Need advice about buying a new GPU ?

[ageofdreams]

I need to upgrade my old PC so that I would be able to play TF2. I figured what I have to change in other threads, but I still don't know what GPU I ought to choose. Right now I have two options in my mind: NVidia 7600 256Mb (AGP) or ATI HD 3650 512Mb (AGP). Can you help me with the choice ?

 

[aberchonbie]

what monitor resolution are you playing at?

you have an agp based motherboard still? do you have a pcie slot on your motherboard? what is the make, model, and wattage of your power supply?

after that, maybe we can help you out some more..

 

[gkay09]

^ +1
3650 would be faster than the 7600...But with that card you would be able to play @ lower resolutions only...

 

[ageofdreams]

My MOBO is old, no PCI-E just AGP. I am going to buy a new PSU, so this is not a problem. My res is 1280X1024.

So you suggest 3650? Am I right? Is it really better?

 

[typeo]

Depending on how much money your wanting to spend, this card will allow you to play TF2 very smoothly at that resolution if you don't mind spending a extra $20.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125281

 

[aberchonbie]

Depending on how much money your wanting to spend, this card will allow you to play TF2 very smoothly at that resolution if you don't mind spending a extra $20.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125281

^+1 i think that's the latest video card out on agp if im not mistaken (featured on either this site or on anandtech)

and it's $5 cheaper than the ati 2600 or the 3850..

that specific video card's psu requirements is 400w minimum..

it says the video card supports crossfire but it doesnt have the crossfire bridge connections on the card, and ur mobo prolly doesn't support crossfire since it's as old as agp with no pcie..

this is the best ur gonna get! (get a psu from a quality manufacturer such as corsair, pc p&c, etc.)

 

[ageofdreams]

Thank you I think I'll get 4650 and a new PSU. Btw is Chieftech a good manufacturer?

 

[ageofdreams]

And also newegg operates only in US. So is there something similar in Europe?

 

[aberchonbie]

hmm, im not too sure about etailers in Europe.

regarding Chieftech, NO. Don't buy chieftech! LOL!!!

stick to these brands and you will be very satisfied: corsair, pc power & cooling, antec, seasonic

some other decent brands: BFG, OCZ, FSP

 

[ageofdreams]

OK thank you all !!!