Friendly Upgrade, older computer

[leatherface7]

So my buddy has a computer he is trying to perform a few upgrades if possible. This came about because 1 of his 2 GPU's died and he wanted to see if he could upgrade anything for < $150 bucks..just something small. With that being said, here are his specs:

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 x2 4200+ Toledo Socket 939
Mobo: ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe
RAM: 2 GB DDR Dual Channel
GPU: Geforce 7600 GT 256 MB (was in SLI but 1 just died)
PSU some Antec 500W

Mostly for gaming, just wants some small upgrades because he probably won't buy a new computer this year. Runs XP, and plays on 1680x1050.

So what do you guys think, any upgrades that would help out for <$150? If you need anymore information just ask.

Thanks!

 

[mfenn]

Get a 5770 for $150 or so. It will be slightly bottlenecked by an old Athlon X2, but it is portable to the eventual new rig.

 

[leatherface7]

Any other upgrades or good GPU's for around $100? I'll go look around myself now. thanks!

 

[leatherface7]

How about one of these, depending on how much he wants to spend on just the GPU. Any of these not viable? Thoughts?

Radeon HD 5670 1GB 128-bit $90

Radeon HD 5750 512MB $105

Radeon HD 5770 512MB $130


GeForce 9800 GT Video Card - 512MB GDDR3 $50 after mail in rebate

 

[mfenn]

You should be able to snag a 5750 for around $100.

 

[mfenn]

The 5670 is much worse bang for buck than the others. Don't buy a 5770 with only 512MB of VRAM. A 512MB 5750 is debatable, but less likely to be a limiting factor than on the 5770.

EDIT: That 9800GT is a pretty good deal and would be a nice upgrade from a 7600GT.

 

[leatherface7]

The 5670 is much worse bang for buck than the others. Don't buy a 5770 with only 512MB of VRAM. A 512MB 5750 is debatable, but less likely to be a limiting factor than on the 5770.

EDIT: That 9800GT is a pretty good deal and would be a nice upgrade from a 7600GT.

Ok, so now I am looking at:

Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit $130

or

GeForce 9800 GT Video Card - 512MB GDDR3 $50

This upgrade will probably only be for about a year or so, and he isn't worried about running things in the very best detail. So, I would assume the 9800 is a better deal, but how is it performance wise compared to the 5750? At this point, I am leaning at telling him to buy the 9800 and save some money since he is not all too worried about this upgrade and I'd rather him save up for a new computer soonish.

Lastly, thanks for the 100 replies on all my posts lately mfenn =p

 

[mfenn]

Ok, so now I am looking at:

Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit $130

or

GeForce 9800 GT Video Card - 512MB GDDR3 $50

This upgrade will probably only be for about a year or so, and he isn't worried about running things in the very best detail. So, I would assume the 9800 is a better deal, but how is it performance wise compared to the 5750? At this point, I am leaning at telling him to buy the 9800 and save some money since he is not all too worried about this upgrade and I'd rather him save up for a new computer soonish.

Lastly, thanks for the 100 replies on all my posts lately mfenn =p

Yeah, no problem.

At 1680x1050 a 5750 is only about 33% faster than a 9800GT, so that's the better deal in pure FPS per dollar. That being said, that 33% puts the 5750 over the cusp of playability (30 FPS) whereas the 9800GT is under in lots of titles at all max/1680x1050. If, like you said, your friend does not mind dropping the detail settings a bit, the 9800GT should be sufficient.

 

[RebateMonger]

If you can get a 9800GT for $50, it'd be a lot more appropriate (and cheaper) upgrade for the computer you describe.

 

[DominionSeraph]

Don't buy a 5770 with only 512MB of VRAM.

A 5770 with 512MB ram is just fine for a single card. He's not going to be able to push the detail levels/AA that'll fill it up.

If he might purchase a second later to Crossfire, then definitely go for the 1GB. And that would be my suggestion: $150 1GB 5770 now and he can buy another when he builds his new rig.

 

[Sp12]

A 5770 with 512MB ram is just fine for a single card. He's not going to be able to push the detail levels/AA that'll fill it up.

If he might purchase a second later to Crossfire, then definitely go for the 1GB. And that would be my suggestion: $150 1GB 5770 now and he can buy another when he builds his new rig.

That's likely the best purchase in terms of longevity, and really, a 1GB 5770 is only ~20 dollars more than a 5750.

 

[leatherface7]

Ok thanks guys. I'll let him know his options and see what he says. I know he only wanted to spend ~100 on a GPU, but I'm sure he will end up choosing the 5750 or 5770 just for increased performance and longevity. I think he was just worried about something else bottlenecking too much to take advantage of such GPU's.

 

[leatherface7]

Well I will talk to him tomorrow about his options..but seeing as

Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit $130, $100 after MiR

Just aded a $30 MiR, I will probably advise him to go with this choice.

 

[mfenn]

Well I will talk to him tomorrow about his options..but seeing as

Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit $130, $100 after MiR

Just aded a $30 MiR, I will probably advise him to go with this choice.

I guess the Newegg gods are confirming your decision.

 

[ElFenix]

if you've got a fry's nearby they may have a GTS 250 for $50 ARs.