Geforce4 or 3 on "Slower" Cpu Setup?

[Actaeon]

I'm running a 1.13ghz Athlon T-Bird. Would a Geforce4 Be much of an improvement over lets say, a GF3(any Model)?

I was thinking of the Ti4200, but From what i hear, its delayed for several months.

Should I spend the Extra Cash and get the neato features of a GF4 (4400/4600), or will the improvement over a GF3 Be minimal because of my bottleneck from my CPU?

Are there any extra features on a GF4 that a GF3 does not, that is a Must have in future Gaming? (1 or 2 Years).

Thanks alot!

Actaeon

 

[Theslowone]

I would wait for the prices to come down or wait for the 4200, which I normally don't like waiting. Your cpu will only be a bottleneck in most cases if you run stuff at lower resolutions, any of the high resolutions the cards will probably max out before your cpu.

If you have the money to spend then shot for it, but imho I would wait.

 

[chickendinner]

Oc the athlon or get a gf3. or both actually. prices are ridiculous now. in 6 months proly a lot cheaper. if you have the $ get teh gf4 and keep it and use it when you upgrade.

 

[TheNetranger]

There is a good article here on GF4 and P3-700 and P3-1000.

http://firingsquad.gamers.com/hardware/gf4intelscaling/default.asp

 

[AmphibSailor]

Thanks! The article answers some questions I've had....I use lower end processors for my kids computers (Celeron 1.0 ghz at 1241 mhz and a Duron 1.0 ghz) with TNT video cards. I've wondered about any benefits in upgrading the video....I'll just keep an eye out for a good price on a GF3 TI200.

Another question I have is, "Will the GF3 card place a significantly larger strain on the PSU. I run ANTEC 300 watt supplies and one or two HDDs, 1 CDROM (in each), a CD writer in each...."

 

[jiffylube1024]

<< "Will the GF3 card place a significantly larger strain on the PSU. I run ANTEC 300 watt supplies and one or two HDDs, 1 CDROM (in each), a CD writer in each...."
>>



No Way! You should have no worries there! I run 2 7200 RPM HD's, DVD drive, Burner, Zip Drive (why? Don't ask me ), lots of fans, a GF3, 3 other PCI cards with a P4 system (huge power eater) on a 300W Power Supply with zero problems. 300W is more than adequate (250W would be fine).

 

[AmphibSailor]

Guess I won't be worried then....I'm sure I can pick up a good deal on the FS/T forum. Thanks.

 

[BFG10K]

I'm running a 1.13ghz Athlon T-Bird. Would a Geforce4 Be much of an improvement over lets say, a GF3(any Model)?

It depends on what games you play and what settings you use. Basically any modern game at 1280 x 960 x 32 or higher will show a large performance improvement.