rate over 59 with this setup, though it is usually fairly consistant.
I guess what I'm really asking is, which possible upgrade (faster cpu, going to 2GB RAM, or installing a newer, AGP video card like ATI X850 XT or Nvidia 7800 GS) gives the most increase in performance, comparatively, and is it worth it to do more than one of these at this time?

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

Thanks for any input.

Bronk · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2006, 09:20:19 AM »

You are going to give that power supply a hernia.

You are going to need more juice with either vid card you listed.

Bronk

gatt · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:13:33 AM »

Sloehand, I agree with Bronk. Buy a new video card and perhaps one more Gbyte of Mem.
FYI, a new (AGP) 7800GS is coming out. With the same 20 pipeline of the 7800GT (PCI-e).

Callisto · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:41:29 AM »

slo,

Your CPU and RAM is good(you can always add more).

go with the videocard and powersupply first, thats where u gonna see your biggest improvement. U gonna be about 3X faster then your current vidcard.

powersupply at least 350W, i'd go with 400W. Make sure power supply is heavy and has nice thick wires.

You might also consider a new monitor down the road to compliment your new vid cards abilities.

38ruk · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:42:00 AM »

*usually* Skuzzy /Hitech kinda shy away from giving any recomendations on hardware setups, they dont like to get involved in something they have no control over, and could potentially cause hard feelings with one of their customers . Maybe they will , just dont be suprised if they stay out of it . GL 38

EDIT : Sloe after looking at your current setup , im suprised that your power supply hasnt given you any problems .

WhiteHawk · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2006, 01:47:14 PM »

265 watts?? Man, thats not even going to turn the power supply fan, is it?

Sloehand · « **Reply #6 on:** March 26, 2006, 12:57:12 AM »

Thanx for the responses guys.
This is a custom made box and the power usage was precisely factored and worked fine. I'm afraid I made an operational mistake last summer that has resulted in the video card starting to go on the fritz now, therefore the required upgrade situation.
Whatever I do I will also upgrade the power supply, but my question was focused on evaluating my current configuration against some measure of improvement I might achieve with various other upgrades. But i needed to know if there was enough bang for the buck to justify spending the additional money.
As for the video card, I'm looking at the 7800GS or the x850 XT. Eventually, I want to get a top-of-the-line LCD in 20" or better.
If adding another 1GB of RAM will not produce a signifcant performance boost after buying the new card, then I don't want to go there. Same with my CPU.

GunnerCAF · « **Reply #7 on:** March 26, 2006, 01:51:45 AM »

I have the X800GTO, and it works quite well, for the 135 bucks I payed for it The x850 should be better. My PC is similar to yours (but an AMD).

If you upgrade to a better card, you can run the high res textures. If you preload everything, it will take up more then 1G of ram.

I have an AMD64 +3200
2G Ram
Saphire X800GTO

In AH I run everything maxed out, high res graphics.

Gunner

Wolfala · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2006, 05:45:17 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Sloehand
Thanx for the responses guys.
This is a custom made box and the power usage was precisely factored and worked fine. I'm afraid I made an operational mistake last summer that has resulted in the video card starting to go on the fritz now, therefore the required upgrade situation.
Whatever I do I will also upgrade the power supply, but my question was focused on evaluating my current configuration against some measure of improvement I might achieve with various other upgrades. But i needed to know if there was enough bang for the buck to justify spending the additional money.
As for the video card, I'm looking at the 7800GS or the x850 XT. Eventually, I want to get a top-of-the-line LCD in 20" or better.
If adding another 1GB of RAM will not produce a signifcant performance boost after buying the new card, then I don't want to go there. Same with my CPU.

Slo,

As a fellow rook, I feel obligated to steer u in the right direction. See the lessons learned thread.

http://www.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=174421

Wolf