Geforce3 what now??

[Mingon]

I play C&C generals, warcraft3, and sim city4.

So on the games he plays all are rts and all are directx 8.1 based. They all rely on the cpu for AI and require lots of ram (which he has). All three are likely to run at less or around 30fps on a top notch system. By going for a faster cpu you will help to reduce slowdowns. No your not going to get massive increase in frame rates but thats not the point. An example is in the rts game I play warrior kings. I have 2 machines 1 I play games on (usually) and my other machine for working on. The first has a 2.4c P4 512mb memory and an ati 9600pro, the second has 2 x 2800mp processors 512mb memory and a fx5200. Whilst the first is undoubtebly faster than the second when the game is in the full heat of battle with 400+ people in an army fighting the second will have higher frame rates and be less choppy, this to me is better than highs and lows.

You can quote UT2003 numbers all you like the simple fact is he did not say he was playing fps games, had he said that I would have replied differently. but in RTS games High FPS means nothing when you are in the middle of battle and they drop to low numbers.

You may not agree Rollo, but if it was me I know which I would choose you may be different. Either way its not bad advice, just a different opinion.

 

[nRollo]

So on the games he plays all are rts and all are directx 8.1 based. They all rely on the cpu for AI and require lots of ram (which he has)

I realize he plays rts games, I saw the original post. I stand by my advice because:
1. I don't think that bumping up from a 2.53 to a 3.06 is going to do that much for him on ANY game
2. Isn't part of the reason to have a more powerful GPU to free the cpu's fpu for AI by offloading geometry calculations?
3. What about lots of video ram? His GF3 has 64mb.
4. Last but not least, a new video card would allow him to play ANY game that is currently out, not to mention many that aren't. It would be the difference between using high levels of AA/AF, or not using them at all. It would be the difference in being able to run at higher resolutions, or not.

If you can post some benches that show some game showing substantial difference that would be noticeable in a game between a 2.53 and a 3.06, I'll retract and apologize. I just don't think there is between these two processors.

 

[JH68]

also remember that the 9600xt is being revised. all those benchmarks are for the version that's never been released. - beserker15

So would that give the 9600xt a better chance? But i still like the features the asus line of cards now have. Any thing close the the 9800 line from np to pro?

 

[UCSDHappyAsian]

well.. u have a good system.. and yep i agree with those previous replies..... ur sytem is good for now

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: Mingon

He could add about 3fps by going to faster CPU, or 20fps by going to a FX5900 or 9700np. Makes sense to me!

Read what I said properly

for the games he plays his card is fast enough, in directx 8 games it is as quick as a 9600pro. He would gain far more upgrading his cpu and ram, and not just through gaming. A p4 3.06 would make a nice addition to his rig and leave him sufficient cash from the sale of his current cpu ($100+) to put towards a newer generation card early 2004.

His CPU and RAM is fine! 2.53 GHz on high-bandwidth RDRAM is excellent. 2.53 - 3.06 is not a tangible upgrade, especially since he already has RDRAM, so his CPU is actually well matched with fast memory!

The video card is the more sensible upgrade. Sure those games should run fine with a GF3 right now, but down the road the faster video card will really help.

What if he wants to play Max Payne 2? What about future games? Getting a DX9 (if anything at all) make way way more sense!

I agree with above - go for a Radeon 9700Pro/9800 non-pro. Since you play those 3 games primarily, I'd recommend an ATI card over an Nvidia one.

If you check FS/FT you will find a Radeon 9700Pro right now for $190... not too shabby!

 

[JEDI]

if u r playing rts games, and not fps, then a gf3 will last you till late next year where a 9600 pro will cost you $80.

but if u need to buy one TODAY, then get a gf4 4200. at $80, it's best bang.

If u can wait 3 weeks till Best Buy's black friday sale, they usually have a good video card for $99. (i'm thinking 9600 Pro/XT)

 

[videoclone]

Originally posted by: jiffylube1024

Originally posted by: Mingon

He could add about 3fps by going to faster CPU, or 20fps by going to a FX5900 or 9700np. Makes sense to me!

What if he wants to play Max Payne 2? What about future games? Getting a DX9 (if anything at all) make way way more sense!

Max Payne 2 runs fine on my second computer with a 1800+ thlon 512MB DDR2100 & Geforce2mx 200 64mb DDR266 card .. thats with medium setting and 800x600 rez ... it gets 60Frames ... constant !!! his system is fine to play any game out now if he wants more frames then i guess a better videocard is the thing too go for but thats all he will get ...just more frames

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: videoclone

Originally posted by: jiffylube1024

Originally posted by: Mingon

He could add about 3fps by going to faster CPU, or 20fps by going to a FX5900 or 9700np. Makes sense to me!

What if he wants to play Max Payne 2? What about future games? Getting a DX9 (if anything at all) make way way more sense!

Max Payne 2 runs fine on my second computer with a 1800+ thlon 512MB DDR2100 & Geforce2mx 200 64mb DDR266 card .. thats with medium setting and 800x600 rez ... it gets 60Frames ... constant !!! his system is fine to play any game out now if he wants more frames then i guess a better videocard is the thing too go for but thats all he will get ...just more frames

Yes but with a 9700/9800 it runs at ~100 FPS with 4xAA and 8xAF on!!! You should see it at those settings - it looks amazing!!

 

[nRollo]

thats with medium setting and 800x600 rez ... it gets 60Frames ... constant !!! his system is fine to play any game out now

Err, I don't think I've run anything at that low of a resolution since Voodoo2 days? 10X7 is bare minimum.