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BulletHole24

Weaksauce
Joined
Apr 22, 2005
Messages
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I built my current computer over 3 years ago and it runs an Asus A8V Deluxe mobo with an Nvidia Geforce 6600GT. The only things I have upgraded over the years are a few case fans. With video games these days becoming better in graphics, it is a bit frustrating that I have to run all of my graphics settings on low just to still experience a bit of video lag and a depressing FPS. I've thought about upgrading my video card, but AGP is such ancient technology that I'm not sure if it's worth it. Are there any AGP cards still around that are better than my 6600GT, supported by my mobo and are worth the upgrade? Or should I just wait until I can put the money together to build an entirely new system (keep in mind that wouldn't be for years down the road when video cards are better than mine by a ridiculous coefficient).
 
CPU's are at a sweet spot, they are very cheap and its not hard to upgrade video card wise, wait untill the next gen cards from nvidia and ati are released (may - june from what im hearing) and then upgrade the entire computer
 
risqu3 said:
CPU's are at a sweet spot, they are very cheap and its not hard to upgrade video card wise, wait untill the next gen cards from nvidia and ati are released (may - june from what im hearing) and then upgrade the entire computer
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My current CPU is a AMD Athlon 64 3500+ by the way and I have 2GB RAM. And it's like I said, I unfortunately wouldn't be able to build an entirely new rig for years to come (so the summer's out).
 
I think there is an AGP version of the ATI 3850 - that should hold you over for quite a while :)
 
kllrnohj said:
I think there is an AGP version of the ATI 3850 - that should hold you over for quite a while :)
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The 3850 AGP would be a good choice. The jump from the 6600GT to the 3850 would be dramatic, that's about 2x-2.5x step up in tech/performance. In my own experience, i went from a 6800gt to an x1950pro (which is a smaller step up than what your'e doing) and it was like day and night. Framerates doubled for me and everything just felt more stable and smooth in games.

I stuck with that set up for about 5 months, but later wanted to upgrade my CPU to a dual core and could not do so. So I ended up building an entirely new rig. If you're at all thinking you want to go multi core (which i highly reccommend) then i would think of just getting a new board + CPU + PCI-E video card. The price difference would probably be double that of simply upgrading the agp video card alone...something like $150 vs $300. However, imo this would be a wise investment.

Anyway, here's a link to the 3850 AGP: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131090
 
Well I checked out both cards and both are a bit out of my price range right now. I guess I've got to wait until I've got the money to upgrade everything (or at least the most important pieces).
 
I just upgraded from an AGP 6600GT, and I have to really tell you to upgrade. I can play games on my new 8800GT with full AA and highest settings that were not even playable on the 6600GT.
 
There is an AGP ATI 3850 but it wouldn't show its full potential because your motherboard is already too old to even support it at max speed. Id say Build a new system for about $650-700. Also, cause its not worth spending $150 on a card that wont even run at max speed....
 
jxaznxk said:
There is an AGP ATI 3850 but it wouldn't show its full potential because your motherboard is already too old to even support it at max speed. Id say Build a new system for about $650-700. Also, cause its not worth spending $150 on a card that wont even run at max speed....
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Yeah, that's a good point. I've decided to just wait it out. Maybe the money I make from working over the summer will be enough. I'm probably just going to upgrade my mobo, cpu (+fan/heatsink), video card, ram, case, and any new case fans I might need to fill any empty fan spaces. I probably won't touch my sound card or speakers just because I don't care too much about my sound. As long as I can hear things with halfway decent quality, I'm satisfied. Anyone have any recommendations about a new setup for the things I listed (I'm not interested in SLI)?

Yeah I know I said the summer's out, but I just landed a job I didn't think I would get.

EDIT: Would probably need a new PSU too. Oh and one last thingl; my HDs are SATA 150. Would that have any effect on my mobo choice?
 
BulletHole24 said:
Well I checked out both cards and both are a bit out of my price range right now. I guess I've got to wait until I've got the money to upgrade everything (or at least the most important pieces).
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Well if that's a bit too high you have other options too. The 2600xt AGP is a decent upgrade for you. It should run more recent games much better than your 6600gt. It also has 512mb...though with only a 128bit bus who knows if it'll really be used. Anyway, here's a link:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161208

only $90


Also, i just checked the 3850 link i posted above...the price dropped from $145 to $135, if that sways you at all.
 
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