AGP or PCI Express

[imported_Doughboy]

I was thinking of either upgrading my AGP video or building a new PC with PCI Express. I'd rather not build a new machine right now, but don't want to drop big $$$ on an inferior Video card (AGP) for the same price as PCI Express version. Does anyone know which slot design is faster and by how much? if you compared the same graphics chip which is "real world" faster? ATI offers many chips in both slot forms. Any ideas? Will I notice the difference between the two?

 

[sellmen]

The difference between AGP and PCI Express is almost nil right now. Your computer is more than capable - upgrade your video card now, and wait till dual core to upgrade the rest.

 

[Keysplayr]

As opposed to the imaginary world you mean? J/K.
As of today, there is no discernable difference in performance between AGP 8x and PCI-Express. That may change in the near future however.

 

[Amplifier]

PCI-E is gradually becoming less expensive than AGP but aside from that you won't notice a quality difference.

 

[imported_Kensai]

We're not saturating the AGP 8X bus yet, we're somewhere around the AGP 4X bus. No difference in quality, though SLI changes all that.

 

[tungtung]

Personally with your system spec, I would hold any upgrade for now.
I mean your Radeon 9800 Pro should be sufficient enough for today's games.
As far as AGP vs PCI-E goes, for now most reviewers agree that all else being equal there seems to be very minimal speed difference between the two platform.

 

[imported_Doughboy]

I am leaning toward the All-in-wonder X800 XT. Is there any difference between this card and the non AIW version. Any thoughts are are appreciated.

 

[tungtung]

As far as I know with the exception of the TV tuner (and obviously the board design) the AIW and regular X800XT are virtually identical