what graph card to buy?

[Eddie30]

Hi to all of you...

Here is the system:

CPU: p4 1.5 GHZ
MB: Intel 850MV
RAM: 640MB of PC800
GC: ATI Radeon 8500

So I want to change the video card and I know that the lastest card would set on fire my system...! I know that an X800 or (even more powerfull card) will never work at 100% of its capacity on my system but will surely be more powerfull that my 8500. So here is my question:

I'm searching between theses ranges of graphic cards: 9600, 9800 or XC800 (and their sub-models, Pro, XT...) I want to know what would be the best to put on my system. Keeping in mind that I'm aiming stability before performance. Or if someone have another choice, I'm open.

I'm planning to climb up the ram to 1Go and the CPU to 2.6GHZ.

thanks in advance...

 

[cleeve]

Your system would work well with a used X800 XL.

Cheep on ebay.

Just don't expect new games to rock out. Your CPU will hold you back in the newer CPU-heavy stuff.

 

[Eddie30]

I checked out this card and I was just wondering if it will physically fit on the AGP connector. I've heard that there were somes changes since I bought my 8500...

 

[cleeve]

AGP is all the same.

The X800 series will fit just fine.

 

[Eddie30]

thanks a lot for you fast response!!!

I really appreciate.

 

[simonfb10]

Being honest with a rig as antiquated as yours your probably better saving up for a new PC.
Shader model three games are starting to filter through (slowly) and the crusty old 9600 9800 and x800 are not capable of even running these games let alone play at an acceptable frame rate.

 

[cleeve]

IN retrospect, you might want a 6800 GT if it's in the same price range.

About the same speed as the X800 XL, but the 6800 GT will give you a bit more advanced SM 3.0 capability.

Then again, with the not-bleeding-edge games you'll be running with that CPU, I don't know if the shader model version is something you need to worry about.

But if there the same price, go for the 6800 GT. If it's way cheaper, the X800 XL is the better bet.

 

[simonfb10]

6800GT is deffo a better bet!!

 

[cleeve]

Shader model three games are starting to filter through (slowly) and the crusty old 9600 9800 and x800 are not capable of even running these games let alone play at an acceptable frame rate.

Both the X800 XL and 6800 GS are about as fast as the new 2600 XT and 8600 GT.

They'll still play at 1280x1024.

 

[simonfb10]

Didnt know that.