Video Card Upgrade

[Ramkat]

I'm looking to upgrade my video card to a good DirectX 9 capable card. Here is my current system:

AMD Athlon XP 2000+ 1.67 GHz
1 GB RAM
Hightech Excalibur Radeon 9000

Could my system handle a Radeon 9800 PRO? What other suggestions do you all have? Thanks.

EDIT - I have a Dynex 300 watt power supply.

 

[earthscore]

Definitely not a 9800 pro, overkill..... try maybe a 9600...... it would probably still be overkill though

edit: what is ur mobo compatible with

 

[Dan_D]

9800Pro or a 6600GT the 6600GT would be a slightly better improvement over the 9800Pro, but has all the next generation Direct X 9.0C features that future games may take advantage of.

I'd also look into upgrading your processor if you like to game alot. That will help you get more out of the above mentioned video cards.

 

[Ramkat]

Is it overkill? What can my current system handle?

 

[ScYcS]

I wouldn'be overkill at all.

First of all, even if your processor limits you at some point, it still is a major upgrade from a 9000 and will be much faster. Second, if you upgrade the proc later or decide to overclock it, you'll benefit even more from it.

I would get the fastest card you can get with your budget and just be happy that you made the step up. If your budget is very low, consider a 9700pro or 9800pro or a Geforce 6600 pro AGP. If you have a little more money to spend, get a 6800nu or 6800gt card, or, if you want to stay with ATI, get one of their X800 models. You won't regret it.

Like I said, you will a) see an improvement and b) be prepared for the processor overclock or new processor.

 

[Ramkat]

Great, which model is the one to get? The Radeon 9800 PRO 128MB DDR? I've heard the 256MB version isn't worth it.

Will my 300 watt power supply be enough for the required connection for operation of the card?

 

[ScYcS]

Well, the 9800pro 128mb is probably a good bang for the buck. I personally would not get the 256MB version, but some people swear by it.

Also, a used 9700pro will do just fine. It would be cheaper and almost the same power level, if you don't mind used equipment.

As for your PSU being enough....it depends on the quality of your PSU. You can have a high quality 300W PSU that will do better than a cheap 500W PSU. I'd give it a try with your current powersupply and if that won't do, get a better one, but try the one you have first.

 

[Ramkat]

I found this on Pricewatch, is it a good deal?

ATI - Radeon 9800 128MB

ONLINE ORDER ONLY - -

-Sapphire RADEON 9800 ATLANTIS 128MB 128-bit DDR AGP8X TVO/DVI professional game card (OEM)
TotalCost $153.00

By the way, here are the power supply specs:

Dynex Model: DX-PS300W
Description: Dynex 300-Watt ATX CPU Power Supply

* EMI/RFI:FCC part 15 Class B,EN55022 Class B
* Input voltage range:90-135/180-265Vac (Switch select)
* With 12V/4.0A for LCD monitor
* Super high air flow(24CFM) - 12cm Cooling Fan
* Ultra Low Acoustic noise(<32dB)
* MTBF 50,000 hours at 25°
* Complies with ATX12V
* Surge: IEC61000-4-5
* ESD: IEC61000-4-2
* Dimension:150X86X140mm

 

[ScYcS]

I don't think that's a Pro version. Make sure you get a 9800pro!

I also personally would stick with ATI made cards and not a 3rd party manufacturer.

 

[cjm18]

before i got my new processor, 6600gt and 6800nu had same framerates in my counterstrike stress test. It was a xp1800@ 1.56Ghz. its been so long that i dont remember the fps but it was like 60ish

 

[jon67]

No it's not a good deal, if you're gonna get a 9800 Pro get one with 256-bit memory.

 

[geekcomputing]

i dont see how it can be 'overkill'

get a 6600 GT and be happy. its much better than the old 9800.

 

[WEZ]

6600gt's rock.......'nuff said

 

[Mojo]

Honestly, I wouldn't upgrade your video card until you get a new motherboard/CPU.
But if you're tight on cash just slap a 9800pro in it. It will be choked, but your performance will greatly rise anyways.

 

[krucifixion]

I would have to agree with Mojo. It would be kind of pointless to have a good video card and not have anything to back up it's performance with.