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UT2k4, need help with upgrade

B

BenyBen

n00b
Joined
Mar 18, 2004
Messages
18
Well, I didn't think this would happen again, but ut2k4 is a reason to upgrade for me.

Here's my hardware
mobo: Asus P4T-E
cpu: p4 1.9 ghz (no hyperthreading)
Video card: Geforce 3 64 Mb
Ram : RDIM 256 MB of ram

Now, I KNOW I need more ram, loading anything, switching to windows from a game etc etc is excruciatingly slow... The problem here, is that the RDIMM are very expensive, and rather than paying the big $ for a ram upgrade (that would effectivley make me stuck in a ram technology that is getting dumped), I would change my motherboard, and get AMD Athlon MP 2400+ PGA T-Bred and 512 MB of DDR Ram.

Now, I can't afford to throw in the video card on top of this, it will be one and *then* (much later) the other. The question:

Would it make more sens to simply change my video card to something like an ATI AGP Radeon 9800PRO 128M While I wait for more cash for a mobo/cpu/ram upgrade?

Keep in mind that I am talking mostly in terms of UT2k4 performance.. I don't mind the long wait associated with less ram if a new video card can get me 800*600 Medium detail with NO computer lag...

Sorry for the long message, but it's sort of a complicated situation to explain. This would not be an issue if my Mobo could support DDR, cuz then a simple memory upgrade and a new video card would do it, for cheap.
 
If you can't wait, then go for the 9800Pro. Then in a few months, or whenever you have the money, upgrade your mobo/ram/cpu.

Go with a 2500+/NF7-S or A7N8X-X mobo/and 512mb ram.

that should only cost you about $250.
 
yeah, get the video card, then later new mobo/cpu/ram.

I'm in the exact same boat, I have a 1.6a@2GHz with RDRAM that I'm looking to get rid of...but upgrading your mobo AND cpu AND ram at once is so pricey...

needless to say, I have a 9800 pro and UT2k4 runs fine on my system.
 
I disagree with everyone. I say upgrade your motherboard, CPU and RAM now because your GF3 can still handle games that are out.

Wait until the next-gen cards hit before upgrading your video card.
 
there is a guy selling 2x 256 RIMM for 65 shipped. on the fs/t boards. either here, anandtech. or amdmb.

I would say thats all you really need right now.
 
Originally posted by merlin704
I disagree with everyone. I say upgrade your motherboard, CPU and RAM now because your GF3 can still handle games that are out.

Wait until the next-gen cards hit before upgrading your video card.
Click to expand...

But it sounds like Ben has limited cash, the next-generation cards could be many hundred dollars for quite a while.
 
Originally posted by bobsaget
But it sounds like Ben has limited cash, the next-generation cards could be many hundred dollars for quite a while.
Click to expand...

Not if he sold his old CPU, motherboard and RAM.:)
 
even a 9600xt will be bottlenecked by your CPU.

you need a completely new setup - cpu/mobo/ram/video. probably PSU too. SATA drives, while you're at it. might as well start saving up now for a full upgrade.
 
Just upgraded to a 9800PRO... in exactly the same boat as you... very little cash, and an aging MOBO/CPU/RAM combo. UT2004 runs at 1280x1024x32 AA and AF on (not all the way up but looks really nice) at a consistant 40-80 fps... more than playable. I will be upgrading CPU/MOBO sometime in the future but for now I'm able to play games with no real downside. My $.02 is that to get a Sapphy 9800 Pro 128 and then do the other stuff when you can. The new gen vid cards are gonna be rediculously expensive (to real people like you and I) for quite a while, and if you're like me, you wanna play NOW!

Good luck.
 
Video card

That will make the biggest difference for ya, followed by RAM.

example of video card differences..
Duron 1.6ghz with 9800 pro .. 11k 3dmark
p4 3ghz (HT) with 9800se (stock) 11k 3dmark
 
Originally posted by MemoryInAGarden
In this order: RAM,graphics,processor/mainboard.
Click to expand...

wtd! that doesn't make any sense.

Should proly just get the best video card you can afford now to boost framrates. Since it won't work when PCI express comes into full swing get a P4 and I875P just as theyre going away for real cheap and it will last you for a good while.
 
Go out now and buy one of those insanely cheap 9800 pros for the time being. Then save up a few hundred for an athlon 64. I have an AthlonXP2400+ @ 2.4 ghz right now and im still sometimes disappointed in how my system runs ut2004. If i ever drop below 55 fps it bothers me and makes the game feel sluggish. Im not gonna sacrifice good visuals either, so im also in the market for an athlon64. The a64's can run the Unreal2 engine FAR better than any other processor on the market. The a64 3000+ can be found for around $200 but the jump in preformance is definately worth it.
 
i think you should sell your cpu/ram/mobo and save up for a new combo...something like the 2500+/a7n8x or 2.4C/is7/ic7 combo with 512 of some descent ram
 
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