Best match for a 2005FPW?

[Byrns]

I've got a new 2005FPW on the way and I was wondering what card I should match up with it?

My current system is:
P4 3.0 Northwood (stock)
2 Gig RAM
XFX 6600GT (AGP)

I would like to run all my games natively at 1680x1050 and have a lot of the eye candy turned up. Right now I'm playing mostly World of Warcraft, but I plan on picking up HL2 soon.

Which would you do? (I don't want to spend more than $500):

1. BFG 6800 Ultra $435 (but I'm souring on Nvidia's drivers)
2. Sapphire X800 XT PE $498
3. Keep the 6600GT and get a $500 Ati R520 AGP card whenever they show up

 

[Cheesetogo]

The 6600gt is fine for now, and when the r520 comes out it's going to be sweet. The 6600gt should be plenty fast for you.

 

[johncatral]

I wasn't happy with my 6600GT especially when using the maximum widescreen resolution. So... I returned it and await the X800XL which should be sufficient. I hope! hehe

 

[nitromullet]

I'm running a 6800GT and have been pleased so far with games on my 2005FPW. Both Doom3 and HL2 run quite well at 1680x1050.

Byrns, you have a decent AGP card for the moment, so I wouldn't upgrade it unitl you decide to go PCIe. That being said, the Sapphire X800 XT PE would bury your 6600GT.

 

[kini62]

HL2 should play all right at 1680x1050 as it's not such a resource hog as Doom or Far Cry. Just don't expect to crank up AA and AF it doesn't have the memory, besides HL2 looks plenty good with all settings on high and no AA or AF.