Upgrading

[Jade_Dragon]

Yesterday my video card (radeon 9700pro)started making vertical lines on my monitor, I think while we were installing a new hard drive, that we loosened a circut on it so I'm going to upgade. Up until now I've had no problems with the card and was satisfied with its performance. I'm mainly use it to game ( css, bf2, tacops) and for photoshop.

I'd like to stay under the $400.00 range, and I'm currently looking at the
Radeon x800 xl, is this a good card? Does anyone have any other suggestion?

Your help is appreciated.
Thanks Tammy

 

[WOWchamp]

If your in the states, pick up this from newegg.com



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102697

339$ and it outperfoms the X1800XL by a good bit. Has AVIVO and 512MB VRAM.

You could look at a 7900GT for 300-330$ but it has no VIVO features at all and is bested by the X1800XT more often then not. The X1800XT has better IQ and can use OpenEXE HDR with AA and that particular X1800XT has 512MB VRAM (they also make 256MB versions, but you should get more life out of the 512MB). The X1800XT can be software volt modded as well, which with upgraded cooling on the card can lead to a hefty OC.

On the cons side...

The card can be loud at times, and takes up a second panel on your case to vent the air out through (which I consider a pro as that hot air isnt getting into your case).

It is a bit bulkier then the 7900, and slightly more expensive. But I feel, its the better card. Either of the two would be a ten fold increase over that 9700PRO.

Make sure you have a nice 400W+ PSU though.

If your not in the states however...

I would say try to get an X800GTO as it has unlockable pipelines on it and comes at a very fair price.

 

[GeneticWeapon]

He needs AGP.

Why do people always do this?....do they not know the difference between agp & pcie?? :lol:

fucking stupid :lol:

 

[GeneticWeapon]

I would say try to get an X800GTO as it has unlockable pipelines on it

No it fucking doesnt. The PCIE GTO2 does :roll:

 

[GeneticWeapon]

I would say try to get an X800GTO as it has unlockable pipelines on it

No it ****** doesnt. The PCIE GTO2 does :roll:

LMAO, I was saying that to myself. Why do people confuse those two? :lol:
I dont know, but it's something that people should'nt get confused on....especially when suggesting one to somebody.

Dont recomend that someone should buy a standard GTO because it will unlock....you're doing them an extreme undjustice should they purchase that card on account of the advice you've given them.

fucking fucktards :roll:

 

[cleeve]

Your best bets are the X800 GTO and 6800 GS, the X800 XL is a bit better than either if you can find it cheap enough.

The ultimate performer in AGP is the Gainward 7800 GS, but it's pretty pricey, probably not worth buying it - the cash'd be better spent on a PCIe upgrade.

 

[Jade_Dragon]

@Jade_Dragon = FYI Female 😀
What are your system specs?[/quote]

Thermaltake Xaser II case
(total of 9 fans)
430 watt power supply
2200xp+
Asus A7V8X MB(bios ver. 1008.004) w/raid(in process of setting that up)
VIA 4in 1 driver 4.42
512 of DDR400 (pc3200)(set at 333)
Radeon 9700 pro (driver ver. 6193)
SB Audigy Gamer
Liteonit CDRW
liteonit DVD
Windows XP

Those are my specs....I'd really like to stay away from upgrading more atm.

 

[raven_87]

Yeah, noticed the name was Tammy, so I wasnt about so say you were a guy.
:lol: :lol: :lol:

I had the exact same setup in 2002 as you do now (2200XP, 9700pro 512)

The problem with just up and buying a new GPU is the fact that (no disrespect) your CPU and RAM tend to be the largest bottlenecks.

So, since your willing to spend $400, I'm going to recommend this...

Barton 3200+
Sapphire X800GTO
PDP 512MB DDR 400

My estimates come to $385. Of course you could drop less and go ahead and upgrade the GPU only, but your 9700pro is already (slightly) outpacing your system. Simply throwning in a new GPU that better than the 9700 pro, and you wont be getting your money worth due to the rest of the system. Either way its completely up to you so....good luck 😀


EDIT: I see you said you'd like to "stay away from upgrading more"
Simple then. Buy a 6600(GT) then save for later....

 

[dmantech]

go for the X800 XL it's a sweet AGP card I gave mine to my mother because
I built a new system. When I had my old system I owned a 9800 Pro before the x800Xl but you can tell the difference and it will run everything that's currently out.