Upgrade Path

[Ididar]

So you've probably seen this type of thread a thousand times ... but we post for a reason, we're dumb and need help.

Currently running an XP 1800 with a GeForce3 video card and 1GB Corsair RAM. Looking to upgrade in the next few months but can't afford a whole lot. What I've been looking at to date is upgrading to an XP 3000 since the board (A7N8X Deluxe) can handle that and potentially the 9600XT 256MB. Now, is that a decent choice or am I being dumb? What's really the difference between the 256mb and 128mb 9600XT in my situation? Should I go to the XP 3000 or is there a better choice? I'm really not looking forward to upgrading the motherboard right now since that would put me into a cash bracket that is a bit beyond the current finances. Having bought a house last year the purchasing won't stop.

 

[Rich9710]

If you're looking to upgrade on the cheap, you've got a couple options. You could go with the 3000+ or get a Mobile Barton 2500+ and OC it, since those mobile chips OC like crazy just on air, and a 2500+ will be cheaper.

One thing I would definitely suggest is skipping the 9600XT and get a 9800Pro. You'll pay ~$20-30 more, but you can OC the 9800 or flash it to an XT and get better performance. And you don't need to go with 256MB. 128 is fine for most games, and the newest titles like Doom3 really need a new 6800 or x800 to rock.

Just my $0.02.

 

[Schro]

I agree that you should skip the 9600XT's and go for the 9800Pro, but i'll humor your question about them anyway: the 9600XT's that are 128mb are usually clocked at 500/600 (core/mem) whereas the 256mb ones are usually clocked at 500/400. Thus you trade the speed of the memory for more quanity.