What is my ideal upgrade?

[Waffles87]

I am currently saving up to upgrade my computer's GPU. I play Call of Duty 4, and I am only looking to achieve 125 FPS Constant as 1280x1024, even if the game doesn't look all pretty. I am not sure what the most ideal upgrade would be for this setup:

2.8GHz Pentium D HyperThreading
1.5GB RAM DDR2
Dell XPS 400 375W PSU
19" LCD Monitor (Native Res. 1280x1024)

My current GPU is a lowly 8500GT 256MB, and it just can't get it done. What would be my best bet for a card in the price range of ~$100-$150?

 

[frozenlead]

Honestly, I don't think you'll get very far with any card on that PSU.
What's the amps on the 12v rail?

 

[Waffles87]

I just checked, and it's around 25A. That seems to be accurate per Google searches...

 

[dagger]

125fps constant in cod4? You'll have to build a new pc for that. Only the monitor is still good.

 

[Waffles87]

I want 125fps constant, but I don't need to have 4xaa or 16xAF or any of that stuff. I just want 125FPS at 1280x1024, even if it has to be with a fps config.

 

[Waffles87]

Just did a couple more searches, and looked again, and it has 2 12v rails at 18A, so does that equal 36A?

 

[pauldh]

Even with a beast of a GPU that could approach constant 125 fps, you will probably then be CPU limited. You'll have to reduce details never mind fsaa. What's your refresh rate? 19" LCD you probably will only see 60 fps. Think you'll still feel 125 fps in multiplayer?

HD3870 512MB and an e8500 can' do it at 800x600:
http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/intel_core_2_duo_e8500_wolfdale/page10.asp

I need to run, but maybe I'll test looks like mud details to see if those high constant fps are even possible.

 

[pauldh]

Just did a couple more searches, and looked again, and it has 2 12v rails at 18A, so does that equal 36A?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Varies by Make/model.

 

[Waffles87]

I don't care if I have to keep all my textures low or even use a fps config, I just want a card that can get 125 just about constant at 1280x1024. Would a 8800GS or a 8800GTS 320MB work?

 

[xx12amanxx]

Sorry buddie it's not going to happen.

 

[Waffles87]

Would my best bet be upgrading my processor first? I am not going to stop saving up just because I need to upgrade something else before. What do I need to upgrade first before I worry about my GPU?

 

[pauldh]

Again, Why do you want 125 fps? A typical 19" LCD is going to only refresh 60 times a second anyway whether vsync is on or not.

 

[romulus47plus1]

Dude if you get 60-80 fps constant is really good enough.
You want to play games or show off?
If you want cards from nVidia, get the 8800GS or the 9600GT.
Get the 3870 if you want cards from ATI.

 

[Waffles87]

The reason I am looking to get 125 FPS is because I am a competitive gamer, and I want the game to run as smooth as possible, as much as possible. I have only one last question: Would a 8800GS or a 9600GT give me FPS no lower than 60-70 at all times?

 

[romulus47plus1]

Yea, at that resolution.
Don't worry, you won't see any lags at that fps

 

[Waffles87]

Ok, thanks to your helpfulness, I have decided to get a 8800GS. Thanks again, all who helped.

 

[romulus47plus1]

Your welcome. Have fun playing!

 

[dagger]

See chart. It lists fps for different gpus. First one is Crysis, scroll down to second one for CoD4.
http://www.guru3d.com/category/vga_2/

 

[doomsdaydave11]

Even 45 FPS is very smooth. And besides, even if you're getting 125 FPS, 1. you will not be able to see it, and 2. Your monitor will limit you to 60FPS anyway.

Remember that a TV runs at 25-30 FPS, and they seem pretty smooth to me.

 

[dagger]

Even 45 FPS is very smooth. And besides, even if you're getting 125 FPS, 1. you will not be able to see it, and 2. Your monitor will limit you to 60FPS anyway.

Remember that a TV runs at 25-30 FPS, and they seem pretty smooth to me.

TV and movies have blur effects, which helps your eyes adjust. 25fps in game with unbuffered sharp edges will strain your eyes.

 

[Waffles87]

The big attraction to having 125 FPS is that with all quake-engine based games, having 125 FPS gives you a 6.6% jump radius incresae, as well as faster gunspray. Sorry I didn't explain earlier.

 

[pauldh]

Hmm, if so, then that's the explanation I was looking for.

 

[doomsdaydave11]

TV and movies have blur effects, which helps your eyes adjust. 25fps in game with unbuffered sharp edges will strain your eyes.

Wow I'm surprised I didn't know that . "Learn something new every day"

 

[sabot00]

Ya might wanna uppy that CPU.