$400; new GPU or new cpu/mobo

[Bartokomus]

$400

I have the setup below in my sig; so really nothing else needs to be upgraded.

I am thinking of a 6800GT or trying to find the best A64 combo i can get; i want to (obviously) maximize my gaming pleasure and i just can't see which will suit me better in the long run. rants or thoughts appreciated...

 

[imported_obsidian]

Real tough call especially with that overclock. I would learn towards the video card.

 

[PClark99]

video card definitely.

 

[McArra]

Originally posted by: PClark99
video card definitely.

 

[Fenuxx]

Originally posted by: PClark99
video card definitely.

I agree. Your PC's specs are decent (though it is Intel ). The video card IMHO would yield the best results.

 

[sundev]

Nice o/c!

Anyways the video card is the better buy, especially when you are considering the long run. Looking at current benchmarks for games like Doom3 and HL2, even "slow" computers like P4 2.4s can keep up quite well on high quality with a kickass video card like the 6800GT.

 

[Lonyo]

X800XL might be better, if you can find one at, or below, MSRP.
Then save the change for a future upgrade.
I don't think a 6800GT will necessarily be pushed to its limits with that CPU unless you run high settings, so it also depends on what sort of monitor you have.

 

[MustangSVT]

well.. get both!

6800 vanilla with ath 64 3000+ or so to oc it..

hmm that will come out to $500 however..

 

[RussianSensation]

Think about it. 6800GT gives 2x the performance increase over 9800Pro. That is roughly 100%. Find 1 cpu you can currently buy that will give you 100% improvement over 3.43 P4? Hmm....Maybe a P4 6.8ghz? Or A64 6000+, and that still wouldnt be right because games are 90% dependent on the videocard in high resolutions with Quality settings enabled.

Performance improvement of having the Fastest A64 over P4 3.6ghz at 1600x1200:

Doom 3 - 6.4%
Far Cry - 5.1%
Half Life 2 - 10.9%
IL2 Sturmovic - 14.3%


Now videocard performance compared:

Massive Review

$340 6800GT is a good investment (I dont know when AGP x800xl will be available). In May sell the 6800GT and get the latest generation.

Top of the line cards are meant to be played at highest resolutions they can handle with highest quality settings. The examples I provided do not even include AA/AF enabled, at which point A64's advantage in gaming will be 0.

Once again => For gaming, nothing will give you more bang for the buck than a new videocard.

 

[Bartokomus]

All good points Gents. the question about a CPU upgrade really arose because i never seem to have a problem running 16x12 on my 9800 (on my 21" BenQ CRT). I don't usually use aa/af because at that high of a resolution i never notice jaggies, etc... so maybe a new CPU would be nice.

but a 6800 GT is probably what i go for once i can move my 9800Pro.

thank you all

 

[Dman877]

I'd wait for the next wave of video/cpu releases imo, your rig is more then adequate for todays games.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: PClark99
video card definitely.

 

[Concillian]

Originally posted by: Bartokomus
All good points Gents. the question about a CPU upgrade really arose because i never seem to have a problem running 16x12 on my 9800 (on my 21" BenQ CRT). I don't usually use aa/af because at that high of a resolution i never notice jaggies, etc... so maybe a new CPU would be nice.

If you just want to spend money, I'd be more than willing to volunteer to be the beneficiary.

Seriously, if you have no issues running what you have at the resolution and settings you want, then why upgrade at all?

CPU upgrades are largely a non-issue at 1600x1200, and if you're happy with your current performance, video upgrades won't buy you much either.

 

[slash196]

It starts with a "V" and ends with "ideo card, fool".

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-130-203&depa=1

 

[Bartokomus]

eVGA makes me a tad nervous. I think a little bit more for a BFG, hopefully this model:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-143-022&depa=0

Not sold on it yet, but close...

 

[quakefiend420]

Originally posted by: McArra

Originally posted by: PClark99
video card definitely.

 

[Machine350]

Originally posted by: PClark99
video card definitely.

:thumbsup: 6800GT all the way.

 

[Paktu]

Originally posted by: Bartokomus
eVGA makes me a tad nervous. I think a little bit more for a BFG, hopefully this model:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-143-022&depa=0

Not sold on it yet, but close...

eVGA makes solid cards. The only partners I'd worry about would be PNY and XFX. There's no way you can justify paying $40 more just for BFG, and the card is out of stock now anyway.

 

[Bartokomus]

well here we go; $359 for the XFX 6800GT 256mb DVI/Analog card:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-150-069&depa=0

we shall see...

 

[Fenuxx]

DEAR GOD NO!! Don't get the XFX CARD!!!! Stay the HELL away from them. Their "Quality Control" is virtually non-existent. You could get a good card, but then again, you could get stuck like me and have to go through 4 (F-O-U-R) of them to get one thats actually worth a damn. Get a BFG or EVGA. But at all costs, STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM XFX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO IT!

 

[nick1985]

he doesnt like the sound of EVGA so he gets an XFX....dear lord

 

[Fenuxx]

THIS is much better than that POS XFX you're thinkin' about (you haven't already bought the XFX, have you?). Its only $10 more, and, IMHO, its a HELL of a lot better than the XFX card.

 

[Bartokomus]

well thank you all for scaring the living sh1t out of me; where were you this morning @ 12:32am when i couldn't sleep.
it already shipped.

sigh.

 

[Bartokomus]

and i saw the Leadtek; my Ti300 was a Leadtek, and t'was a great card. but that thing looks huge enough to start pushing on it's next, next door neighbour.
hopefully, i'll get a good one.

 

[imverygifted]

Originally posted by: PClark99
video card definitely.